What if the biggest creative block you face isn't a lack of talent, but the invisible rules you were taught to follow? In this episode, Ekaterina Popova sits down with multidisciplinary artist, muralist, and educator Brandi Hofer for a raw and energizing conversation about breaking free from academic perfectionism. Brandi pulls back the curtain on why she stopped hiding her use of projectors, how she balances a massive creative output with raising three children, and why giving yourself permission to play is the ultimate career fuel.

Suzanne V Paddock didn't set out to become an animal painter, she arrived there through grief, isolation, and a household that grew to nine cats and a dog. In this interview, the Virginia-based oil painter talks about what her pets have taught her about trust and social dynamics, how a devastating loss during the pandemic realigned her sense of purpose, and why the most meaningful moments in her work are the ones that are easy to overlook.

In this intimate artist feature and Art & Cocktails podcast episode, Lauren E. Peters shares her journey with self-portraiture, identity, costuming, and creative longevity. From returning to painting after a hiatus to balancing art with a career in the arts, Lauren offers powerful insights into building a meaningful, sustainable practice.