Creative Money ATX

10. Almost Real Things | Zach and Natalie

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2176605/open_sms] In this episode of Creative Money ATX, I sit down with Natalie Earhart and Zach Zulch, the co-founders of Almost Real Things (ART) — a for-profit arts organization based in Austin that supports local creatives through a mix of events, exhibitions, and their signature magazine. Natalie also serves as Editor-in-Chief and a contributing writer, while Zach brings a complementary skill set that helps drive the organization’s vision. We start with Natalie’s and Zach’s personal journeys — how their relationships with art began, how they describe what they do, and the story of how Almost Real Things was born. They share the early inspirations, the evolution of the magazine, and what it’s like running a creative business day-to-day. We also get into the financial side of things: how ART functions as a for-profit, what revenue streams they’ve developed, and what experiments haven’t worked out. Natalie and Zach open up about the realities of sustaining an arts business in Austin — from barriers local artists face to their own strategic goals for 2025. Studio 2324  [https://www.2324studiosatx.com/] Elevate Grant [https://www.austintexas.gov/elevate]  Nexus Grant [https://www.austintexas.gov/nexus] Trail Conservancy [https://thetrailconservancy.org/]  Touch The Art [https://almostrealthings.com/touch-the-art/]  Jason Webb [https://www.jasonwebbart.com/] watercolor artist  Ellen Nelson [http://www.ellennelsonartist.com/]  Hanger Art Studio [https://hangarartstudios.com/]  Prospect New Orleans [https://www.prospectneworleans.org/] Prospect 6 [https://www.prospect6.org/]  Joey Cruz [https://www.instagram.com/cruzpix/?hl=en]  24 Diner [https://www.24diner.com/]  Magnolia Cafe [https://www.magnoliacafeaustin.com/] Saps [https://www.sapsver.com/]  Texas Thrift  [https://texasthrift.com/]  Armadillo Christmas [https://armadillobazaar.com/] Where to find Almost Real Things  https://almostrealthings.com/ [https://almostrealthings.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostrealthings/ [https://www.instagram.com/almostrealthings/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2176605/support] Find me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatx [https://www.instagram.com/creative_moneyatx/#] https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/ [https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/] If you liked the show please share, rate, and review.

9. Marcella Colavecchio | Figure Painting

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2176605/open_sms] In this episode of Creative Money ATX, we talk with Austin-based figure painter Marcella Colavecchio. Marcella shares how her first job out of college—working at a bank—shaped her thoughtful financial mindset. She also reflects on her experience growing up with Italian immigrant parents and the journey that led her to Austin. Tune in for a compelling conversation about art, money, and finding your place in a creative city. This episode with Marcella was recorded in the summer of 2024 and some of the events might have already passed, but please check out the galleries mentioned.  * Highland Collective [https://highlandcollectiveatx.com/]  * Good Dad [https://www.gooddadstudios.org/]  * Get your shit together [https://getyourshittogether.org/] online  * Dazed and Confucius [https://www.dazedandconfucius.com/] Pennylane and David  * Jenny Saville british [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenny_Saville] based figurative painter  * Robin Frenchesca Williams [https://www.instagram.com/robinfrancescawilliams/?hl=en]   * Little Deli  [https://littledeliandpizza.com/] * 1301 Gallery [https://1301gallery.com/] Audio Summer  * Mothership Studios [https://www.mothershipstudiostx.com/]  * Anya Tish Gallery Houston  [https://anyatishgallery.com/] * Commerce Gallery Lockheart [https://www.thecommercegallery.com/]  Where to find Marcella  https://marcellacolavecchio.com/ [https://marcellacolavecchio.com/] Instagram @marcellaispainting [https://www.instagram.com/marcellaispainting/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2176605/support] Find me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatx [https://www.instagram.com/creative_moneyatx/#] https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/ [https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/] If you liked the show please share, rate, and review.

8. Ashley Marie Richiez | Painter

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2176605/open_sms] In this episode of Creative Money ATX, I sit down with abstract painter Ashley Marie Richiez. Ashley shares insights into the financial realities of her painting practice, including the costs of her studio and the challenges of shipping large-scale art pieces. Whether you're an artist navigating similar logistics or an admirer curious about the behind-the-scenes of an art career, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. The Artist Way [https://www.bookpeople.com/book/9780143129257] - Book  The Cathedral [https://thecathedralatx.com/]- location  American Frame [https://www.americanframe.com/?ne_ppc_id=1189&ne_key_id=14109185&ne_sadid=688276027404&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtNK8BhBBEiwA8wVt97_ilGxsib_D3tF-kWZ51VL5UZIirhYE2n6o5IwBzN3lCq1gJNQxIBoC-JEQAvD_BwE]  Agave Print [https://www.agaveprint.com/order-upload]   Print Space [https://www.theprintspace.com/] - Drop Shipping Printing  $2,000 Shipping the art  $20,000 worth of art  Popular canvas sizes  30 in X 40  36 X 48  Year of art $49,000 before expenses  $20,000 profit  Studio rent  $500 a month  Tools  Quickbooks Turbo Tax  Square Space  Stripe  Paypal  Square for an invoice  Zelle Esco Bros Transportation [https://www.uship.com/service-providers/339871045-esco-bros-transport]  - shipping art Sugarlift [https://www.sugarlift.com/artist/ashleymarie-richiez/]- Gallery Megan Parker - @movingaltars [https://www.instagram.com/movingaltars/#] Maja dlugolecka - @maijkah [https://www.instagram.com/maijkah/#] Fabrik [https://www.fabrikatx.com/] - vegan restaurant  Where to Find Ashley Marie  https://ashleymarierichiez.com/  [https://ashleymarierichiez.com/] Instagram @ashleymarierichiez [https://www.instagram.com/ashleymarierichiez/#] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2176605/support] Find me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatx [https://www.instagram.com/creative_moneyatx/#] https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/ [https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/] If you liked the show please share, rate, and review.

7. Coka Treviño | Big Medium

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2176605/open_sms] In this episode, I sit down with Coka Treviño to explore the work of Big Medium, a cornerstone organization in Austin's creative community. We delve into the challenges they faced in 2024, including a fire in their new building, the loss of significant grant funding from the city, and a major change in leadership. Despite these hurdles, Big Medium continues to empower local artists through, events like the EAST and WEST studio tours. Coka shares how the organization is adapting and how artists can still benefit from its support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the ups and downs of Austin’s art scene! * Texas Biennial [https://www.texasbiennial.org/] art show - this year in Huston 86 artists  * East Austin Studio Tours [https://www.bigmedium.org/austinstudiotour]  * The history of redlining in Austin [https://reconnectaustin.com/history-of-the-i-35-corridor/#:~:text=Redlining%20was%20prevalent%20across%20the,Black%20neighborhoods%20in%20East%20Austin.]  * Tito's Prize [https://www.bigmedium.org/titos-prize-2024]  * Losing a lot of support like from Austin city grants [https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2024-10-25/city-arts-funding-skipped-established-arts-organizations-will-they-survive/]  * Harry Ransom Center  [https://www.hrc.utexas.edu/] Find Coca and Big Medium  * Bigmedium.org  [http://bigmedium.org] * theprojecto.org [http://theprojecto.org]  * Instagram bigmediumaustin [https://www.instagram.com/bigmediumaustin/#] * Instagram theprojectoatx [https://www.instagram.com/theprojectoatx/#] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2176605/support] Find me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatx [https://www.instagram.com/creative_moneyatx/#] https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/ [https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/] If you liked the show please share, rate, and review.

6. Thomas Cook | Artist

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2176605/open_sms] In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Cook to discuss the inspiring connection between hiking, nature, and art. Thomas shares how his artistic journey began at a high school dedicated to the arts, which provided him with a strong foundation for college and his current art practice today. Tune in to hear how Thomas’s love for the outdoors influences his creativity and how his experiences can inspire your own artistic pursuits. * Savannah College of Art and Design [https://www.scad.edu/]  * Appalachian Trail [https://appalachiantrail.org/]  * Vermont Long Trail [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Trail]  * Wild Basin Reserve by St. Edwards Residency [https://www.stedwards.edu/academics/centers-institutes-arts/wild-basin/visit] * Most expensive piece 2X6 $2,000  * Overheard - rent at Bolm Studio  * Jerry’s [https://www.jerrysretailstores.com/austin-tx/]  * 2023 $8,000 * Central Machine Works [https://www.cmwbrewery.com/]26 pieces 30X30in  * East Austin Studio Tours [https://www.bigmedium.org/east]  * Martha Wells [https://www.goodreads.com/series/191900-the-murderbot-diaries] - book  * Love Supreme Pizza  [https://www.lovesupremepizzabar.com/] * Silver Metal  [https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-silver-medal-austin] * Annalise Gratovich [https://annalisegratovich.com/]  Print work  * Via Boley [https://www.instagram.com/viaboley/] Painter  * Christopher Paul Dean [https://www.instagram.com/cpdean/] Artist   Find Thomas Cook  * Instagram @Thomascook_art [https://www.instagram.com/thomascook_art/]  * Cara - Thomascookart  * https://thomascookart.com [https://thomascookart.com/Artist.asp?ArtistID=45785&Akey=PEHN7A3P&ajx=1] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2176605/support] Find me, Bri Landry Instagram @creative_moneyatx [https://www.instagram.com/creative_moneyatx/#] https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/ [https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/] If you liked the show please share, rate, and review.