Episode 32 - How I ‘Dreamed Out Loud’ into a Full-Time Art Career – Amanda Markel

Looking for help to improve your painting skills? Join my Animal Painting Skool, where I share my entire process and members are seeing incredible results: https://www.skool.com/animal-portrait-painting/aboutAmanda’s Links:Website – https://agmarkel.com/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/a.g.markel/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AGMarkelFineArtBooks & Resources Referenced During the Interview:​ Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear​ The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson​ The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team by Patrick M.Lencioni​ The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay PapasanJordan Peterson PodcastSlaying the Dragon Within UsDunzoExecutive Assistanthttps://www.getdunzo.com/UPWORKhttps://upwork.comSummarySculptor Amanda Markel (b. 1994) shares how she went from self-educated beginnings to full-time artist in2022, developing a signature bronze style that uses intentional negative space to suggest movement, “lostedges,” and co-creation with the viewer. She describes how constraints in bronze led her to innovate, whyvulnerability and story live inside her pieces, and how that distinct style accelerated recognition.On the business side, Amanda urges artists to pick a specific goal, reverse-engineer a path, and “dream outloud”—a practice that directly led to her first large-scale wolf sculpture, then a three-wolf installation at BensonSculpture Garden (ultimately installed at 14 feet). She credits community, mentors, and even trusted collectorsfor candid feedback, and shares practical systems for staying inspired and consistent.Takeaways​ Choose a specific end goal, then reverse-engineer the steps and timeline to get there—you’ll “collapsetime” versus wandering.​ “Dream out loud”: say what you want publicly so others can open doors; that approach led directly toher first monument-scale commission.​ Signature style came from embracing constraints of bronze—using negative space, lost edges, andimplied motion to make work identifiably hers.​ Telling personal stories in your work helps audiences connect; vulnerability can move people to tearsand build community.​ Community is a force multiplier: build mentors, peers, and even collector-friends who’ll give honestfeedback and act like an advisory board.​ Treat it like a business: know your ideal client, and optimize channels (galleries vs. shows) to matchyour strengths.​ Practical studio systems sustain creativity: finish the day by resetting your space; use tiny “AtomicHabits” steps to build momentum.​ Apprenticeship and critique accelerate growth—seek generous teachers and structured feedback loops.​ Don’t trade passion for money; protect the joy that keeps you creating for the long haul.​ Art is meaning-making: negative and positive spaces (and life’s highs and lows) both belong; that’s whyart matters to culture.​ A clear, distinct style makes you easy to recognize—and speeds up career traction.​ Real example of momentum: a small wolf became 6.5 ft, which led to a three-wolf commission installedat 14 ft at Benson Sculpture Garden.Looking for help to improve your painting skills? Join my Animal Painting Skool, where I share my entire process and members are seeing incredible results: https://www.skool.com/animal-portrait-painting/about