An Art To It

Elaine Dye
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When does your passion become your profession? Can you take a love of making and creating and turn it into a successful business? This is the podcast where I talk to artists and makers who, whatever their discipline, are all fortunate to have turned their passion for creating into their occupation. As we discuss their journey to being professional artists and makers we explore inspirations, imposter syndrome, what success really means and of course, if there IS an art to running a flourishing creative business. I'm Elaine Dye, I'm the owner and curator of Cornwall's Byre Gallery, I'm also a creative business mentor and coach, and the creator of the course, 'An Insider's Guide to Gallery Success.' When the Byre Gallery celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024, I thought it was the ideal opportunity to chat to some of the fascinating creatives I've got to know over the past decade and to explore what it means to be in the business of doing something you really love. I discovered that I love doing the podcast... so I'm keeping going!

  1. 3d ago

    60: Stamina, Resilience and Bloody-Mindedness with Sally Hirst

    Painting shop shop-window mannequins in Chelsea is not a traditional way to learn the art of blending oil paints, but it's just one of the steps on Sally Hirst's journey to becoming both an artist and a hugely popular tutor.   Sally was in Spain in the spring of 2020 when it became clear that the workshops she'd planned for the summer back in Norfolk were unlikely to happen. She got the last flight out of Malaga, announced on social media that she'd find a way to teach online, wrote a blog about it for Jackson's Art Supplies and woke the next morning to around four hundred emails -  because Jackson's had listed her online courses, which did not yet exist, among their ten things to do during lockdown.   What followed is one of the more decisive pivots I've heard about. She went from a newbie on YouTube to thousands of followers and the beginning of a thriving business. Six years on she has twenty-four courses, around a hundred hours of video, two Instagram accounts, and a book out this autumn. She's also refreshingly candid about the parts that haven't worked: the second Instagram account that never took off, the gallery representation that's been "somewhat elusive," and the awkward suspicion that not needing gallery sales might mean she doesn't chase them hard enough. We also talk about her teaching career which she gave up at time she still had the energy to pursue other things, and how it - and her MA - have helped her develop her teaching style for the artists she works with.   In this episode: Why Sally took a whole year off her own practice - and how she avoids resentment when doing two jobs The GP who tore up her job application and told her to sort herself out ADHD as a superpower, and what a late diagnosis actually changed Why a teaching qualification matters more for developing artists than for teaching skills "Leave your audience at the door" and why she advises students not to post new explorations Selling her work well in Spain yet finding UK galleries elusive Writing a book: 50,000 words, hundreds of captions, and no exclamation marks   You can find Sally's work and courses here: https://sallyhirstcourses.com/ https://www.sallyhirst.co.uk/ @sallyhirst_courses @sallyhirstartist Her Book, Printmaking for Collage is out this Autumn https://www.crowood.com/book/printmaking-for-collage/

  2. Aug 14

    59. What If You've Built the Wrong Creative Career? Beginning Again with Claire Gent

    After 13 years of running a successful jewellery business, Claire Gent knew that something no longer felt right, but she wasn't sure what should come next.   Picking up an art book in a cafe on a family holiday in Penzance she discovered the work of  contemporary painter Alasdair Lindsay https://www.alasdairlindsay.co.uk/; she fell in love with it and it sparked a passion for her to pick up her own paintbrushes. What began as a new creative interest rapidly became an obsession.   In 2024, Claire tested a small collection of paintings alongside her jewellery at the annual Contemporary Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey in Devon https://craftfestival.co.uk/. She sold almost every piece, returned home with just two paintings and her partner immediately suggested they build her a studio. And so began this chapter of Claire's creative career.   In our chat Claire talks candidly about losing her love for her jewellery business and the excitement of moving onto painting, how she is carrying the skills from one creative career into another, and learning from the burnout she experienced while supplying multiple galleries.   We also discuss:   • Recognising when a successful business is no longer making you happy • Testing a new creative direction before committing fully • Beginning again without beginning from nothing • Allowing your own artistic voice to emerge from your influences • Using a part-time job to support the development of your work • Pacing growth and resisting the pressure to accept every opportunity • Why Instagram should support the work rather than become the work • The many hats - and occasional grown-up decisions - involved in running a creative business   You can see Claire's gorgeous semi-abstract field-scapes - with a hint of the sea - inspired by her home in Cornwall on her website https://www.clairegent.com/

  3. Jul 31

    58: Wearing Many Hats: Artist, Gallerist, and More with Kellie Miller

    Some guests really need more than one episode, and Kellie Miller is one of them. A successful artist in her own right, she is also founder and director of Kellie Miller Arts, a renowned Brighton gallery representing an exciting mix of national, international and local artists. She also teaches, is involved in philanthropy and plays a major role in the creative life of  Brighton - she just has to come back for another chat. But in this very entertaining episode we talk about the realities of life on both sides of the gallery wall: the freedom (and occasional exhaustion) of wearing two hats, why curating is its own act of creativity rather than a lesser cousin to "real" art, and why Kellie believes entrepreneurship is vital in being a successful artist. Kellie is also refreshingly honest about the business side of running a gallery - how gallery pricing actually works, why undercutting a gallery by selling direct to a client who found you through them is one of the fastest ways to end a relationship, and why she thinks art fairs have had their day. She also talks candidly about a pop-up space she lost at the last minute - and the lesson in handling disappointment that came out of it. In this episode: Why being an artist and a gallery owner gives Kellie authority in supporting the artists she represents  The invisible labour of curating - and why "you're just a curator" undersells what a gallery actually does How she built her stable of 70 artists, and why the window for taking on new ones is smaller than people think What she's really looking for in a submission  Why keeping consistent pricing across the board is essential for artists - and what happens when artists forget that The real cost of art fairs Handling disappointment with grace -  and why it pays off later You can find out more about Kellie and her gallery at kelliemillerarts.com @kelliemillerarts

  4. Jul 17

    57. Emily Hett: Creating Joy Through Clay

    What happens when an artist decides that joy isn't just an emotion - but a creative purpose?   In this episode I chat to ceramic artist Emily Hett, whose colourful, tactile sculptures have captured the imagination of collectors and social media audiences alike. Emily's joyful 'blobs' have become her signature, but behind the playful forms lies years of thoughtful experimentation, resilience and a clear understanding of what it takes to build a sustainable creative business.   We talk about the moment she realised joy was at the heart of her practice, the extraordinary impact of a viral Instagram reel, and why success isn't simply about algorithms or follower numbers. Emily also shares some refreshingly honest advice about marketing, consistency and finding a way of working that feels authentic.   Whether you're just starting out or already running your own creative business, this conversation is full of practical insights and plenty of encouragement.   In our chat we discuss:   - How Emily discovered that joy had become the driving force behind her work. - Why colour, shape and tactility create such an emotional connection with people. - The value of experimentation and allowing your creative practice to evolve. - What really happened when one Instagram reel reached millions of people—and how it changed her business. - Why artists need to embrace the business side of their practice as well as making great work. - Building an audience without losing sight of why you create. - Creating content that feels natural rather than chasing the latest trends. -  Balancing exhibitions, commissions, social media and studio life.   You can see Emily's work at https://emilyhettart.co.uk/

  5. Jul 3

    56: From Floral Art to Fine Art with Brigitte Girling

    When creating with flowers is not quite fulfilling you, it's time to pack away the secateurs and pick up the paintbrushes. Brigitte Girling shares her story in Episode 56 of An Art to It. Brigitte is a fine artist based in Suffolk whose vivid, joyful still life paintings celebrate what she calls "the beauty of the everyday." But her route to the easel was anything but straightforward. In this episode, Brigitte talks about a childhood of creative freedom in Framlingham, being steered away from art at school despite loving it, studying psychology at Exeter, teaching primary school children, and eventually building a thriving floral design business specialising in seasonal, chemical-free flowers. When COVID brought events to a halt, Brigitte found herself retrieving a box of art materials from the attic — materials that had been sitting there for a decade — and quietly began to paint. Within a couple of years she had exhibited at the Colchester Art Society, done Suffolk Open Studios, and become artist in residence at Wickham Vineyards in support of the charity Art for Cure. We talk about: The creative thread that runs through every stage of a life, even when it isn't obvious Why she called herself an artist from day one — and why more of us should How her floristry background shaped her composition and colour instincts without her even realising Changing her mind about galleries — and why she's glad she did Self-limiting beliefs, fear of judgement, and the art of ignoring both What it really means to burst out of the chrysalis of other people's expectations   A warm, funny and genuinely inspiring conversation to kick off Series 6. You can see Brigitte's work at brigittegirling.co.uk and @brigittegirling Brigitte talked about: Mandy Leeson of Vanil in Woodbridge @vanil_ltd    https://www.vanil.co.uk/   Kay Prestney Kinship Creative @kinship_creativedc   Art For Cure @artforcure  https://artforcure.org.uk/   Wyken @wykenvineyards   https://www.wykenvineyards.co.uk/   An Art to It: the home of inspiring stories of how women artists and makers turned their creative passion into their business. Hosted by gallery owner and mentor to creatives, Elaine Dye. Follow An Art to It for artist conversations, creative entrepreneurs, creative women and interviews with women artists and makers.

  6. May 22

    55. A Creative Approach to Business with Alice Sheridan

    Having her eyes fixed as firmly on her business goals as on her paint palette, has been the bedrock of Alice Sheridan's creative success. In this episode of An Art to It, artist, mentor and co-host of the long running and much-loved Art Juice podcast, Alice Sheridan, shares her journey. Alice talks about her move from a career in graphic design into painting, how she began taking her art seriously as a business, and why structure, support and self-awareness have all played such an important part in her creative career. We discuss the realities of building an art practice alongside family life, the role of ADHD in how Alice works, and why understanding your own energy, habits and decision-making is so important when you're running a creative business. Alice also shares her thoughts on selling directly, working with galleries, art fairs, social media, membership communities, pricing, and why artists don't all need to follow the same route to success. This is a wonderfully honest conversation about commitment, creativity, business, tenacity, and learning to build a creative life that works for you. In this episode, we talk about: Alice's experience of co-hosting Art Juice Moving from graphic design into painting Taking art seriously as a business The importance of structure and support ADHD, organisation and creative working rhythms Open studios, art fairs and direct selling Galleries, endorsement and choosing your own route Building and evolving an artist membership Why creative business is not one-size-fits-all Pricing, confidence and standing by your decisions The long-term nature of a sustainable creative career   You can find out more about Alice's work and her membership at https://alicesheridan.com/ and on instagram @alicesheridanstudio

  7. May 8

    54: From Marketing to Making with Katie Robbins

    A passion for colour, flowers and making all came together for Katie Robbins as she said goodbye to a career in marketing and welcomed a new creative direction as a ceramicist.  In a lively and very open chat Katie - known by many on Instagram with her memorable handle @ceramicmagpie - shares her journey from a career in marketing to becoming a full-time ceramicist, and how creativity was always present in her life - even before she could imagine it becoming her work. She talks about studying French and politics at university, working in marketing, keeping her creative levels topped up with evening classes, and eventually finding her way to clay after having children. Katie reflects on the slow process of building confidence as a self-taught maker, the challenge of calling herself a ceramicist, and how selling her first pieces helped her begin to believe in her work. She also discusses how her marketing background has helped her shape her brand, understand social media, and bring people along on her creative journey. We talk about the realities of running a creative business: learning new skills, managing admin, showing up online, doing both general markets and specialist ceramic shows, developing a product range, and balancing heart-led making with commercial decisions. Katie and I also explore the importance of community, customer experience, and delighting buyers - from sharing the behind-the-scenes process to creating beautiful packaging and memorable moments. A warm and practical conversation about confidence, creativity, flowers, ceramics, and the many skills involved in building a sustainable creative business. You can see Katie's work at https://www.ktrobbinsceramics.com/ and on instagram she is @ceramicmagpie

  8. Apr 24

    53. The Fine Art of Balance with Lucy Burley

    Ceramicists never really retire, but they are allowed to indulge in a sabbatical. In this episode of An Art to It, I chat to Lucy Burley, whose beautifully distinctive ceramic bottles and vessels have been a much-loved part of my gallery https://thebyregallery.co.uk/ for ten years. In our very lively chat Lucy reflects on her creative path, from a first life in London as a tri-lingual secretary and then working in television production to discovering painting classes, art school, and eventually clay. She talks about developing her now instantly recognisable style, inspired in part by Giorgio Morandi, and explains how she built a ceramic practice rooted in harmony of form, colour and use. We also discuss what it means to sustain a creative business over decades: learning as you go, building gallery relationships before the internet made everything visible, managing health challenges, and knowing when it's time to step back and reassess. Lucy shares why 2026 has become a "mini gap year" or sabbatical for her - certainly not retirement, but a pause to think, travel, learn, and explore new directions in her work. This is a very open and honest conversation about longevity, resilience, creative identity, and the delicate balance between making work and making a living. Oh and, as a memorable postscript, Lucy also shares the extraordinary story of the time she ended up in prison in the Indian Ocean. In this episode: Lucy's route into ceramics via painting and art school Leaving television and finding a more creative path Developing a distinctive style and glaze palette The influence of Giorgio Morandi on her work Building a ceramic career before Instagram and websites Why she chose not to do large craft fairs Teaching ceramics and why she eventually had to stop Living and working with Lyme disease The decision to take a sabbatical from full-time potting What success means at different stages of a creative life The "fine art of balance" in a creative business And the unforgettable story of a spell in jail in the Andaman Islands   Lucy talks about some of the fellow creatives and businesses who have supported or inspired her:   Charles Gladstone: https://gladstonehellen.co.uk/@hawardenestate and @gladstone_hellen Scilly flowers: https://www.scillyflowers.co.uk/@scillyflowers Fiona Findlay: @findlayfiona Thom Hudson:  @thom_hudson Lucy Nicolls: @lucydorothyart Kyra Cane @kyra.cane

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About

When does your passion become your profession? Can you take a love of making and creating and turn it into a successful business? This is the podcast where I talk to artists and makers who, whatever their discipline, are all fortunate to have turned their passion for creating into their occupation. As we discuss their journey to being professional artists and makers we explore inspirations, imposter syndrome, what success really means and of course, if there IS an art to running a flourishing creative business. I'm Elaine Dye, I'm the owner and curator of Cornwall's Byre Gallery, I'm also a creative business mentor and coach, and the creator of the course, 'An Insider's Guide to Gallery Success.' When the Byre Gallery celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024, I thought it was the ideal opportunity to chat to some of the fascinating creatives I've got to know over the past decade and to explore what it means to be in the business of doing something you really love. I discovered that I love doing the podcast... so I'm keeping going!

Information

  • Creator
    Elaine Dye
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    An Art To It