Brush & Banter | A Zibra Podcast

Brie Hansen, Annie Bolding, & Lauren Cooper
  • 4.7 (77)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

  1. 5D AGO

    Marketing Yourself as an Artist Without Feeling Salesy

    Marketing advice online often pushes creators toward trends, virality, and constant output, but it turns out that’s not what actually builds a sustainable business. This minisode brings together insights from Shannon McKinstrie, Off the Walls Murals, and Alyssa Vilardi to show what really moves the needle: clear messaging, content that makes people feel connected, and paying attention to the metrics that actually matter (like retention, not just reach). It’s a shift from chasing spikes to building something steady, from underpricing to standing behind your value, and from guessing what works to creating with intention, so that your marketing feels like an extension of your work, not something separate from it. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why building genuine community matters more than chasing one viral momentThe one element that stops the scroll (and it's not what you think)The metric Instagram cares about that most creators ignoreWhy designing for the algorithm doesn't mean losing yourselfThe pricing mistake almost every creative makesHow certification turns assistants into brand ambassadorsThe financial sustainability detail most creatives overlook Hit rewind on these episodes: Social Media Expert Shannon McKinstrie Tells Us How to Grow on InstagramTurning DIY, Motherhood, and Mess Into a Creative Business with Alyssa Vilardi of The Things We BuiltBuilding a Creative Business with Your Best Friend feat. Caroline & Tianna of Off the Walls MuralsWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra:  WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebook YouTubeBlog

    20 min

  2. APR 22

    How to Find Your Art Style (and Know When It’s Yours)

    Creators spend years trying to define “their style,” but what if it’s already there, just not fully formed yet? This minisode pulls together honest moments from Cyn, Alyssa Vilardi, and Lauren Hull with Olga Muzician, tracing the real path of finding your style: evolving through client work, pushing through the “ugly phase,” and slowly recognizing the patterns that make your work yours. It’s less about discovering something new and more about noticing what’s been building all along, and having the confidence to follow it. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why your art style is already forming (even if you can’t see it yet)How pushing through the “ugly phase” leads to your best workWhat experimenting across projects teaches you about your style faster than waitingHow recurring elements and influences make your work recognizable over timeWhy sharing the messy, behind-the-scenes process builds a stronger audience connectionHow confidence with clients helps protect and refine your creative voice Hit rewind on these episodes: Landing Paid Art Projects with Major Brands & Finding Your Creative Voice with Cyn of Chalk & BrushTurning DIY, Motherhood, and Mess Into a Creative Business with Alyssa Vilardi of The Things We BuiltThe Messy Middle of a Project... And Your Career as an Artist | Reflecting on Creative Beginnings with Olga Muzician & Lauren HullWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra:  WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebook YouTubeBlog

    13 min

  3. APR 15

    How Furniture Flippers Choose Projects for Profit

    When you’re flipping furniture, the biggest shift isn’t learning how to paint – it’s learning what’s actually worth your time. This minisode pulls together real-world perspectives from Jen Talley, Lauren Hull, Olga Muzician and Courtney Weisel on how they balance creativity with demand, choose pieces that will sell, and avoid projects that quietly drain profit. From simplifying your style to setting boundaries around what you won’t take on, this is about creating with intention so your work stays both sustainable and rewarding. In this minisode, we’re rewinding the actionable and inspiring soundbites from their Brush & Banter interviews to help you turn your passion into profit.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Why “simple and timeless” often outsells trendy or overworked piecesHow to balance your creative style with what buyers actually wantWhat to look for when sourcing furniture (and what to avoid)The hidden cost of time, and how it impacts your profit per pieceWhen to say no to projects (even when it’s hard) to prevent burnoutHow diversifying your style can expand your market without losing your identity Hit rewind on these episodes: Selling on Marketplace in 2026 with Jen Talley of Perfectly Imperfect Furniture RefinishingThe Messy Middle of a Project... And Your Career as an Artist | Reflecting on Creative Beginnings with Olga Muzician & Lauren HullComing Back From a Creative Break with Courtney Weisel of Steel Birch Studios Creative finds from the episodes: Melange Paints - Jen’s discount code mentioned: JEN10 Brushes mentioned (use code BANTER10 for 10% off): Artist Brush Set - SmallPalm Artist - 1” Flat PaintbrushZibra’s “Bundle & Save” SetsWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra:  WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebook YouTubeBlog

    15 min

  4. MAR 26

    Creative Ways to Make More Money as an Artist

    When you’re ready to turn your passion projects into income, it can be difficult and overwhelming to know where to start. Enter Kyle Mosher, Alli K., and Cyn Santos, working artists who have cracked the code to make more money as an artist without sacrificing your creativity. In this minisode, we’re rewinding the actionable and inspiring soundbites from their Brush & Banter interviews to help you turn your passion into profit.  In this episode, you’ll hear: How Kyle Mosher built an artist-in-residence program to build the brand for an apartment complexWhy Alli K. said “no” to projects more often even as competition increasedHow Cyn Santos leveraged her website to reach the right clientsPresenting yourself as an influencer vs. a contractorNegotiating brand collaborations so you have creative freedom as the artistHit rewind on these episodes: Booking Brand Collabs with Kyle MosherSetting Your Prices as an Artist with Alli K DesignLanding Paid Art Projects with Major Brands & Finding Your Creative Voice with Cyn of Chalk & BrushWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra:  WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebook YouTubeBlog

    13 min

  5. MAR 4

    Setting Your Prices as an Artist with Alli K Design

    What does it actually take to build a mural business that lasts more than a decade… and still feels steady? Alli Koch shares the behind-the-scenes structure that supports her 11-year career: outsourcing before burnout hits, building a personal “board of directors,” charging for site visits, and pricing based on context instead of formulas. She talks candidly about setting boundaries even when it’s tricky - like saying “no” to free work (even for family). From being approached to publish art books to installing a 25-foot public sculpture, Alli’s story is a reminder that longevity isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right work, with the right boundaries, at the right pace. Alli Koch is a Texas-based muralist, author, and sculptor known for her large-scale public art and modern how-to drawing books. With 11 years in business and repeat clients booking her into 2026, she mentors artists at every stage on building sustainable, confidence-led creative careers. Connect with Alli: IGWebsiteMentoring Creative Finds: Zibra Speed Drop (Redesigned) - use code BANTER10 for 10% offAlli K Designs Book ShopMy Fancy Sticker Storybook by Alli K Designs In this episode, we discuss: The three-person “board of directors” that keeps self-doubt in checkWhy outsourcing isn’t indulgent, it’s how you protect your momentumDefining success by time freedom and relationships, not just revenuePricing murals through community conversations, not rigid formulasStaying open to opportunity while holding firm boundaries around your worthWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra:  WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebook YouTubeBlog

    55 min

  6. FEB 18

    How to Grow on Instagram with Social Media Expert Shannon McKinstrie

    If Instagram feels harder than it used to, you’re not imagining it. Shannon McKinstrie sits down with Lauren and Brie to break down what’s actually driving growth right now, and it’s not chasing viral spikes. It’s retention, belonging, and messaging that makes people feel seen. They talk strong hooks (and her REP formula), why talk-to-camera reels convert better than trends, how to repurpose content within weeks instead of months, and how to use Stories to build real trust (even if your life feels “boring”). If you’ve been stuck in 200-view jail or burned out trying to keep up, this conversation will help you simplify your strategy and post with more intention, and a lot less pressure. Shannon McKinstrie is a social media strategist and educator who helps creators stop guessing and start posting with clarity. She’s the founder of Reels Lab and has helped thousands of business owners build sustainable Instagram strategies that actually convert. Connect with Shannon: WebsiteReels LabPodcastInstagramTikTokLinkedInCreative Finds: Zibra Edger Series Brush - use code BANTER10 for 10% offIn this episode, we discuss: Why retention matters more than viral spikes in 2026How to write stronger hooks using relatable identifiersRepurposing content within weeks (not months) to reduce burnoutUsing Stories to build trust and drive DMsTrial Reels as a low-pressure way to test talk-to-camera contentCreating a posting schedule that prevents burnoutWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra:  WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebook YouTubeBlog

    46 min

  7. FEB 4

    Selling on Marketplace in 2026 with Jen Talley of Perfectly Imperfect Furniture Refinishing

    Furniture flipping looks dreamy from the outside: paint, pretty pieces, a tidy before-and-after, but Jen Talley pulls back the curtain on what actually makes it sustainable. This conversation sits in the quiet middle between passion and burnout: learning when to say yes, when to say no, and why boundaries are just as creative as brushstrokes. Jen shares how her business evolved from late-night hobby energy to an intentional, values-led rhythm; choosing better pieces, protecting her time, letting simplicity sell, and honoring the very human reasons this work matters. It’s grounded, honest, and deeply reassuring for anyone trying to turn “I love this” into “this actually works.” Jen Talley is a furniture artist known for her timeless, perfectly imperfect approach and a business built on intention over hustle. Her work blends classic design, thoughtful boundaries, and a deep belief that furniture, and creativity, can hold real meaning. Connect with Jen: IG FacebookYouTubeCreative Finds: Melange Paints - Jen’s discount code mentioned: JEN10Golden Brush Awards 2025 - Public voting opening February 13In this episode, we discuss: When no becomes the most important business skill you can learnHow intention, boundaries, and simplicity create longevityWhy furniture doesn’t need more – it needs better (and simpler)The human stories behind the pieces we make and sellWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra:  WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebook YouTubeBlog

    40 min

  8. JAN 21

    Shark Tank Success Story | How Billie Asmus Got Joanna Gaines to Say "Yes"

    Billie Asmus was tired of plastic paint liners, half-used trays drying out overnight, and trying to save paint with foil and plastic bags, so she started messing around in her basement to see if she could make something better. That curiosity turned into a reusable paint tray, a lot of Google searches, a year of prototyping and manufacturing, and eventually a moment standing in the Shark Tank longer than expected, fighting for the right partners. In this conversation, Billie walks through what it actually looked like to build the RePaint Tray from scratch, what surprised her most about running a product-based business, and how listening to everyday painters shaped both the product and the community that grew around it. Billie Asmus is the founder of RePaint Studios and the creator of the RePaint Tray, a reusable paint tray designed to make painting less wasteful and easier to pick back up. She comes from a furniture flipping and marketing background and built the product by testing it herself and listening closely to the people using it. Connect with RePaint Studios: WebsiteIGTikTokFacebookCreative Finds: Zibra Edger Series Brush - use code BANTER10 for 10% offIn this episode, we discuss: The $50 basement prototype that proved the idea was worth chasingWhat no one warns you about when you start manufacturing a physical productWhy Billie stayed in the Shark Tank longer than expected, and how she decided who to fight forThe design choices that came from real painter feedback, not trendsHow a paint tray unexpectedly helped people return to painting againWhat it looks like when a product becomes a communityWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra:  WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebook YouTubeBlog

    40 min
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4.7
out of 5
77 Ratings

About

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.  Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Information

  • Creator
    Brie Hansen, Annie Bolding, & Lauren Cooper
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    258
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Brush & Banter | A Zibra Podcast
  • Show Website
    Brush & Banter | A Zibra Podcast

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