Show Notes
In this episode, Marina Granger speaks with Emily McElwreath, a powerhouse in the art world with over 18 years of experience as an adviser, independent curator, art educator, and host of The Art Career Podcast (listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-career/id1618996536) . She has worked on major exhibitions with artists such as Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel, and Nate Lowman at The Brant Foundation. She has lectured at prestigious institutions such as The Whitney and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. We dive into:
✨ Emily McElwreath's inspiring career path and how she became one of the most sought-after voices in the art world. ✨ The power of manifestation and mindset for building a thriving artistic career. ✨ How artists can navigate the art world and how to approach working with galleries. ✨ Practical tools for artists to grow their confidence and navigate the art world effectively. ✨ Insights into her upcoming guide, Navigating the Art World: A Practical Guide for Artists, which includes a comprehensive list of grants, residencies, and resources every artist needs. Emily McElwreath bridges the gap between artists, collectors, and the broader art community, offering invaluable advice and perspective for artists at all stages of their careers. Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
🎨 Sign up to Get Emily McElwreath's guide: "Navigating the Art World: A Practical Guide for Artists" here: https://generous-apple-27403.myflodesk.com/navigatingtheartworld?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYYlPYpwJZINJjIQiouYFLQf0Ucsrz7ga4_JcVQKYorxvgc9kuFH-V-zZw_aem_kwX-gFIVjMK-oA7ADVHmjQ
🎨 Join my December workshops to refine your elevator pitch, know where your work fits, and shift into an abundance mindset: https://www.theartistadvisory.com/live-workshops-december-2024
🎨 Early enrollment for The Artist Academy 2025 cohort is open now! Secure your spot and bonuses: https://www.theartistadvisory.com/early-enrollment-taa-2025 Whether you're dreaming of landing your first grant, manifesting your ideal art career, or just looking for actionable tools to grow your confidence, this episode with Emily McElwreath is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help you thrive. Don't miss it!
More from The MFA Podcast
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What do you do when galleries are following you, visiting your studio, complimenting your work…and then nothing happens? In this episode of The MFA Podcast, I answer a question from an artist who feels like she's doing everything right—but gallery interest hasn't turned into exhibitions, representation, or sales yet. I break down the two things I think are often missing: the practical follow-up and the inner micro-actions that shape how you build relationships in the art world. We talk about: → The simple email you can send when you finish a new artwork you think a gallery—or collector—will connect with → Why you don't always need to wait for someone else to make the next move → How your Reticular Activating System (RAS) can influence the opportunities, signals, and possibilities you notice → The tiny unconscious behaviors that can either move a relationship forward or keep you waiting → Why networking becomes much easier when you stop thinking of it as "networking" and start thinking about making friends in your industry around shared interests And I share why real-world immersion can change the way you understand—and connect with—the art world. Interested in Immersion: Miami my intimate art-world retreat + 1:1 program during Miami Art Week? Learn more and register here: https://theartistadvisory.com/miami26
Art fairs aren't just places to see art — they can help you understand where you fit in the art world. In this episode, I share how artists can use art fairs as a form of market research: to identify the galleries that align with their work, understand how similar artists are positioned, compare pricing, and get a clearer sense of where their work belongs in the contemporary art market. If you've ever wondered which galleries are right for you, how to price your artwork, or how to navigate art fairs more strategically, this episode will help you look at them through a completely different lens.
If you've ever looked at another artist's career and thought, "Why is it happening for them and not for me?"—this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm talking about the difference between fault-seeking and miracle-seeking, and how the evidence you train yourself to notice can shape the way you experience your art career. When you're constantly looking for what isn't working—the unanswered email, the gallery that hasn't called, the post that didn't perform—it becomes very easy to believe nothing is happening. But what changes when you start noticing the evidence that things are moving? We'll explore how this mindset shift can help you stay resilient, recognize momentum, and keep showing up for your career even when the bigger results haven't arrived yet. If you're building an art career and finding yourself caught in comparison, frustration, or wondering when it will finally be your turn, tune in.