Today, we’re talking about something that every artist encounters—but few talk about openly: rejection.

Whether it’s a juried show, a gallery application, or simply putting your work on social media, the fear of hearing “no” often holds artists back in big ways. But here’s the truth: rejection isn’t the problem. It’s the meaning we attach to it that creates so much pain and paralysis.

Antrese breaks down:

• Why rejection feels so intense—and why that’s totally normal
• The science behind the physical response to rejection (it’s not all in your head)
• How your brain turns a simple “no” into a worst-case-scenario spiral
• Real stories from Growth Studio artists navigating fear, discomfort, and unexpected wins
• What it means to build rejection resilience—and how to do it

You’ll also hear about a two-month Rejection Challenge happening inside Growth Studio, and why some artists are already discovering that the “no’s” they feared are turning into surprising “yeses.”

If rejection has ever stopped you from taking action, this episode is for you.

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about Growth Studio
• Connect with Antrese: @savvypainterpodcast

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Have you ever been so immersed in your painting that you completely lost track of time? That magical moment where everything clicks, the inner critic goes quiet, and it feels like the brush is moving on its own? That’s what we’re diving into today—flow state.

But here’s the twist: is flow always a good thing? Or can it actually hold you back from experimenting and growing as an artist?

In this episode, I’m bringing you inside Growth Studio for a real, unfiltered conversation with artists who are wrestling with those exact questions. You’ll hear how each of us defines and experiences flow, the unexpected ways it shows up (or doesn’t), and why your version of it might look completely different from anyone else's.

Whether you’ve had that dreamy, meditative painting session or you’re wondering why it feels so elusive, this conversation will make you think differently about what flow actually is—and how it might be the key to unlocking your most authentic work.

In This Episode:

• What flow state actually feels like—and why it’s different for everyone
• The surprising relationship between flow and experimentation
• How presence and letting go of self-judgment are key to deep creative focus
• The role of technical skill in entering (and sustaining) a flow state
• Why some artists lose track of time, and others feel like they “wake up” to a finished painting
• How being seen by others can either block or boost your creative rhythm
• And why finding flow might just be a form of falling in love—with your art and with yourself

Big Takeaways:

• Flow isn’t a formula—it’s deeply individual and may even shift over time.
• Being fully present is what unlocks your most powerful creative moments.
• Community matters—having other artists to talk with, compare notes, and challenge your thinking expands what’s possible.
• And maybe most importantly: flow feels like love—something you never want to end.

If this episode speaks to you, imagine having these kinds of conversations all the time. That’s exactly what we do inside Growth Studio. If you’re looking for a supportive, inspiring artist community that challenges you and cheers you on—come join us.

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Do you often feel guilty or frustrated when you see a piece of unfinished art in your studio? Instead of seeing that as proof of something wrong with you or your art practice, let’s transform your relationship with your works-in-progress and unlock new (and often overlooked) possibilities!

In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, learn how unfinished work holds the key to your next creative breakthrough. I explore the various types of incomplete pieces and the emotional baggage attached to them, how to overcome the self-criticism surrounding unfinished work, how to know when it’s time to release your hold on partly-done artwork, as well as advocate for embracing the untapped potential of unfinished art as part of creating a positive practice.

1:39 – How I tend to categorize unfinished work
5:05 – Internal and external reasons for leaving paintings unfinished

6:58 – Common negative thoughts about unfinished work and my philosophy for creating a positive art practice
13:05 – How to embrace the idea of letting go of a painting without feeling like a quitter

19:42 – Other ways you can utilize unfinished paintings

23:58 – How to know when it’s time to let go of a piece of incomplete artwork

28:47 – What trusting in your creative process and the potential of unfinished paintings offer you

Mentioned in Finding Joy and Creative Possibility in Unfinished Work

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Art is inherently slow. It demands time, thought, and presence, so embracing that slowness is essential for creating meaningful work and maintaining your artistic well-being. Yet, many artists feel behind in their art journey because they’re not producing fast enough.

In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, I’ll challenge the idea that faster is better in the art world. You’ll discover how hustle culture distorts our perception of the artistic process and get a refreshing perspective that’ll help you reclaim the joy and depth of art-making in a fast-paced world.

3:57 – The mindset that clashes with the time-sensitive nature of art creation
7:51 – How social media puts pressure on artists to create faster
10:54 – The drawbacks of chasing quick results with your art

14:52 – The perks of embracing a slower approach with your art

17:53 – Four quick steps to reclaim time, space, and creative joy in your art practice

Mentioned in The Slow Art Revolution — Because Instant Results Are a Scam

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Does staring at a blank canvas sometimes cause you to question your abilities? Many artists (even those you admire) struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and the current chaotic world only amplifies those feelings. But what if the only thing holding you back is the mere thought that you aren’t an artist?

In this episode of the Savvy Painter Podcast, we’ll dismantle the myth of the "real" artist and explore why waiting to embody this ideal is a waste of time. You’ll discover how imposter syndrome can signal that you're in the wrong environment (not the wrong career), how external stress fuels self-doubt, and how to regain control of your thoughts and stop looking for permission to be the artist you truly want to be.

3:15 – Challenge your inner critic who thinks you're not a real artist
10:33 – Re-define for yourself what it means to be an artist 
14:00 – The importance of identifying who you want (and don’t want) to support you 
17:54 – The power of choosing to embrace imperfection and uncertainty

22:38 – Questions to ask when in self-doubt about your status as an artist 

Mentioned in How to Make Art When You Don’t Feel Like an Artist

The Work of Byron Katie

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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 over
7:14 – The better question to ask, and why now is exactly the right time to make your art
15:16 – How to work with your emotions instead of pushing them down
19:34 – 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 Now

The Marginalian

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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 confidence

15:23 – Signs that you’re taking too big a risk and techniques to regulate your nervous system when things feel too scary

17:41 – How to know when it’s time to level up your risk-taking and expand your tolerance

22:23 – Biggest takeaways, your challenge for the week, and a final message

Mentioned in Why Taking Big Risks Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead)

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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 artist

8:04 - How getting rejected isn’t really about your work

10:29 – What having your own back means and why it’s a crucial skill to develop

14:52 – How creating the habit of having your own back impacts your art practice

17:02 – Explicit and implicit messages you’ve received that encourage self-criticism

20:16 – Why compassion and empathy in the face of rejection help you evolve

24:46 – Why feeling ready to show your work isn’t likely or necessary

Mentioned in Not Having Your Own Back Has Cost You Years of Progress

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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 wrong

7:05 - 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 stuck

Mentioned in Why Mental Rehearsal Is a Powerful Tool for Artists

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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 perspective

4:07 - One Growth Studio member’s journey from self-doubt to public recognition

6:52 – The cycle of doubt you experience with your work

10:46 – Three steps to override your brain and overcome self-doubt

16:48 – 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 Overwhelm

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Do you ever feel anxious or freeze up when someone asks about your work? You want people to see and love your art, but talking about it can feel overwhelming. And if you struggle to talk about your art, you might miss opportunities to connect with potential buyers.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, we’re diving into why learning to talk about your art is so important. I’ll share how your words can shape the way collectors experience your work, what it really costs to stay silent, and why there’s no “wrong” way to talk about your art—even if it feels intimidating.

4:24 – Why your art won’t speak for itself and why you need to help it

10:26 – What happens when you stay silent instead of engaging with potential buyers

13:36 – How connection shapes a collector’s experience and influences their decision to buy

17:40 – How talking about your art builds confidence and conviction in your work

20:37 – The impact of clear communication when applying for shows, grants, and residencies

22:07 – The biggest fears artists have when discussing their work and why they don’t need to worry

27:06 – The key to feeling comfortable talking about your art and a quick challenge to help you practice

Mentioned in How to Talk About Your Art Without Feeling Awkward

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