The Business of Art

Episode 14: Brennan Griffith

If you are a Richmond foodie, you may already know Brennan Griffith from his Thai-fusion popup Nam Prik Pao.
And if you've tried his food before, or if you follow him on social media, you know that Brennan cooking is full of creativity and, perhaps more importantly, love. 
On this episode we discuss the duality of classical French training, Brennan's love of Thai ingredients, and the challenges of running a popup. 

Episode 13: Steffanie Atkins

Steffanie Atkins is just your average Radio Professional turned Award-Winning Handywoman and Wood-worker...and by that I clearly mean Steffanie is not average in the least!
You read that right: this week's episode follows the journey of a woman who thought her life was headed in one direction, and not only took a sharp left turn in a different direction, but lead her to a level of success she could only dream of. 
Steffanie discusses her path through the radio business, how her one-person business grew into a thriving business supporting multiple families, and her Handyperson 101 classes. 

Episode 12: Suzanne Vinson

Suzanne Vinson is not only an artist, published author, and mother...she is also an ordained minister. And if you've spent anytime with Suzanne, you can see how her passion for ministry works its way into her art. 
Suzanne discusses her journey through ministry, how having more than one skillset can improve your art and your business, and how building momentum can lead to credibility.
 

Episode 11: Jamar Jones

Jamar Jones - remember that name. If you haven't seen him on stage or screen yet, you will. 
If you've seen Jamar perform, you know how immensely talented and versatile he is as an actor. He brings such specificity, you never see the same character twice; and Jamar has done a one person show where he played over 20 characters...
If you know Jamar the person, you know that his heart is bigger than his talent. Oh, and he also married me and my wife. 
Episode 11 of The Business of Art is full of laughs, stories of life as an actor in grad school, and working at a pretty famous living museum called Colonial Williamsburg. 

Episode 10: John Price

In the spring of 2020, while Richmond was experiencing a sociopolitical upheaval, John Price joined thousands of other Richmonders at the monuments on Monument Avenue. He would go on to paint an iconic picture of one of the statues in it's "covered in street art" state. 
John would never have been able to anticipate the outrage he received for, essentially, painting a still-life picture of our city. Nor could he anticipate how that painting would change the course of his life. 
John discusses his art, how he made the change from part-time to full-time professional artist...oh - and his childhood growing up in a cult. 

Episode 9: Madison Ellington

Would the 5-year-old Madison Ellington, dancing at her local dance studio West End Academy of Dance, ever have been able to dream that one day she would be the owner and boss of the very same studio?
Or that she would grow the studio some 5 times over in just a few short years? 
And would you believe that a lot of that growth happened during a time where each dancer had to be spaced 6 feet apart, all while dancing in a Dick's Sporting Goods store?
Believe it or not, all of these stories are true. You can hear Madison's incredible story on Episode 9 of The Business of Art. 

Episode 8: Melissa Walton

On The Business of Art, we've already learned the difference between Design and Art from the perspective of a Graphic Designer, and today we hear from Pastel Artist and Interior Designer Melissa Walton.
Melissa has created art for most of her entire life, and she frequently sells her work in local shops or by commission. But a few years ago Melissa decided she wanted to express her creativity in other ways while also creating a new source of income for her family.
After studying at the University of Richmond, she was hired by a local prestigious Interior Design firm, and now several years later she's helping families create their dream homes.
Hear all about Melissa's journey, and how you can find her beautiful art, on this week's episode.  

Episode 7: Maggie Bavolack

There's nothing like having one of your best friends on to make for a smooth, easy conversation. 
And wouldn't you know it, Maggie Bavolack spares no expense when it comes to dishing out the details of her time working for Radio Disney, what it was like being at the beginning of a Theatre start-up (that eventually became a crowd and critic-pleaser), and the importance of knowing WHY you do what you do, instead of always focusing on the WHAT. 

Episode 6: Juliette Oliva

Juliette is the sun...of Pixelstrike Creative, a Branding and Digital Media company creating beautiful logos and websites, and helping bring out the best in every company.
We discuss the difference between Art and Design, what it's like running a business with a business partner, and all of Juliette's many other creative skills.

Episode 5: Austin Lewis

Austin Lewis is the first fellow filmmaker to be on the pod! 
Austin has an MFA in Filmmaking from Maryland Institute College of Art, he's already completed TWO feature films, and he's just getting started. 
Hear about film festival culture, laurel farms, and Austin's journey through the independent filmmaking world.