170: Why Critique Matters (Even When It Stings)
Jun 05, 2025
Show notes
On this episode of The Adventures in Arting Podcast, Julie and Eileen dive into the often uncomfortable—but absolutely essential—topic of critique in the creative process. From school report cards to artistic peer reviews, Julie & Eileen explore how feedback shapes our growth, why it sometimes hurts, and how to develop a healthier, more productive relationship with it.
This episode is part of the current My Art Practice cycle theme: “Banishing Fear”—and critique is a major fear point for many artists.
Topics Covered:
What an art practice is and how critique fits into it
Personal stories of critiques that stung (and stuck)
The difference between subjective opinion vs. objective feedback
Ego vs. Openness: two sides of receiving critique
How to process feedback without taking it personally
Why even “positive” critique can feel negative
Recognizing when critique is helpful vs. harmful
Physical/emotional responses to critique (yes, it can literally hurt!)
Tips for giving and receiving better critiques
The “shopping cart” metaphor for feedback Julie swears by
How to use critique to accelerate your creative growth
Key Takeaways For You:
Critique is not criticism—it’s a tool for insight and evolution.
Your emotional reaction to critique may be more about your own doubts than the feedback itself.
Feedback can hurt, but growth almost always involves a little friction.
Openness is a mindset that will help you filter, adapt, and improve.
169: Who Are You? How to Define Your Creative Identity as an Artist
May 20, 2025
Show notes
In This Episode:
Julie and Eileen dig into how artists can define who they are, what they offer, and why people should follow or support them. Whether you’re writing an artist bio, pitching a class, or just figuring yourself out—this episode gives you the language and tools to clarify your creative identity.
You’ll learn:
Why defining your identity is key—even if you’re “just” a hobbyist
The difference between personal identity and creative branding
How to write bios for different platforms (professional, casual, reflective)
Julie’s 3-part identity framework: Who you are, what you offer, and why people should stick around
How to find your “special sauce” (and believe that you have one)
168: Why Artists Need Frameworks
Apr 16, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, Julie and Eileen explore how frameworks can transform your creative process from scattered to sustainable. Discover why the best artists—from jazz musicians to painters—use structure to fuel, not restrict, their creativity.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or pro, this episode offers practical tools and a fresh mindset to support your artistic growth.
167: 10 Questions to Catch Up & Spark Creativity
Apr 02, 2025
Show notes
Episode 167: 10 Questions to Catch Up and Spark Creativity
Welcome back to the Adventures in Arting podcast! After a much-needed hiatus, we’re diving back in with an episode designed to help you reboot your creative engine—whether you’ve taken a break from art, podcasting, or anything else.
In this episode, we’re sharing 10 thoughtful questions that can guide you through a creative reset. The questions are arranged along the natural arc of the creative journey: Reflection → Inspiration → Action.
Listen in as we:
Catch up on what’s been keeping us busy
Reflect on the value of breaks and self-awareness
Share what’s been inspiring us (including toddlers, crossbody bags, and Henry Moore sculptures)
Explore how to overcome creative “pebbles”—those little roadblocks that get in the way
Talk about finding joy in the everyday and reframing productivity
Chat about how personal experiences shape our art
Whether you’re looking to get back into a daily arting habit or reignite your passion for your art practice, this episode offers a mix of practical strategies and personal stories to help you move forward creatively.
—-> My Art Practice Members: A downloadable PDF of the 10 Questions is available in the online classroom.
Want to go deeper in your art practice? Join our community at MyArtPractice.com, where we create, connect, and thrive together.
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or tag us on social media @balzerdesigns. Thanks for listening—and we’ll see you next time!
166: Mary Correa on Her Art Practice
Mar 18, 2025
Show notes
Episode Summary:
Welcome back to Adventures in Arting! After a long break, we’re diving back into inspiring conversations about creativity, art practice, and the artistic journey. In this episode, Julie interviews award-winning mixed media artist and instructor, Mary Correa. Mary shares her journey from corporate trainer to full-time artist, her approach to building a creative business, and her insights into branding, teaching, and running artist retreats.
About Our Guest:
Mary Correa is a mixed media artist and instructor dedicated to helping others find their creativity.
Her work has been featured in Somerset Studio, Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine, and more.
She is the founder of Artish Creative Retreats, an immersive three-day art retreat experience based in Central Florida.
Mary has taught throughout Florida and in international online classes.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
The evolution of Mary’s art journey and how she transitioned into being a full-time artist.
How teaching became an unexpected but essential part of her creative career.
The importance of branding and how it plays a role in building a recognizable art practice.
The balance between personal art practice and art education.
Her experience working on a solo exhibit and the lessons learned from seeing her work in a series.
Insights into running Artish Creative Retreats and the importance of building community.
The role of rituals in an artist’s daily practice and how small habits can help creativity flow.
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Support the Podcast:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review, sharing it on social media, or telling a friend. Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring conversations to you.
Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time on the Adventures in Arting podcast!
165: Organizing Small Spaces
Mar 04, 2025
Show notes
Episode Title:Organizing Small Spaces Podcast:Adventures in Arting with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer Hosts: Julie Fei-Fan Balzer & Eileen Hsu-Balzer
Episode Summary: In this episode, Julie and her mom, Eileen, dive into practical strategies for organizing small art spaces. They explore ways to maximize creative space, whether you’re working in a tiny apartment, a shared living area, or a dedicated studio. Julie shares her own experiences—from her NYC apartments to her current attic studio—and offers flexible storage solutions, organization tips, and advice on making the most of every inch of space.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Mindset shifts for working in a small space Flexible and space-saving furniture ideas Vertical storage, pegboards, rolling carts, and other smart solutions How to choose and manage your art supplies efficiently Why a “healthy” art space matters (lighting, ventilation, and ergonomics) Creative ways to declutter and make room for more art-making
Help the Podcast Grow! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it on social media, or tell a friend!
164: Drawing at the Danforth
Aug 08, 2024
Show notes
On this podcast (recorded over three weeks), I share my highs and lows, break throughs and frustrations with a drawing class I’m taking at the Danforth Art Museum in Framingham, MA.
Overall, this experience reminded me that the creative process often involves pushing beyond simple exercises. It’s about synthesis — connecting ideas — and allowing for unexpected discoveries. The key is to continually experiment and to lean into the structure of your art practice for support.
163 – Artwork Statements Aren’t Easy
Aug 01, 2024
Show notes
An Artwork Statement is a piece of writing that gives context to a specific artwork. It often explains the meaning, inspiration, techniques, and context behind a specific artwork or series. Your statement may address the materials used, the process, and the narrative or concept behind the piece.
The purpose is to provide deeper insight into a particular piece, helping viewers connect with and understand the specific artwork on a more intimate level. It often accompanies the artwork in exhibitions, galleries, or online platforms.
On the podcast, Mom and I give you lots of tips for how you can write amazing artwork statements!
162: Why Do You Host This Podcast with Your Mom?
Jul 25, 2024
Show notes
This episode covers the Adventures in Arting podcast’s origin story, technical challenges, evolution, ups and downs, and the significance of surpassing 21 episodes, and most importantly: a bit about Mom’s upbringing and relationship to art.
And as always, you get to enjoy the dynamic between us — our banter, shared experiences, and future plans for the podcast. The podcast blends personal anecdotes, technical insights, and reflections on the growth and dedication that drive us both!
From her home in northern British Columbia, Canada, through her video lessons on her website and YouTube, Angela Fehr has created a community of watercolor lovers that spans the globe.
She wants every painter to know the freedom of fearless self expression and she has made it her mission to share this empowering message through lessons in heart-prioritizing watercolour technique and loose intuitive painting.
More than anything she demonstrates that the most important thing you bring to your art is you.
On the podcast we discuss Angela’s art journey and why she does what she does.
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