Tax and Money Conversations for Sensitive Creatives with Hannah Cole

Podcast
Written By Create! Magazine

In a new episode of the Create! Podcast, Ekaterina Popova sits down with artist and tax professional Hannah Cole, founder of Sunlight Tax, to talk about her new book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

This conversation is for artists, curators, freelancers, and gallery professionals who want a kinder, clearer way to approach money and taxes without shame or overwhelm.

Hannah, an exhibiting artist turned tax expert, shares the personal experience of being dismissed by an accountant and how that moment pushed her to build a humane, accessible tax education platform for creatives. If you have ever felt judged, confused, or “bad with money,” this episode offers both comfort and practical guidance.

She reframes money as a tool for good, referencing examples like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and shows how financial literacy can support your creative life rather than threaten it.


What we cover in this episode

  • The inspiration behind Taxes for Humans and why Hannah decided to put everything she teaches in her programs into one affordable, comprehensive book.

  • How being dismissed by an accountant fueled her mission to advocate for creative people and make tax education welcoming and accessible.

  • Why the fear of “not having it together” is the most common thread among creative entrepreneurs and how it feeds imposter syndrome.

  • The divide between artists and accountants, and how Hannah bridges two very different worlds so artists can step into their role as entrepreneurs.

  • How to become confident with taxes and money management without losing your creative spark or individuality.

  • A powerful mindset shift to see money as a tool for impact rather than a source of shame or anxiety.

  • The real difference between a “hobby” and a “business” in the eyes of the IRS, and why the bar for being considered a business is lower than many artists think.

  • The single most important first technical step you can take today to become more organized and compliant, even if you feel behind.

Hannah offers a grounded, gentle approach that respects both the realities of the tax system and the sensitivity of creative people. She reminds us that you can be a serious artist and also be excellent with money.

About Hannah Cole and Sunlight Tax

Hannah Cole is a tax expert who specializes in working with creative businesses and artists. She is a long-time working artist with a high-level exhibition history, host of the Sunlight Tax podcast, founder of Sunlight Tax, and author of Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Website: https://www.sunlighttax.com

Special pre-order link and bonuses

Special for Create! Magazine and Art and Cocktails listeners, Hannah is offering:

  • A discounted price on the book and workbook

  • A pre-order bonus of free access to her course IRS-Proof Your Deductions (normally 97 dollars)

Use this link to order the book and workbook and claim the pre-order bonus:
https://www.sunlighttax.com/

After you place your order, fill out the brief form on that page to get instant access to the IRS-Proof Your Deductions

Resources mentioned in the episode

Connect with Hannah

You can also reach Hannah at: hannah@sunlighttax.com

Submit your work to Create! Magazine

Create! Magazine is always excited to discover and share new voices in contemporary art. Submit your work to our current open call here:

https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art

Create! Magazine
Next

Emi Avora at D Contemporary: A Private Curated Exhibition