In Episode 24, I talk to the Artistic Director of the Belfry Theatre, Michael Shamata.  Michael tells us about his interesting and impressive career, how he got started in the theatre and what his favourite parts of his job entails.  Michael tells us about how to get involved in the arts to figure out what path to take, and how hard work and a bit of luck can help guide you to your calling. We also chat about the importance of the arts in a pandemic where arts organizations everywhere are struggling to survive.  >> Check out the Belfry Theatre on Instagram: Instagram  >> Here's the Belfry Theatre's website:  Website >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives >> If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my own artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com

In Episode 23, I talk to award-winning watercolour artist, illustrator and mural artist Sara Khan.  Sara's work is vibrant with colour and rich in narrative, weaving her life experiences into the complex imagery of her paintings. Born in the UK, raised in Pakistan and now living in Vancouver, BC, Sara draws from her rich history in different environments to create stunning pieces that draw the viewer in, leaving you wanting to know more about her story and her artistic processes.  >> Follow Sara on Instagram to see her new work: Instagram  >> Check out Sara's past work here:  Website >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives >> If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my own artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com

In Episode 22, I talk to web designer and artist, Parisa Golchoubian. Parisa left her career in engineering where she was designing software for self-driving cars last year just before the pandemic started.   She is now building a business that involves selling her art and art prints, as well as teaching other artists how to design successful websites that help sell their art. She designs custom websites as well, and has thought of all the steps artists can take to ensure that they are speaking to their ideal art buyer.  >> Check out Parisa's amazing artwork and her course for artists here: Parisa's website >> Get Parisa's Website Project Planner here (bottom of page): Website Project Planner >> You can follow what she's up to on Instagram here: Instagram >> Follow the Empowered Creatives Club on Clubhouse here: Empowered Creatives Club >> Listen to Renée and Parisa's upcoming talks on Figuring Out Where Your Art Fits In: Clubhouse talk >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives >> If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com

In Episode 21, I talk to the amazing Montreal-based artist. Daniel Barrow.  We talk about his incredible work that explores narratives through animation, projections and sculpture, he tells us about how he became a full-time artist 20 years ago, and he provides some insight into how artists can pursue art as a career.  >> Check out Daniel's amazing artwork here: Daniel Barrow website >> You can follow what he's up to on Instagram here: Instagram >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives >> If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com

Episode 20 takes us on a journey with Ira Hoffecker from her time growing up in Germany finding inspiration in art and the city, to her career in the fast-paced film industry and her current work that explores urban architecture and organic plant forms.  We talk about the importance of artists showing and promoting their work, advice for how artists can transition into a full-time career, and how artists can benefit greatly from becoming part of an arts community. >> Check out Ira's artwork here: Ira Hoffecker >> Check out her current exhibition, on until May 23rd: Transitions at Fortune Gallery >> Follow her on Instagram here:  Ira's Instagram >> Join my free, online workshop, 3 Steps to Selling Your Art here: Workshop Registration >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives >> If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com

In Episode 19, I talk to Taryn Coulson, an artist who paints and creates murals. We talk about how she developed her unique artistic style, and how experimentation is an integral part of her artistic practice.  This is an awesome episode for artists who are interested in developing their unique artistic voice and style, and how to commit to an artistic practice that can help you get there.  >> Check out Taryn's artwork here: Taryn Coulson >> Follow her on Instagram here:  Taryn's Insta >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives >> If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com

Episode 18 takes us behind the scenes of a brand new non-profit arts organization, with founder of the Esquimalt Community Arts Hub, Laura-Beth Keane. We talked about the challenges and joys of starting and running a non-profit gallery and artisan retail space, as well as some of the amazing programming that Laura-Beth and the gallery are planning, including anti-racism initiatives, art garden tours and more!  This is a great episode for anyone interested in learning about non-profit art galleries and how they are run, as well as how artists and community members can get involved.  Colour Theory: An Anti-Racism Art Exhibit - https://www.ecah.ca/colour-theory (Submissions now open until April 10, 2021) Learn more about ECAH here: https://www.ecah.ca Become a member here: https://www.ecah.ca/membership Call for facilitators: https://www.ecah.ca/careers Nonprofit AF: https://nonprofitaf.com/  ArtsBC: https://artsbc.org >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives >> If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com

Episode 17 takes us on an interesting journey with painter, sculpture and mural artist, Luke Ramsey to discover how he started out as an artist, and what his path to becoming a professional artist looked like.  In this interview we explored how collaborative art helped shape his career and fund an artist residency he and his partner ran on Pender Island, how the punk DIY culture informed his career, and what he thinks about art in the digital universe.  >> You can check out more about Luke and his work here:  Luke Ramsey website >> You can view the collaborative drawings with Luke and Nunavut artist, Qavavau Manumie here: Collaborative Drawings >> You can view Luke's work at Madrona Gallery here: Madrona Gallery >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives >> Never miss an episode, subscribe here: subscribe! >> If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com

Episode 16 is a behind-the-scenes look at a career in illustration and comic creation with Renee Nault, the illustrator of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale graphic novel. Renee talks about how she got started in illustration, finding an illustration agent, what it was like working directly with Margaret Atwood, and more!  Renee has had an amazing career in illustration, her work is so interesting and beautiful, and this interview was a real pleasure! >> You can check out more about Renee and her work here:  Renee Nault  >> You can check out her amazing process videos here: Renee Nault on Youtube >> You can buy The Handmaid's Tale graphic novel, signed by Renee here: The Handmaid's Tale  >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives >> Never miss an episode, subscribe here: subscribe! >> If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com

Episode 15 takes us in a new direction with Jzero Schuurman, where we explore electronic music, touring and creating music, as well as what the future for live music might hold.  Jzero is a musician, DJ, music promoter and the Director of The Fifty Fifty Arts Collective.  >> You can check out more about Jzero's musical project Psychic Pollution here: https://psychicpollution.bandcamp.com >> You can check out his radio show Audio Osmosis here: https://www.facebook.com/AudioOsmosis/ >> Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group >> Never miss an episode, subscribe here: subscribe! >> If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! [email protected] >> You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com