You have to work for your art. Odd jobs help a lot of people out along the way. If this has also been your experience of becoming an artist, that is okay. Include your followers in the products you make because they are the ones who will buy the finished product. Create the art that makes you happy and at the same time remember who will buy your ar…

As an artist, consider the implications of the art you create. Make your art meaningful and intentional. As designers, artists, human beings - have a point of view. Share your point of view on what is happening around you through your work. Products solve problems. Adam sees murals in this way. Murals are a way to start a conversation and get close…

Very Gay Paint began as an indoor mural project. When you put something up on a wall inside a home it is very different to a print or a piece on canvas. Consider the environment where your mural is going to live. Try to avoid a situation where your mural is fighting with the furniture in the room, or other art on the walls. Make the mural an extens…

Always be open to trying new things – you don’t know what new adventure might begin as a result. While living in Brooklyn after a long stint travelling, Brolga took some illustration classes and was pleasantly surprised by how much he liked it. Illustrators and artists are versatile and have to have a lot of strings to their bow. Being able to work…

Using your unique life experience to inspire you as an artist gives you a perspective no one else will have. For instance, Wyatt’s background in field ecology with a focus on birds clearly influences his art. Through his ‘day job’ and working with children in nature, he better understands people’s connection with the world around us and how it cont…

Figure out what is the core principle that inspires your work. This core principle is something that is close to your heart. When you know this, it becomes your focus, and it's not as tempting to compar your art to others. Follow people that inspire you by how clearly they communicate their passion through their art. What do those people do every d…

It is easy to think looking at the social media accounts of your favourite artists that they didn’t go through a period of growth and learning a the beginning of their careers, but that’s where you’re wrong. Every artist will tell you that the first 5-6 years of their career were filled with doubt, uncertainty and hard work. If you want to make a c…

It always seems that art and marketing are on opposite ends of a spectrum but it is possible to blend them. Make your work about things that you’ve experienced, that are relatable to other people and that make you laugh. If you have a great idea that you can’t wait to get started with, ask yourself how you can create a series from this one idea? Ho…

Does perfectionism drive you crazy? One slightly off brush stroke, and it seems like a disaster when you’re up close, but as you take a step back you can see the whole picture coming together. Life can be thought of using the same metaphor. It is so easy to get lost in the busy-ness of every day. It's only when you take a step back and see how far …

Today on the podcast we are joined by Meg Lewis (@yourbuddymeg) who is a designer and illustrator, podcaster, comedian, and educator. She has worked with over 100 brands and continues to create art that brings joy. Meg talks abut spontaneity vs. structure, and how to create a productivity and lifestyle that works best for you. She also discusses ho…

Put yourself and your "weirdness" into your work. What makes you different will set you apart. Exploring in your process is a great way of finding the techniques that best suits your practice. It will take time to get used to a new medium, keep practicing and eventually you will hit a breakthrough that will be worth it. Be authentic and real in you…

Studying in the States can be very expensive. Consider other options, living abroad (like Emily did!) might be a fun adventure which also works out to be more affordable. Figure out what is important to you, what your personal values are and how your art can help to promote this message. This will help to connect you to like-minded artists and peop…

1. Don’t follow trends by creating what you think is popular right now. Make things that are uniquely yours. Remember that it is your experience that you are putting on the paper. The end product will look different for every artist and each viewer of your artwork will take something different from it. 2. Once you paint a mural outside, people will…

Richard Haas was a printmaker and painter for many years before designing his first mural. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if you have found success in your field. You never know where a new project that is outside your comfort zone might lead you. Walk through the city with your eyes open. Notice the buildings, streets and people around…

Look at the work that has been done by other muralists in your city or area. What is different and similar in your work? What would make a client want to work with you? Think about what you like to make and what art is missing, the overlap is where you will find your niche. You don’t have to take the traditional path if you’re interested in a speci…

Does your art have a mission? Use your art to shed light on unknown or little known historical figures. Painting the history of a person or place in a prominent spot can begin a conversation about something important that might otherwise be forgotten. Murals are a powerful medium that can inspire people and promote change. Think about what you can …

As an artist, there are some lessons that are harder and take a longer time to learn. Sharing your artwork without fear or anxiety about how it will be received takes practice and patience. But it will be worth it in the end. There are lots of great ways to sell you art, and it is all about figuring out what is best for you and your practice. For i…

1. Create a work space you are happy to spend time in. The ethos in our team is that if you’re going to spend 12 hours a day somewhere, it might as well look nice and be a space you enjoy spending time in. This is a sentiment that can apply to any office or work space or even your home. 2. Be willing to share your ideas and collaborate. The success…

Value change. Learn from change as often as you can. Even if something is difficult, it may be beneficial to make the leap and try anyway. Allow your style to find you. You have to draw a lot of things you don’t like to find out what you do like. Your earliest jobs will teach you so much about what you do and don’t like, when you have that figured …

Many artists find themselves in a new lane of art activism at the moment. Remember your privilege. Continue to elevate others as you grow. Art is healing. Enjoy the therapy that can be found in the creation process. The societal narrative that you will get more for your work in a big city is an illusion. No matter where you are, a closed mouth does…

Create art that reflects/complements the place where it was created. Become an artist that changes what they create depending on where they are. Use your freedom as an artist to be inspired by the culture that surrounds you. Seek out collaborators that can give you insight into the nuances of where you are creating a new piece of art. Allow the can…

Your key takeaways for today Every time you accept a new project, ask yourself one question - what client is this going to help me to attract next? Plan your murals carefully. Some muralists can walk up to the wall and improvise from the beginning. However if you're a beginner, you don’t have to rely on your ability to improvise. There is only so f…

Your key takeaways for today During some projects you might feel you’re not going to make it over the line. Don’t be afraid of collaboration. What seemed impossible for one person, might be possible with a team of artists. You will learn the most from the challenging projects. Remember the role of the advertising agency. They are hired to create ca…

Extra Paint is a podcast created by Eric Freidensohn aka Efdot, artist and muralist based in Brooklyn, New York. This podcast is for artists, muralists and art lovers of all kinds. In each episode we talk to artists and makers who are truly dedicated to their craft.Efdot

In this episode I sit down with a good friend of mine, Jason Naylor, a prolific muralist who paints positive messages that are uplifting and eye-catching. We speak about Jason’s transition from working as a graphic designer for six years at a cosmetic company to becoming a full time artist, the importance of feeling ownership of your work and how i…