The Emerging Artist Podcast

An Interview with James Zwerneman - Part 2

In part two of our conversation with author James Zwerneman, the discussion dives into the business side of publishing his debut novel, Uruk: A Novel of the First City. James shares insights into traditional publishing contracts, working with agents, advances, and the often-surprising realities of the author’s journey after signing a deal. The trio also explores his life as a teacher, his approach to helping students appreciate classic and modern films, and the balance between artistic pacing and audience engagement in today’s “TikTok-brain” culture. The conversation takes a fascinating turn into AI and creativity, where Scott, Shiree, and James discuss the role of artificial intelligence in art and what it means for the future of storytelling. Packed with wisdom, humor, and real-world experience, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors and anyone curious about how great stories come to life. Uruk: A Novel of the First City, by James Zwerneman is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through https://www.wigginspress.com/james. [https://www.wigginspress.com/james.] Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

An Interview with James Zwerneman - Part 1

In this episode of The Emerging Artist Podcast, hosts Scott Markowitz and Shiree Nichole sit down with author and teacher James Zwerneman to explore the art and heart behind storytelling.  From his early obsessions to the painful yet beautiful process of writing a novel, James opens up about the emotional highs and lows of creation—the doubt, the perfectionism, and ultimately, the rediscovery of joy. Together, the trio dives deep into the parallels between writing, filmmaking, and visual art, revealing that no matter the medium, every artist wrestles with the same questions: Why do we create? When do we let go? And how do we stay true to our vision in a world that constantly asks us to conform?  This candid, inspiring conversation captures what it really means to be an artist in pursuit of authenticity. Whether you’re a writer, painter, filmmaker, or creative of any kind, this episode will remind you why you fell in love with your craft in the first place.  Stay tuned for Part 2, where James shares the business side of writing and publishing his first novel. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

Waiting to be Ready

In this episode of The Emerging Artist Podcast, Scott and Shiree dig into one of the biggest myths holding artists back: the idea that you need to “feel ready” or “wait for inspiration” before creating. They share their personal experiences with discipline, the traps of fear and feeling overwhelmed, and how shifting your mindset can transform your art practice into a sustainable business. From finding inspiration through proximity and new experiences, to replacing self-defeating “I am” statements with empowering language, this conversation offers both practical tools and motivational insights. Whether you’re a hobbyist or fully committed to your creative career, you’ll discover why being a professional means showing up consistently, even when inspiration doesn’t. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

An interview with Andrea Liebross - Part 2

In Part 2 of our conversation with Andrea Liebross—strategic business coach, host of She Thinks Big, and author of the bestselling book of the same name—we go deeper into the entrepreneurial journey every artist faces. Andrea pulls back the curtain on limiting beliefs: the assumptions we make about the world, other people, or even ourselves that quietly hold us back. She challenges the myth that artists can’t build sustainable careers, reframing entrepreneurship as a journey in personal development disguised as business. We explore: - The difference between being interested and being committed to your creative business - Why family and spouses aren’t always the right source of support (and where to find it instead) - How to move from the “land of impossible” to the “land of inevitable” across Andrea’s powerful bridge analogy - What it really takes to stay the course when self-doubt, money stress, or outside opinions threaten your vision This episode is packed with practical wisdom, mindset shifts, and encouragement for artists ready to step fully into their role as entrepreneurs. 👉 If you’ve ever wondered whether your art can become your business, Andrea shows you how to stop spinning in the “parking lot” and start moving toward inevitable success. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes? If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.

An interview with Andrea Liebross - Part 1

Who says you can’t build a career or business around your art? In this first part of our two-part conversation with Andrea Liebross, results-driven strategic business coach, host of She Thinks Big, and author of the bestselling book of the same name—we challenge that limiting belief head-on. Andrea shares her signature "parking lot" framework, helping creatives identify where they’re stuck, whether it’s resigned pain, guilty curiosity, or the frustrated future - and what it really takes to move forward. She breaks down why mindset makes up 80% of building a thriving creative business and how turning vision into action is the true game-changer. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure of your next step, or stuck spinning your wheels while pursuing your creative career, this episode will give you clarity, language for where you are, and practical tools to start moving again. Are you interested in starting a new career or enhancing your current career in designer or faux finishes?  If so, please contact Shiree at shireenichole.com. You can also learn more about her online courses, private coaching, and consulting services here: shireenichole.com/learning/. You can also find Shiree's recommended designer and faux finishing products through her affiliate link here: https://kit.co/shireenichole/shiree-s-work-essentials.