This week our host Carolyn Mara was joined by Traci Ling, an accomplished Houston based artist and photographer, and she's going to be sharing her tactics and inspiration for Creating Creative Success.

Traci has always had a love for capturing the beauty of the world around her, so photography sounded like the perfect outlet for her creative energy, and she was correct. She found she had a real knack for taking pictures and she is going to be sharing her personal philosophy of photography and how she developed her unique style.

Now you don't become a professional photographer by just taking good pictures, you also need to have an in-depth knowledge on the business of selling art. Traci is also going to be telling us how she built her brand, marketed herself and her art to create a thriving creative enterprise.

This week, Traci Ling is going to teach us about:

Evoking emotion through art

How to build your artistic brand

Avoiding creative burnout and staying productive

We're going to be discovering trade secrets of creative entrepreneurship on this week’s episode of Creating Creative Success! Our host Carolyn Mara is going to be finding out how her guest, Kristin Pearce has used her creativity to make a name for herself as an artistic entrepreneur.

Krisitin Pearce has a passion for stationery, but refuses to stand still because her company Mimi Paper is not the only thing she's known for. Like many up-and-coming creatives, she struggled with uncertainty about if she could turn her passion into a real career. Yet, driven by perseverance and backed by a strong support network, she pushed past those fears and began selling her art online and at local markets.

This week, Kristin Pearce is going to teach us about:

Growing and adapting your creative business

Networking and the importance of artistic collaboration

Assuring quality in your product

On this week’s episode of Creating Creative Success, our host Carolyn Mara is going to be exploring the creative journey of our guest, Erin Olson and giving her advice to creative entrepreneurs.

Erin Olson is a well esteemed costume designer and portrait artist who is currently running the store Miss Billie’s Vintage. She grew up surrounded by creativity, watching her mother constantly sew halloween costumes or making Christmas decorations. She used this background to fuel her complex creative journey, ranging from becoming a costume designer in New York, a live portrait artist in Miami, to playing piano as an outlet.

Find out how she used her diverse artistic background to run her business Miss Billie’s Vintage.

This week, Erin Olson is going to teach us about: Following your gut in your creative journey Learning to value your art for what its worth How to seize an artistic opportunity

We're going to be getting into the imaginative mind of our guest Vanessa Rivera and our host Carolyn Mara on this week's episode of creating creative success!

Vanessa Rivera is best known for her work in transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Equipped with her photography and photo editing skills, she changes slice of life pictures of her family into fantastical scenes. These photos have garnered her viral status on the internet, which has led to major deals with huge brands.

Find out how Vanessa has made a living by utilizing the wonder that she sees in the everyday.

This week, Vanessa Rivera is going to teach us about:

• Navigating the Challenges of Being a Creative on Social Media

• Finding Positivity Amid Criticism and Challenges

• Embracing Change and Pursuing Long-Term Goals

We're swinging into creativity and innovation with our guest Cole Newman and our host Carolyn Mara on this week's episode of Creating Creative Success!

Cole Newman, better known online as Cole’s Color, is a self-proclaimed “action painter” and has gained a massive following online for his pendulum-powered abstract paintings. Starting as a young entrepreneur, we're going to follow his creative journey that all stems from his strong social media presence.

Get ready to be inspired by Cole’s story of imagination, persistence, and the pursuit of joy through art.

This week, Cole Newman is going to teach us about:

• The importance of fostering a community through social media and advertising

• How to balance hard work and productivity with burnout and creating quality work

• Showcasing not only the final artwork, but also how it's made and shared.

Exploring the Intimate Dance Between Art and Business

Rachael Dunville masterfully blends her creative passion with entrepreneurial grit. Get a look behind her artistic journey, the finesse of photography, and the intricate dance of running a successful business.

What's the secret ingredient to thriving in the competitive world of art? Rachael breaks down the barriers between the creative spirit and business acumen.

In this episode of Creating Creative Success, host Carolyn Mara sits down with acclaimed portrait artist Meg Loeks.

Known for her evocative and timeless photography, Meg discusses her journey from discovering photography as a teenager to building a successful career capturing life’s beautiful, everyday moments.

Together, they discuss how to transform creative inspiration into a profitable career, from refining technical skills like lighting and composition to cultivating resilience through personal challenges.

What You’ll Hear About:

• Strategies for building a distinctive brand and voice in photography
• How Meg’s seasonal and home-centered photography style evolved into her signature
• Practical steps to overcome creative blocks and keep inspiration flowing
• Insights into balancing authenticity with business growth in the creative industry

About Meg:
Meg Loeks is a celebrated portrait artist known for her evocative, Americana-inspired photography that captures the beauty of family life. Her work and workshops inspire artists to blend creativity with entrepreneurship. Follow Meg on Instagram @meg_nlo and learn more about her classes on her website.

Join Creating Creative Success, a podcast that shares the inspiring journeys of artists, makers, and creatives who have turned their passion into profit.

Whether you’re a side hustler, balancing a 9-to-5, or a stay-at-home parent, this show provides practical business strategies, creative insights, and personal lessons to help you bridge the gap between creativity and financial success.

Hosted by award-winning Miami artist Carolyn Mara, known for her large-scale abstract mop paintings, the podcast draws on her unique experiences across photography, performance art, and painting. Each episode offers candid conversations, actionable advice, and real-life stories to help aspiring artists and makers build thriving creative businesses. Tune in and take the first step toward making your creative dreams a reality!