When you’re flipping furniture, the biggest shift isn’t learning how to paint – it’s learning what’s actually worth your time. This minisode pulls together real-world perspectives from Jen Talley, Lauren Hull, Olga Muzician and Courtney Weisel on how they balance creativity with demand, choose pieces that will sell, and avoid projects that quietly drain profit. From simplifying your style to setting boundaries around what you won’t take on, this is about creating with intention so your work stays both sustainable and rewarding. In this minisode, we’re rewinding the actionable and inspiring soundbites from their Brush & Banter interviews to help you turn your passion into profit.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why “simple and timeless” often outsells trendy or overworked pieces
• How to balance your creative style with what buyers actually want
• What to look for when sourcing furniture (and what to avoid)
• The hidden cost of time, and how it impacts your profit per piece
• When to say no to projects (even when it’s hard) to prevent burnout
• How diversifying your style can expand your market without losing your identity

Hit rewind on these episodes:

• Selling on Marketplace in 2026 with Jen Talley of Perfectly Imperfect Furniture Refinishing
• The Messy Middle of a Project... And Your Career as an Artist | Reflecting on Creative Beginnings with Olga Muzician & Lauren Hull
• Coming Back From a Creative Break with Courtney Weisel of Steel Birch Studios

Creative finds from the episodes:

• Melange Paints - Jen’s discount code mentioned: JEN10

Brushes mentioned (use code BANTER10 for 10% off):

• Artist Brush Set - Small
• Palm Artist - 1” Flat Paintbrush
• Zibra’s “Bundle & Save” Sets

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

When you’re ready to turn your passion projects into income, it can be difficult and overwhelming to know where to start. Enter Kyle Mosher, Alli K., and Cyn Santos, working artists who have cracked the code to make more money as an artist without sacrificing your creativity. In this minisode, we’re rewinding the actionable and inspiring soundbites from their Brush & Banter interviews to help you turn your passion into profit.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Kyle Mosher built an artist-in-residence program to build the brand for an apartment complex
• Why Alli K. said “no” to projects more often even as competition increased
• How Cyn Santos leveraged her website to reach the right clients
• Presenting yourself as an influencer vs. a contractor
• Negotiating brand collaborations so you have creative freedom as the artist

Hit rewind on these episodes:

• Booking Brand Collabs with Kyle Mosher
• Setting Your Prices as an Artist with Alli K Design
• Landing Paid Art Projects with Major Brands & Finding Your Creative Voice with Cyn of Chalk & Brush

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

What does it actually take to build a mural business that lasts more than a decade… and still feels steady? Alli Koch shares the behind-the-scenes structure that supports her 11-year career: outsourcing before burnout hits, building a personal “board of directors,” charging for site visits, and pricing based on context instead of formulas. She talks candidly about setting boundaries even when it’s tricky - like saying “no” to free work (even for family). From being approached to publish art books to installing a 25-foot public sculpture, Alli’s story is a reminder that longevity isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right work, with the right boundaries, at the right pace.

Alli Koch is a Texas-based muralist, author, and sculptor known for her large-scale public art and modern how-to drawing books. With 11 years in business and repeat clients booking her into 2026, she mentors artists at every stage on building sustainable, confidence-led creative careers.

Connect with Alli:

• IG
• Website
• Mentoring

Creative Finds:

• Zibra Speed Drop (Redesigned) - use code BANTER10 for 10% off
• Alli K Designs Book Shop
• My Fancy Sticker Storybook by Alli K Designs

In this episode, we discuss:

• The three-person “board of directors” that keeps self-doubt in check
• Why outsourcing isn’t indulgent, it’s how you protect your momentum
• Defining success by time freedom and relationships, not just revenue
• Pricing murals through community conversations, not rigid formulas
• Staying open to opportunity while holding firm boundaries around your worth

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog