The Art Confidential

The podcast where the art world gets refreshingly real. No gatekeeping, no glossy version of success. Just two mixed media artists having honest conversations with the people shaping the creative world: artists, gallerists, consultants, and the curious minds in between. We're not just interviewing the art world, we're learning how to navigate it alongside you. If you're building a creative life, pull up a chair.

The Art Confidential is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 15 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Art Confidential, a arts show with 15 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #14

  Community Becomes the Brand - The One With Ryan Muirhead

  Aug 18, 202648 min

  What happens when someone who grew up in Asheville decides to tell a different story about the city they call home? In this episode, Jacqui and Andreina sit down with Ryan Muirhead, creator of Ashevilish, to talk about community, creativity, and building something bigger than yourself. Born and raised in West Asheville, Ryan has watched the city evolve firsthand. What started as a simple idea to create Asheville-inspired merchandise grew into a platform that celebrates local businesses, artists, musicians, and makers. Through Ashevilish, Ryan is helping people see Asheville through the eyes of someone who knows it deeply and loves it fiercely. We talk about: Growing up in Asheville and watching the city change over the years How Ashevilish evolved from an idea into a growing community platform Using social media to amplify artists, musicians, and small businesses Why authenticity matters more than chasing influence Building relationships, supporting others, and creating opportunities through connection Plus: Ryan shares the story behind his unforgettable Asheville Art Museum gala outfit made from artwork submitted by artists around the world. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, community builder, or someone looking for inspiration to start the thing you’ve been thinking about, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful work often starts with simply showing up for others. Mentioned in This Episode Ashevilish Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashevillish/ Ashevilish Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558782354000 Burial Beer Co. https://burialbeer.com Wedge Brewing Co. https://www.wedgebrewing.com River Arts District https://www.riverartsdistrict.com Archetype Brewing https://www.archetypebrewing.com Prescription Pad Pharmacy https://prescriptionpadpharmacy.com/ AVL Sounds Fest https://avlsoundsfest.com About The Art Confidential The Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes. Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world. Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidential Website: https://theartconfidential.com

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  Episode #13

  Say It Out Loud - The One Where You Decide You Are an Artist

  Aug 4, 202631 min

  Creative careers rarely begin with one dramatic moment. More often, they begin with a quiet decision to stop waiting for a gallery, a sale, or someone else’s permission before taking yourself seriously. Jacqui and Andreina talk about the identity shift from hobbyist to professional, why readiness is not something you can prove, and how accountability, community, and small consistent actions can help a creative life become real long before anyone else notices. We talk about: Claiming the identity of artist before you have external proof Protecting creative time and treating your work like it matters Showing your art without apologizing or waiting for perfection Finding accountability, encouragement, and community Breaking a big creative goal into small, achievable next steps Plus: The creative-career myths that keep artists comparing themselves, moving the goalposts, and believing there is only one right path. This episode is for anyone ready to take their creative work more seriously, even if they do not feel ready yet. Mentioned in This Episode Victoria Pinney Studio ( https://victoriapinney.com/ ) Victoria Pinney on Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/victoria_pinney/ ) Brooke Lancaster, By Brooke Fine Art ( https://www.instagram.com/bybrooke.fineart ) Art Nature Movement ( https://www.instagram.com/artnaturemovememt ) About The Art Confidential The Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes. Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world. Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidential Website: https://theartconfidential.com

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  Episode #12

  A Secret Creative Life - The One With Erik Larson

  Jul 21, 20261h 1m

  Our guest today is proof that there is no single path to a creative life. For more than four decades, Erik Larson has built a remarkable career as both a professional designer and an underground filmmaker. Entirely self-taught, Erik has written, directed, shot, and edited colorful, irreverent, joy-filled films with the same group of collaborators he began working with as a teenager in Chicago. Along the way, he built a successful career as an art director and creative director, proving that there is more than one way to create a life in the arts. We talk about: Making films without film school, funding, or permission Building creative trust with collaborators over 40 years Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and getting older as an artist LGBTQ+ history, visibility, and creative bravery Letting go of perfection and putting the work into the world Plus: Super 8 films, thrift store costumes, fake names, secret creative lives, and a standing ovation at the New Beverly Cinema. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered if their unconventional path still counts. It does. Mentioned in This Episode The Wizard of Oz https://amzn.to/4wabROl The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson https://amzn.to/4gKboOn Lars Erik Films on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larserikfilms/ Lars Erik Films website https://www.larserikfilms.com/ Lars Erik Films on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@larserikfilms Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. About The Art Confidential The Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes. Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world. Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidential Website: https://theartconfidential.com

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  Episode #11

  Collaboration & Building Community - The One Where We Build Creative Community

  Jul 7, 202628 min

  What if building a creative community was less about networking and more about connection? In this working episode, Jacqui and Andreina explore the difference between collaboration and community, and why some of the most valuable things artists share aren’t business tips or techniques, but encouragement, perspective, generosity, and support. Inspired by conversations with fellow artists, musicians, writers, and creatives, they share stories about unexpected friendships, creative gatherings, and the small acts of connection that make creative work feel a little less lonely. They also invite listeners to join a two-week Community Experiment designed to help build deeper creative connections. We talk about: Why creative work can feel isolating and how community changes that The difference between collaboration and connection Overcoming scarcity mindset and supporting fellow creatives Simple ways to build creative relationships without an agenda The Community Experiment and how to participate Plus: Stories about artist gatherings, virtual studio dates, unexpected friendships, and the creative people who have inspired us along the way. If you’ve ever felt like you’re creating in a vacuum, this episode is for you. Mentioned in This Episode Kasey Moran Art https://www.instagram.com/kaseymoranart Asheville-ish (Ryan Muirhead) https://www.instagram.com/ashevillish Natalie Ray Fine Art https://www.natalierayfineart.com/ Bronwyn Cronin Jazz https://www.instagram.com/bronwyncroninjazz Claudia Guerreiro https://www.instagram.com/artbyclaudiaguerreiro Sky Loraine Art https://www.instagram.com/skyloraine_ https://www.skyloraineart.com/ Subscribe to The Art Confidential newsletter at theartconfidential.com to access the Community Experiment worksheet and our growing collection of free creative resources and downloads. About The Art Confidential The Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes. Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world. Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidential Website: https://theartconfidential.com

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  Episode #10

  Building Something Bigger Than Yourself - The One With Robert Nicholas of Marquee

  Jun 23, 202643 min

  In this episode of The Art Confidential , we sit down with Robert Nicholas, artist, designer, and founder of Marquee Asheville in the River Arts District. Robert shares how a lifelong instinct to see potential in overlooked objects led him from antiques and handmade lighting to building one of Asheville’s most unique creative spaces. This conversation goes beyond business. It is about community, courage, and choosing to rebuild when it would be easier to walk away. Robert opens up about the vision behind Marquee, what Hurricane Helene changed, and why creating a space where artists feel seen and supported matters just as much as the work itself. We talk about: How Robert built a business from antiques, found objects, and instinct The difference between Splurge and Marquee, and how Marquee became something bigger than a gallery Why community is at the center of everything he creates Rebuilding after Hurricane Helene and what it took to come back Why artists need to stop listening to negative voices and take the next step Plus: A simple but powerful reminder, if you think of someone, reach out. It might matter more than you know. This episode is for artists, makers, and anyone trying to build something meaningful without waiting until they feel ready. Mentioned in This Episode The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins https://amzn.to/3Qk8IvS Marquee Asheville https://marqueeasheville.com/ Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. About The Art Confidential The Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes. Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world. Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidential Website: https://theartconfidential.com

  ListenShow Notes

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