Nitty Gritty
Nitty Gritty is an art podcast hosted by international artist Kate Florence. It shares honest, unfiltered conversations with successful artists around the world about building a creative life. Episodes tackle rarely discussed topics such as money, creative burnout, galleries, and artist mindset. The show also offers actionable strategies for sustaining a creative practice and explores the breakthroughs, redirections, and hard-won lessons of an art career. New episodes are released every other Wednesday.
Episodes
What an £83k Month Looks Like — with Tabby Booth
I’m back with illustrator, artist and curator Tabby Booth for round two! A year after her first Nitty Gritty episode, we caught up outside the Tate Modern for a chat I'm very excited to share.Since we last caught up, Tabby has launched her Substack, Cult of Create, where she shares more of the inner workings of her practice — money, motherhood and the truths of being a working artist. We talk
Stop Confusing Fans with Buyers — with Kate Florence
Got a big following but no one's buying? I'm flying solo today to break down the difference between building an audience of peers and one of buyers, and why your approach to content makes all the difference when it comes to selling art online.I get into why attention doesn't equal intent, how "process content" can bring about students instead of collectors, and why clarity (not virality) is what a
Does Dark Art Have a Home? — with Arne Ohlsen
This week Flick joins me in Copenhagen for a chat with artist Arne Ohlsen.Arne started his art practice in Australia while working as a carpenter, painting on wooden offcuts because canvas was out of reach. He gained momentum quickly, exhibited at several shows, and moved into a full-time creative practice before returning to Europe, where the work turned darker, leaning into identity, isolation,
Too Pretty to Be an Artist — with Bombony
Should your work look like an extension of you? This week, I sit down in Lisbon with Ukrainian-born, Portugal-based textile artist Bombony. Best known for her geometric textile works, Bombony draws on her background in architecture to create intuitive compositions that balance structure and softness, allowing meaning to reveal itself over time.As a single mother and full-time artist, she's built a
How to Actually Sell Art — With My Own Marketing Strategist
This week we’re getting a crash course in Marketing 101 with the person who markets me — Felicity “Flick” Brown, my marketing and brand strategist, plus basically 55 other jobs in one.For the past 18 months, Flick has helped me scale my art business, and now we’re finally sitting down to unpack exactly how we got here — from landing on my new marketing plan to all the trial and error attempts we m
Stop Making Excuses — with Adam Baker
Nitty Gritty is on tour with me while I move around Europe and this week I'm in London with oil painter Adam Baker.In his practice, Adam focuses on intimate, imagined snapshots of queer life and love, drawing on personal experience to build fictionalised narratives that speak to the emotional complexity of contemporary queer identity.Baker often investigates the contradictions of connection — how
Selling Art Like Prada — with Bella Mcgoldrick
Bella McGoldrick and Tyler Rogers built a thriving art business by breaking every rule the traditional art world swears by.As the duo behind Looks Pretty Good, Bella is a coloured pencil artist producing hyperrealistic works inspired by mementos from the places she's lived, and Ty, with a background in design and tech, keeps the wheels of their art business turning behind the scenes.Ty's decision
How Structure Maximises Creativity — with Crossing Threads
Creativity thrives inside structure, and Lauren and Kass of Crossing Threads are proof.This week, I sat down with the Sydney-based sisters behind one of Australia's most distinctive fibre art practices. Together, they use weaving as a way of exploring emotion, memory and connection through texture and form — describing their creative practice as "breathing through their hands."This episode tackles
Fear Is Your Friend — with Kate Florence
Befriending fear has been the best decision I ever made. Today I'm flying solo and sharing the lesson that’s underpinned my creative career. In the last few months, I've made some enormous changes. I left my studio of five years, my community, and the entire foundation my creative practice had come to depend on. A choice to bite into the bitter taste of fear, hoping for something sweeter unde
All Artists Are Damaged — with Loribelle Spirovski
We’re back for our 5th season, and starting us off is an incredible conversation with Loribelle Spirovski.Loribelle is a Filipina-Australian artist who, after almost giving up her art career due to a persistent nerve injury, intuitively taught herself to finger paint. What began as an act of perseverance became a technique that liberated her as an artist, ultimately leading to her winning the 2025
KATE FLORENCE — The Host in the Hot Seat (Q&A with Sophia D’Urso)
UNO REVERSE! Kate's on the other side of the mic this week for an expansive Q&A with Sophia D’Urso of ArtSupport.From the psychology of sales to what bubble wrap to buy, this chat spans the mindset and mechanics of building and sustaining a serious art practice.Kate shares her rules around commissions, how buyers invest in the story of you, and the not-so-sexy logistical realities of shipping,
SOPHIA D’URSO — Advice from an Art Mentor every artist should hear
This week I’m chatting with the brilliant Sophia D’Urso, founder of ArtSupport and one of the most insightful voices in the Australian arts space.Sophia created ArtSupport after her own creative journey, with a mission to equip artists and arts workers with the tools, resources and confidence to build sustainable careers. Through mentorships, workshops, and her weekly newsletter packed with opport
LOLA ERHART - The creative cost of constant scrolling
It’s that time again, and this week I’m sitting down with the talented Argentinian visual artist, Lola Erhart. Lola is a painter born in Buenos Aires and now based in the forest of Patagonia. Her figurative work takes the human body as an object of study, exploring the way emotional and fundamental parts of the human psyche can be displayed through brushstrokes. Lola’s models are friends or w
TAMIKA HOGAN - Goodbye flighty artist, hello businesswoman
This week I’m joined by self-taught oil painter Tamika Hogan for a grounded conversation about the evolution of her practice over the last 6 years, becoming a full-time artist while co-parenting her son. Known for her immersive West Australian land and seascapes, Tamika’s paintings have an entrancing ability to translate the power and stillness of nature into timeless and immersive works of a
KATE FLORENCE — The gallery red flags that cost me $25K
Story time this week. In light of recent events, I wanted to share my experience with galleries — the red flags I ignored, the things I’d do differently now, and the lessons that could have saved me a lot of pain and struggle. If you’re navigating gallery relationships, big opportunities, or that uneasy feeling you can’t quite name, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
REAL FUN, WOW! — How Daren Magee built a multi-stream creative machine
This week, I caught up with illustrator, muralist, designer, and all-round creativity machine, Daren Thomas Magee, aka Real Fun, Wow!His work lives somewhere between imagination and reality—often landing in that weird, wonderful in-between space. With everything from prints and books to socks, posters, tapestry and tiles, it's obvious Daren is constantly pouring his creativity into every avenue he
BIANCA PINTAN — The freedom of sharing creative secrets
This week, my studio partner Holly and I sit down in Byron with self-taught ceramic artist and educator Bianca Pintan, and walk away completely energised by her passion, creativity and warmth.Bianca’s bold colours, sculptural forms, and intuitive, hand-built process grew from playful experimentation in her garage into a body of work and workshops that inspire artists worldwide. Guided by colour, e
JESS COCHRANE - The pursuit of legacy and a place among the greats
This week, I’m in the studio of London-based Australian artist Jess Cochrane to chat through her modern take on a traditional art practice. Jess’s paintings depict scenes from the everyday with a focus on familiar scenes of gathering and the things we as humans tend to gather, focusing on themes of consumerism, pop culture and fashion. Jess shares openly about the ambition that drives her-
TABBY BOOTH - “Instagram artist” vs “real artist”
This week I’m joined by UK-based artist, illustrator and curator Tabby Booth, whose work treads between illustration and traditional folk art painting. We get into the tension between being an “Instagram artist” versus a “real artist,” the snobbery that still lingers in traditional galleries, how to push through cringe to find success online, and the creative challenges of commission work.As
TABLE TALK: Softedge Studio - Craftsmen and Copycats with Layla Cluer
To round off the Table Talk series, we’re sitting down with Layla Cluer, the creative force behind Softedge Studio and the mind behind the beautiful plates that graced our Table Talk lunch.Crafted by skilled makers in the tiny town of Hasami, Japan, Layla’s work reimagines the art of eating, blending form and function to bring beauty into everyday moments.In this chat, we hear the journey of Softe
TABLE TALK: The artistry of food with Maria’s Byron Bay
This episode of Table Talk takes us out of the studio and into the kitchen. Maya and Chelsea of Maria’s Byron Bay are culinary artists who blur the line between food and art - and the creative geniuses who brought my recent collection to life as caterers for the Table Talk lunch.Before the event, Holly Terry and I stepped into their kitchen to dive into their creative process, their inspirations,
TABLE TALK: Ten artists. One couch. Five big questions.
This episode marks a first for Nitty Gritty. TEN creative minds on one couch, diving into the nittiest and grittiest questions we’ve ever asked.Welcome to Table Talk, a short series we’re dropping ahead of my upcoming print collection, which is all about connection. Call it debate, call it a deep sleepover chat - this episode is honest, insightful, and full of colliding perspectives. It’s eve
SASHA COURT - Fu*k the rules and follow your intuition
This week I’m joined by Canadian ceramicist Sasha Court for a chat that’s basically creative rocket fuel. We unpack ditching the 9 to 5, breaking up with galleries, hanging onto childlike curiosity, and how she leaned into the intuitive path that’s carried her to where she is today. Sasha is pure creative fire with infectious confidence and we hope this conversation leaves feeling ready to take on
HANNAH MÜLLER-HILLEBRAND - Buy my art before I’m dead
Hello and welcome back!! Season 4 of Nitty Gritty is officially here, and I’m so grateful to you for putting me back in your ears.We’re starting the season with a special one. Berlin-based contemporary artist Hannah Müller-Hillebrand joins me for an insightful chat on the magic, mess, and challenges that have shaped her as a creative. Together, we unpack the freedom at the heart of her work,
A Look Back at Season 3
Thank you for being part of this big, beautiful season of Nitty Gritty!We’ve heard from so many incredible artists this season, and although they’re all on unique creative paths, some recurring themes carried through these chats. So to wrap things up, we’ve stitched together the nitty gritty bits that echoed across the season!Thank you to the listeners for your support and to all the artists for s
KATE & HOLLY - Copycats, criticism & the cost of putting yourself out there
This week, Kate sits down with studio buddy, Holly to discuss some of the trickier things one is faced with being an artist… like handling nasty comments online, copycats who straight-up steal style, competition in the art world and much more! Please reach out to us with any questions from this week's episode we love to hear your thoughts and feedback! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f
KATE FLORENCE - Why comparison is infecting your creative brain
This week is just a little solo episode with Kate, as she shares some of her ideas around why comparison is a blocker for creativity and the cycle of negativity it can create within a creative practice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
ZOE GREY - The gift of time & the courage of doing less
This week i chat with abstract painter Zoe grey from Tasmania. This was such a great chat thanks to Zoe for being so open and honest about life an an artist.Her Solo show with James Makin Gallery in Melbourne Runs from 31st May - 21st June. 10-4pmhttps://www.instagram.com/zoe__makes/?hl=enhttps://www.zoe-grey.com/about Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
KATE FLORENCE - Creating Creative Structure
This week its just little old me chatting about the things that i have found really help me build structure within my days of being a full time artist. I share some favourite quotes and much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
JONNI CHEATWOOD - Making space to create with intention
This week, I sit down with LA based Contemporary painter Jonni Cheatwood. Innovative in his practice, I was so excited to speak with Jonni and learn more about his avante garde approach to canvas making. Interweaving mixed media, abstraction and personal narrative, Jonni explores the multifaceted themes of identity, anonymity and memory through his art. Constructing his canvases as quilt-like as
Q&A - With Kate Florence and Holly Terry
This week, I sit down with my good friend and studio buddy, Holly Terry. We sit down to answer your questions, from how to price your work, the pros and con's of working with retail spaces, and the most loved materials we use. Thanks so much for the great questions everyone !! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MUSONGA MBOGO - Identity, art & the freedom of structure
This week i sit down with Musonga Mbogo, a visual artist and painter based in Canberra NSW, Australia. We chatted about the importance of paving the way to create the things you want to see in the world, the importance of rushing yourself and using art as a way of finding your own identity as a human and an artist. How location and culture deeply impacts his art practice, and it was so amazing to
JULZ BERESFORD - Embodying the spirit of a landscape and the power of age
This week I’m speaking with Julz Beresford, a traditional painter from the countryside of rural New South Wales! Having grown up immersed in the outdoors, Julz’s intent with her work is for the audience to feel engaged with the energy of the landscape and to embody how it feels to be there. We go through what it looks like to be a plein air artist, using your environment for endless inspirati
ABBEY RICH - Bridging the art divide and reimagining everyday spaces
In this week's episode, I chat with public and exhibiting artist, Abbey Rich. Passionate about working in public space, Abbey has worked with communities around the world to make artworks that are accessible to everyone. Through colour, pattern and warmth these collaborative pieces make everyday spaces feel brighter and more welcoming.Together we talk about the impact of making accessible art, job
KATE FLORENCE - Reflections from growth in 2024
This week, it’s just me behind the mic, reflecting on changes I made in my practice that helped me grow in 2024. I chat about finding inspiration in memories, being honest on social media, trusting that scary leaps can pay off, and learning (the hard way) that saying no is essential to avoiding burnout. We've got so many incredible conversations coming this season! Be sure to follow the pod o
MATT CAUCHI - Making art you love and managing comparison
This week I sit down with Matt Cauchi, a Sydney-based mixed media artist focused on pushing texture-based boundaries. His paintings are tactfully layered to reveal an interesting exploration of depth and dimension in his work. With his talents being celebrated in galleries around the world, Matt's aim is that each piece reveals a considered balance between beauty and chaos.In this episode, we talk
ASH HOLMES - Staying curious, embracing challenge & running a gallery
This week i sit down with Ash Holmes, an abstract painter and co owner of HAKE House gallery, we discuss her career as an artist and the ups and downs that come with that. We discuss what Ash looks for in artists she works with at the gallery, her fear of public speaking and how she manages to stay curious in her practice. Loved this chat thanks so much Ash!!https://www.hake.house/https://ashleigh
STATE OF ART - The power of sharing a studio
This week I sit down with some of my studio family- Rosie Woods, Holly Terry and Ebony Dew. Together we unpack life at The State of Art, exploring the highs and lows of sharing space, studio dynamics, and what it truly means to create and thrive as a collective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are prints devaluing your work?
This week is a solo episode, in which i breakdown the much request topic of how or if ever to make prints of original artwork. I breakdown my approach to making prints of my work and how its important to find a balance and structure around the sale of art reproduction prints. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
TAMARA DEAN - Hope and creativity in an ever changing world
This week i sit down with renowned Australian photographer Tamara Dean! I loved this chat so much thank you to Tamara for being so open and honest about her process as an artist over the 25 years she has been creating. I truly engaging and inspiring conversation. https://www.instagram.com/tamaradean/?hl=enhttps://www.tamaradean.com.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information
KATE FLORENCE- Transitioning from an unfulfilling job to a creative career
This week, I chat through some of the things that helped me make the challenging transition from a full time unfulfilling career into painting full time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
KYLE STEED - The importance of perspective, human connection and self representation
This weeks chat was so great! I sit down with Kyle Steed, a painter and Muralist based In Texas. Kyle is my first international guest, so much honest insight in this chat thanks so much to Kyle for bringing his calming energy and warmth to todays chat.His Website is https://www.kylesteed.com His Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kylesteed/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform
CASSI YOUNG - Global Fine Art Director at Artworks Group
This week I am in Singapore and I sit down with the lovely Cassi, the Global Fine Art Director at Artworks group in Singapore. We discuss her journey into the fine art world, the culture of high-end London auction houses and her transition into the gallery world. We discuss what Cassi looks for in Artists that the gallery chooses to work with, the artist gallery Relationship and much much more!I c
RAINBOW STUDIOS - Behind the scenes with Jade Gillett
This week is something a little bit different, Kate sits down with co founder of Rainbow studios Jade Gillet to discuss life behind the scenes of the gallery / concept space, we discuss the artist gallery relationship, Jades and Brent's unique approach to thinking outside the box when it comes to setting up a gallery space and her journey so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i
SARA WINFIELD - Creative redirection, authenticity & imposter syndrome
This week Kate sits down with abstract painter Sara Winfield, based in Fremantle WA, Sara discusses her personal creative journey , how she moved through different creative industries, how she's developed her painting career as a business, how become a mother made her more honest in her work, and so so much more! Sara was so honest and open in this chat and i know that it will be amazing for you t
ROSIE WOODS - Murals, self comparison and investing in your work
This week I sit down with my dear friend and studio partner Rosie Woods, a muralist and painter from the UK based between Australia and UK. Rosie has been in the business of painting murals for many years, collaborating with brands such as Nike, Meta, Red bull and many more. I am endlessly inspired by Rosie and her skills, this was such an insightful and honest conversation about the ups and downs
LAUREN JONES - Motherhood, creative practice and facilitating workshops
This week i sit down with painter, Lauren Jones. We discuss the many realms of creative living, alongside motherhood, the challenges of the long term nature of being a professional artist as well as facilitating workshops and much much more! Her website is https://laurenjones.gallery/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurenjones_art/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information
AMBER CRESWELL BELL - What a leading art curator looks for in emerging artists
This week Kate chats with Amber Creswell Bell, renowned art curator and author based in Sydney. Amber has spent over a decade celebrating the arts through her publications and championing emerging artists. They chat about working creatively outside the 9-5, the mystical world of galleries, what she looks for in up and coming talent and much much more!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo
EMMA CURRIE - Harnessing self doubt and releasing artist guilt
This week Kate chats to Emma Currie, a figurative painter based in Naarm, Melbourne. We chat about artist guilt, self belief, self doubt and the ups and downs of exhibiting works and much much more!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SYLVIE KETTLE - Art as a reflection of life
This week Kate chats to Sylvie Kettle - an abstract figurative painter. She has such a beautiful insight into living as an artist and this conversation was so special! https://www.sylviekettle.comhttps://www.instagram.com/kettlepaints/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
WELCOME BACK Ft life update
Hello! We are back after a well needed break - Here is a little life update on whats been going on during this time away from the podcast! Super excited to bring this next season to you all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
KATE & HOLLY - Money mindset, approaching galleries and sharing studios
This week Kate chats with holly terry again - this time we discuss our approach to contacting galleries, the ways that we present the works, the importance of attention to details. We also chat about the importance of sharing studio space and the ups and downs that have come with it, as well as mindset around money and numbers when it comes to making art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo
KATE FLORENCE - Tools that have helped me grow my business
This week is a short solo episode in which Kate shares some of the most beneficial things that have helped her build her art practice into creative business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
AMANDA JONES- Turning poetic literature into visual art
This week Kate Chats to poet, film maker and visual artist Amanda Jones. We chat imposter syndrome, the connection between visual and phonetic language, her upcoming solo exhibition an much more!Her upcoming solo exhibition at retreat space https://thecalmm.com/Her website https://amandajones.art/pages/aboutInstagram https://www.instagram.com/amanda______jones/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com
MAYA IRVING - Embodying Sexual & Creative energies through art and healing
This week Kate chats with emerging, painter, performance and video artist based in Wurundjuri country, Maya Irving. This was such an engaging, raw and vulnerable chat in which we discuss, the patriarchal set up of social media, the male gaze, nudity as art, the relationship between sexual and creative energy and the journey of Mayas creative path so far. For me she truly embodies the pure essence
ALISON MOONEY - Leaning into fear and challenging society’s expectations
This week i chat with Alison Mooney Alison money is an abstract artist based here on the the Sunshine coast Gubbi Gubbi country. Her work moves between large scale public and private murals, installation art and a studio painting practice. Not only is she a practicing artist but she has worked for many years behind the scenes of multiple regional galleries and has played a big part in su
RHYS JOHN KAYE - Staying in alignment & creating with intention
This week i chat with Rhys John Kaye, an painter based in Naarm. I loved this chat and hearing all about his journey through the years from such an honest and open perspective. His website is - https://www.killjohnkaye.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rhysjohnkaye/Solo exhibition coming up at No vacancy gallery Melbourne - https://www.no-vacancy.com.au/story Hosted on Acast. See acast.co
KATE FLORENCE - Creating a positive mindset for a solo exhibition
This week, Kate does a short episode in which she shares from her personal experiences and shares her top tips on creating a positive mindset around having a solo exhibition or releasing a body of work. This can typically be a very daunting and stressful time that feels scary and full of pressure to "suceed", but these are the main things that kate feels really help her through these times. xx Ho
OCTAVIA TOMYN - The art of building a creative business
This week Kate chats with Octavia Tomyn, a painter based in Naarm. We discuss all the things, from building your own brand, starting from scratch, embracing failures, not allowing your art to define your self worth, her embodiment of faith and much much more! Thanks so much for this chat, Octavia was super open and warm and answered my questions so well. Find her online at https://www.octaviatomyn
CHARLIE BROPHY - Finding realignment and the many eras of creating
This week, Kate chats with Charlie Brophy, a dear friend and photographer based in Naarm. We discuss the creative journey in all its era's and finding re- alignment after almost burning out, how she returns to her practice after taking a huge break from industry, and how she learnt to listen to her gut and trust herself and her work and much more! Her webistes https://www.charliebrophy.com/Her we
HOLLY TERRY - Returning to self and trusting your gut
This week, Kate chats with self taught painter, friend and studio partner Holly Terry. Holly talks about her journey into becoming an artist full time, how she approaches valuing her work and evolving her style, as well as her ongoing journey with mental health. Along with much much more! Such a beautiful honest conversation thanks so much to Holly for taking the time and space to chat to me, as w
MARISA MU - Taking risk and redefining success
This week Kate chats with Marisa Mu, a multi disciplinary artist based in Naarm. We chat about building a brand as an emerging artist, showing up for yourself in times of deep struggle and hardship, how to pick yourself up when things go wrong, the beauty of taking risk and much much more !Marisas website is https://marisamu.com/. INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/marisa.mu/?hl=enHer upcoming so
CHARLOTTE ALLDIS - Remaining playful and staying authentic
Kate chats to Charlotte about the many stages of her painting practice up until this point, from her earliest childhood creation, Melanie Teabag to hosting her first show in her share house living room. Charlotte shares how she approached finding her authentic style, her relationship with her inner critic and how she navigates valuing her work both emotionally and financially. Plus much much more
The Genesis of Nitty Gritty
Welcome! Nitty Gritty is the podcast that delves deep into the underworld of being an artist from a raw and honest perspective.This is a short introduction episode, in which your host Kate Florence shares some background on the story behind the making of this project and also some snippets of her journey as a self taught painter so far! xxx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati
