Why does your art matter when the world feels heavy, uncertain, or even chaotic? If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Who am I to create right now?”—you’re not alone. But that might be the wrong question.In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re talking about what it means to make art during difficult times. If you’re an artist feeling disconnected, stuck, or unsure whether your work even matters right now, this conversation is for you.We’ll look at why creative burnout is so common in overwhelming seasons, how to reconnect with your practice when it feels impossible to show up, and why your art is not just valid but vital. You’ll learn how to calm your nervous system, process tough emotions without pushing them down, and use your studio as a place of resistance, healing, and humanity.Because making art isn’t frivolous, it’s how we stay connected. It’s how we resist isolation. And it’s precisely what the world needs more of.3:31 – The importance of acknowledging your emotions without letting them take over7:14 – The better question to ask, and why now is exactly the right time to make your art15:16 – How to work with your emotions instead of pushing them down19:34 – Why it feels like your art doesn’t matter (and the most powerful way to push back against that)Mentioned in Why Your Art Is Exactly What We Need Right NowThe MarginalianJoin Growth StudioSupport the show
--------
24:39
Why Taking Big Risks Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead)
How often have you heard phrases like, “Go big or go home,” or “Just put yourself out there”? Society loves to advocate for taking big risks. Yet too many end up freezing or avoiding risk-taking entirely when the leap they’re being asked to make feels too big for them. Thankfully, there’s a middle ground between taking a big risk and taking no risks at all.In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I’ll show you the power of taking small, controlled risks to build your confidence and gradually increase your risk tolerance. You’ll see why big leaps often backfire and halt your progress, and discover how to expand your risk-taking comfort zone without overwhelming yourself.2:59 – The nervous system’s role in your risk-taking confidence and the advantage in taking small risks 8:41 – How approaching risk-taking like a ladder or video game expands your confidence15:23 – Signs that you’re taking too big a risk and techniques to regulate your nervous system when things feel too scary17:41 – How to know when it’s time to level up your risk-taking and expand your tolerance22:23 – Biggest takeaways, your challenge for the week, and a final messageMentioned in Why Taking Big Risks Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead)Sign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work”Join Growth StudioSupport the show
--------
26:09
Not Having Your Own Back Has Cost You Years of Progress
When things don’t go your way in your art practice, what do you do? Like many artists, you might beat yourself up with lots of self-criticism and judgment. You’d be better off creating the habit of having your own back instead. That way, you’ll actually speed up your progress and not look back a year from now with regret that you’re still stuck in the same place.In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I’ll reveal exactly what having your own back looks like, why it’s a crucial skill you must learn, and how not doing so can hold you back for years. I’ll also discuss the impact of creating this habit on you as an artist and how compassionate support (from yourself and/or others) helps evolve your art practice.2:53 – Why self-criticism doesn’t make you a better artist8:04 - How getting rejected isn’t really about your work10:29 – What having your own back means and why it’s a crucial skill to develop14:52 – How creating the habit of having your own back impacts your art practice17:02 – Explicit and implicit messages you’ve received that encourage self-criticism20:16 – Why compassion and empathy in the face of rejection help you evolve24:46 – Why feeling ready to show your work isn’t likely or necessaryMentioned in Not Having Your Own Back Has Cost You Years of ProgressSign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work”Join Growth StudioSupport the show
--------
27:54
Why Mental Rehearsal Is a Powerful Tool for Artists
Your brain automatically runs scripts on repeat. But are those scripts helping you or playing like mini horror movies in your head? With the right mental rehearsal approach, you can create scenarios that help turn around any unsatisfactory results of your art practice. In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re going to get into what mental rehearsal is and why it’s one of the most powerful, yet underutilized tools for artists. You’ll discover how you’re always mentally practicing something repeatedly, how your current results are proof, and what happens when you change what you’re rehearsing in your brain.2:24 – What mental rehearsal is and some ways you’re probably using it wrong7:05 - Why the brain makes mental rehearsal so effectively powerful (with a client example)12:42 – The effect mental rehearsing might be having on your art practice right now 14:33 – Another example of what can happen when you switch your mental rehearsal 17:19 – The difference between artists who succeed and those who stay stuckMentioned in Why Mental Rehearsal Is a Powerful Tool for ArtistsJoin Growth StudioSupport the show
--------
24:07
Your Brain Is the Worst Art Critic (And What to Do About It)
Is the problem really your art—or just how you’re looking at it?We’ve all been there. You step back from something you’ve just created, and your brain instantly goes, “Ugh, this is awful.” Maybe even, “What if people see this and think I have no idea what I’m doing?” That little voice in your head? It’s not just being dramatic, it’s actively sabotaging you.In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re digging into how your brain warps your perception of your own work, why that inner critic is so convincing, and, most importantly, how to quiet it so you can share your art with confidence. Because if you don’t believe in your work, how can you expect anyone else to?1:58 – Negativity bias of the brain and how it affects your perspective4:07 - One Growth Studio member’s journey from self-doubt to public recognition6:52 – The cycle of doubt you experience with your work10:46 – Three steps to override your brain and overcome self-doubt16:48 – How to practice talking about your art to build confidence Mentioned in Your Brain Is the Worst Art Critic (And What to Do About It)Why Get Your Work Critiqued?Exploring Your Art Without Overthinking or OverwhelmSign up for the workshop “Talk About Your Work”Join Growth StudioSupport the show
Savvy Painter, hosted by Antrese Wood, offers a treasure trove of insights artists can't afford to miss. Visit https://savvypainter.com Antrese's teachings focus on nurturing a creative mindset and prioritizing mastery over perfection, making it a must-listen resource for artists worldwide.Whether you're an emerging artist looking to hone your skills or an established pro seeking fresh perspectives, the show offers practical advice and inspirationBut the real magic happens when you apply Antrese's teachings in your own studio. Her guidance can help you unlock new levels of creativity and growth in your art. If you're serious about elevating your skills and mindset, join Growth Studio—a unique opportunity to work directly with Antrese and join an amazing community of like minded artists.
New Zealand