In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with Michigan-based artist Sara Glupker for a powerful conversation on how to build and grow an independent art career without relying on galleries. Sara, who operates her art business from a studio next to a cornfield, shares her journey of becoming a successful artist while balancing the roles of a mother and wife. Her vibrant, nature-inspired paintings and her ability to thrive outside of a traditional urban art scene serve as a testament to the possibilities for artists everywhere.

‍

Kat and Sara explore essential strategies for building an independent art career, focusing on the importance of cultivating a strong email list, leveraging personal relationships, and embracing collaboration as key tools for success. Sara reveals how she transitioned from working with galleries to selling directly from her studio, discussing the freedom and challenges that come with this shift. She offers practical advice on how to maintain work-life balance, stay motivated, and create meaningful connections with collectors.

‍

Sara also introduces her upcoming workshop, "How to Create and Sell Your Artist Calendar," where she shares her proven methods for generating a new income stream through artist calendars. She discusses the benefits of pre-sales, the importance of creating memorable customer experiences, and how to strategically market art products without overwhelming oneself with inventory.

‍

Whether you're an artist looking to take control of your career, find new ways to connect with collectors, or explore alternative income streams, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

‍

‍

‍

Episode Highlights:

  • How Sara built a successful art business outside of a major city.
  • The importance of an email list and personal relationships in growing an art career.
  • Strategies for transitioning from gallery representation to independent sales.
  • Tips for balancing family life with a thriving art business.
  • How to collaborate with other industries to expand your reach.
  • Details on Sara's workshop on creating and selling artist calendars.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Sign up for Sara’s Calendar Workshop:

‍

https://www.saraglupkerart.com/store-1/p/calendarworkshop
‍
Use Code: CREATE at checkout to receive 20% off the workshop (before August 20th).

‍

Find Sara Glupker here:

‍

‍

Sara Glupker - Artist Bio

Sara Glupker is an award-winning painter who works out of her studio in Michigan. She earned her B.F.A. in Painting from Western Michigan University in 2005 and has been working as a professional artist for nearly two decades. Sara works with acrylic, watercolor, and gouache, and her expressive and representational paintings are described as colorful, joyful, and whimsical. Sara is inspired by her surroundings, including the Midwest landscape, nature, and houses, and is influenced by impressionism, illustration, and folk art, which have allowed her to explore storytelling, bold use of color and paint, texture, and dreamlike imagery.

Glupker has exhibited her artwork in numerous shows internationally. In 2022, Sara was awarded First Place in the 2022 Regional Juried Arts Competition at the Carnegie Center for the Arts, Three Rivers Michigan. She has also been awarded “Best Painting” at The Box Factory for the Arts (St. Joseph, Michigan) Annual Juried Competition in 2007 and 2011.

Glupker’s paintings reside in many private and corporate collections, including the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, the West Michigan Cancer Center, Bronson Methodist Hospital, and the Tempo Vino Winery. She has been featured in Create! Magazine, AQ Volume1, Wilder: Roam, and has been a guest on the following podcasts: Create!, Let Us Create, the Calm and Creative Podcast, The Warrior Rulebook, and She Who Paints. She is the founder and host of the I Like Art Podcast, and her work can be viewed and purchased on her website: www.SaraGlupkerArt.com.

‍

‍

‍