Have you ever opened your inbox expecting junk—but found encouragement instead? Not a promo. Not a pitch. Just a few kind words from someone who saw you… and said so. That happened to me recently. And it reminded me just how powerful unsolicited encouragement can be—especially for creatives who carry so much behind the scenes. What This Episode Will Remind You: ✘ Encouragement doesn’t need an invitation. The best words often come when you’re not asking for them. When they do, they shine like light in the dark. ✘ Not everything that’s unsolicited is unhelpful. There’s a difference between noise and nudges. Unsolicited encouragement carries quiet clarity. ✘ Your presence matters more than your performance. In creative work, we feel pressure to earn affirmation. But grace doesn’t work that way. It sees you—not just your output. ✘ You may have already been this kind of grace to someone else. A passing comment. A text. A kind post. Don’t underestimate what your voice can do. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” — Proverbs 16:24 Welcome to The Artisan’s Edge—a new miniseries from The Curated Craftsmen™ Podcast designed to give craftsmen and artisans a quick edge up in their creative business. These short, insightful episodes will drop between our regular interviews, offering practical wisdom, motivation, and strategies to help you refine your craft and business. If you enjoy the show, be sure to share it with a friend— Have a topic you’d love to hear covered on The Artisan’s Edge? Send us a message over on Instagram @curatedcraftsmenpodcast—we’d love to hear from you! The Maker's Mention Episode Sponsor: Simple Cycling Maps. Michelle and Zach Lee craft minimalist infographic maps for cyclists that turn epic rides into timeless artwork. Each map is a balance of form and function — a visual story of mileage, elevation, and adventure, designed to be as beautiful as it is informative. From pocket-sized companions to large-scale installations in bike shops and community spaces, their work celebrates the craft of both cycling and design. Made by two cycling-obsessed designers with tired legs and full hearts. You can find Simple Cycling Maps at simplecyclingmaps.com, or follow along on Instagram and LinkedIn @simple.cycling.maps. If you run a creative business and want to get your work in front of an audience filled with potential clients and people who truly appreciate craftsmanship, purchase your own Makers Mention sponsorship. Your purchase directly supports the production of The Curated Craftsmen™ podcast.
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15. Anna Rose Bain: An Award Winning Oil Painter Balancing Motherhood & Entrepreneurship
Get to know the hands, head, and heart behind award-winning fine artist and oil painter Anna Rose Bain, whose breathtaking figurative works and luminous portraiture capture peaceful moments of human connection. A Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America, Anna’s work has been featured in Fine Art Connoisseur and American Art Collector and exhibited in some of the most esteemed galleries and competitions in the country. In this episode, she shares how global experiences, perseverance, and teaching workshops have shaped her artistic journey—from studying under the North Light in Florence, Italy, to painting elephants in the African wilderness. She reveals how leading workshops has not only refined her skills but also deepened her understanding of art. Motherhood, too, has played a profound role in her growth. The challenges of balancing art and family life sharpened her business, strengthened her faith, and ultimately made her a better artist—especially through painting her son. Blending classical techniques with the immediacy of alla prima, she draws inspiration from masters like Richard Schmid and John Singer Sargent while forging her own artistic voice. In this in this Curated Craftsman ™ Conversation we chat about: ✘ 00:12 - Capturing the Soul: The Art of Anna Rose ✘ 05:08 - Immersed in Florentine Art ✘ 11:23 - The Value of Teaching Art ✘ 16:06 - Painting Plein Air in South Africa ✘ 18:52 - The Power of Capturing a Memory Through Art ✘ 22:48 - The Influence of Sargent and Schmid ✘ 25:29 - The Challenges and Joys of Oil Painting ✘ 32:49 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Emotional Attachment to Art ✘ 42:41 - Online Art Sales to Local Workshops ✘ 50:52 - Childlike Creativity through Motherhood Journey ✘ 53:09 - The Balance Between, Art, Business, and Parenting ✘ 55:31 - Reconciling Faith and Art: A Christian Artist's Journey ✘ 59:53 - Finding Renewal in Nature and Solitude ✘ 1:03:08 - Painting My Son as King of the Wild Things ✘ 1:05:35 - Painting Success and Artistic Affirmation Ready to be inspired? Tune in for an intimate look at the intersection of art, business, and motherhood. Anna's Links: Website YouTube Learn With Anna Instagram Facebook Get your creative business in front of passionate makers and potential collectors for a one time contribution of $20—grab a Maker’s Mention Sponsorship HERE & support the show today! Will you get the next round? Buy the next Curated Craftsmen™ a cup of coffee over on Patreon. Support the podcast for $5.00 a month. For additional free resources and tips about creative entrepreneurship head over to The Artisan Edge Blog. ALL CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS WELCOME. | SHOW SPONSORS | Alpha 6 Corporation (Affiliate Link) Artisan Paint & Tools et 10% off your order when you apply my exclusive code COOK10 at checkout! ArtHelper.ai. Streamline your creative business with ArtHelper.ai—sign up with my affiliate link for free to spend less time writing and more time creating. Dupe the Room: Luxury Fragrances for Your Car Get 10% off you order when you apply my exclusive code KATECOOK at checkout! Curated Craftsmen Instagram Kate's Link's: Official Asphalt Canvas Art Website Instagram Facebook
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14. The Artisan Edge: 4 Mindset Shifts to Sell Your Craft with Confidence
Selling what you make can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, we’re talking about four powerful mindset shifts that Ive picked up over time, that I hope can help you not only price your work with confidence, but also attract the right buyers. ✘ Sell the value, not just the work itself ✘ Price your work just beyond where it feels comfortable ✘ Remember—you are not your customer ✘ Approach sales like a business, not "just" an artist By shifting how you think about selling, you’ll feel more in control of your pricing, more confident in your offers, and more connected to the right clients. Mentioned Chat GPT As a Tool- Mini Course by Ashlyn Carter Mentioned "War of Art" by Steven Pressfield Tune in for these simple but powerful shifts to help you sell your artwork like a true professional. Welcome to The Artisan’s Edge—a new miniseries from The Curated Craftsmen™ Podcast designed to give craftsmen and artisans a quick edge up in their creative business. These short, insightful episodes will drop between our regular interviews, offering practical wisdom, motivation, and strategies to help you refine your craft and business. If you enjoy the show, be sure to share it with a friend—it helps us reach more creatives like you! And if you’d like to support the production, you can buy the next round of coffee for The Curated Craftsmen over on our Patreon. Every contribution helps us keep these important conversations going. Have a topic you’d love to hear covered on The Artisan’s Edge? Send us a message over on Instagram @curatedcraftsmenpodcast—we’d love to hear from you!
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13. Laura with Velasco Silversmithing: Forging Jewelry with Grit, Grace, & Grandeur of The Wild
Get to know the hands, head, and heart behind Laura of Velasco Silversmithing. Laura turned her passion for metalwork into a thriving jewelry business 5 years ago, blending Southwest aesthetics with Alaskan influences. After relocating several times, she settled in Alaska with her family and found her true calling in silversmithing. Her bold, durable pieces reflect both her Mexican heritage and northern home, incorporating precious stones and Alaskan wildlife. Despite personal challenges and balancing a medical career, Laura has built a successful business rooted in family legacy and artistic authenticity. In this in this Curated Craftsman ™ Conversation we chat about: ✘ 00:12 - Crafting Gritty Southwestern Jewelry in Alaska ✘ 07:26 - Exploring Creative Passions: From College Art to Jewelry Making ✘ 09:20 - Transitioning from Ceramics to Silversmithing ✘ 19:56 - Navigating Pricing and Confidence as a Silversmith ✘ 23:06 - Honoring Family Legacy in Business ✘ 26:25 - Balancing Creative Passion and Practical Realities ✘ 30:51 - Jewelry as a Creative Outlet, Not Materialism ✘ 41:58 - Embracing Faith and Patriotism in the Art Industry ✘ 47:52 - Embracing Bold Faith in a Gray World ✘ 50:26 - Crafting a Unique Style Through Mastery ✘ 55:07 - Navigating Instagram Ads and Organic Growth ✘ 1:18:49 - From Jewelry to Influencer Connections: A Creative Entrepreneur's Journey ✘ 1:24:20 - Persevere Through Challenges and Find Your Path Want to learn how Laura balances a healthcare career with running a successful silversmithing business? Tune in to hear how she’s built a unique jewelry brand while managing the demands of both worlds! Laura’s Links: Website: https://www.velascosilversmithing.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velasco.silversmithing?igsh=MW1laml5cHg1MDV6bg== Want to buy the next Curated Craftsmen™ a cup of coffee? Support the production of this podcast with a $5 monthly contribution on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=83891320&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator | SHOW SPONSORS | Alpha 6 Corporation (Affiliate Link) Artisan Paint & Tools et 10% off youre order when you apply my exclusive code COOK10 at checkout! Dupe the Room: Luxury Fragrances for Your Car Get 10% off youre order when you apply my exclusive code KATECOOK at checkout! Curated Craftsmen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedcraftsmenpodcast?igsh=MWo3aXp1djJyZG9taw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Kate's Link's: Official Asphalt Canvas Art Website: https://asphaltcanvascustomart.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asphaltcanvasart?igsh=cnJjdmR2czY3NHBj&utm_source=qr
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12. The Artisan Edge: Refine to Align in Your Creative Business
Welcome to The Artisan Edge—a new miniseries from The Curated Craftsmen™ Podcast designed to give craftsmen and artisans a quick edge up in their creative business. These short, insightful episodes will drop between our regular interviews, offering practical wisdom, motivation, and strategies to help you refine your craft and business. If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more creatives like you! And if you’d like to support the production of the show, buy the next round of coffee for The Curated Craftsmen over on our Patreon for just $5. Every contribution helps us interview more makers! Have a topic you’d love to hear covered on The Artisan Edge? Send us a message over on Instagram @curatedcraftsmenpodcast—we’d love to hear from you! Let’s keep creating, keep refining, and keep building something that lasts.
“Where Passion, Purpose, and Profits Align in Authentic Conversations About Creative Success.”
Hosted by Kate Cook, the artist behind Asphalt Canvas Custom Art, The Curated Craftsmen™ Podcast takes you behind the scenes with skilled makers, artisans, and creative professionals who have mastered their craft and built thriving careers.
Through candid conversations, we explore the intersection of art, business, and belief—the driving forces shaping creative entrepreneurship. From overcoming challenges to discovering purpose, these stories offer practical wisdom and inspiration for anyone navigating their own creative journey.
Every other episode, tune in for The Artisan Edge, a solo mini-series hosted by Kate. In just 10 minutes, you’ll get actionable insights to sharpen your craft, strengthen your business, and gain an edge up in your creative career.
Ranked in the Top 100 in the Visual Art Category, these Curated Craftsmen™ Conversations celebrate the hands, heads, and hearts behind true craftsmen and women. Whether you’re shaping metal, painting canvases, or building a creative business, this podcast offers valuable insights for seasoned pros and beginners alike.
This Show Is For You If:
✘ You’re a creator balancing passion and business.
✘ You want to build a sustainable, purpose-driven creative career.
✘ You seek honest insights from successful creative entrepreneurs.
✘ You believe in the power of craftsmanship and creating with intention.
Tune in monthly for unfiltered wisdom and true stories from creative professionals just like you.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @thecuratedcraftsmenpodcast
Support the show & buy the next Curated Craftsmen™ a cup of coffee over on Patreon for $5/month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=83891320&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator
“I have given skills to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded.” – Exodus 31:3-6
New Zealand