How Art Studio Owners Can Build Financial Security

Running an art studio is deeply rewarding, but financially shaky. As painting sales, commissions, teaching income and studio rentals fluctuate, many studio-owners feel insecure about covering basic costs. The good news: there are strategies you can start now to bring stability, reduce stress, and build a buffer.

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How Painters Can Collaborate to Grow Their Practice and Community

If you’re a painter, teamwork isn’t just about convenience. Collaborating with other artists opens doors to fresh ideas, new audiences, and creative breakthroughs. Here’s how you can connect, partner up, and build something that lifts everyone involved.

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Cradled vs. Uncradled Wood Panels: What Every Painter Should Know

Let’s talk painting surfaces. If you’ve sketched or painted on an artist wood panel, you’ve probably run into the terms “cradled” and “uncradled.” It’s easier than it sounds and it’s a solid choice that’ll affect your finished work.

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How Visual Artists Can Boost Real Engagement on Instagram in 2025

If you’re an artist using Instagram, whether you paint for fun, teach art, or just share your creative journey, getting real engagement can feel like trying to push a boulder uphill. But it doesn’t have to be that hard. Let’s break down how to build actual connection without relying on algorithms alone or getting lost in reels about dancing pets.

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Canvas Toning Made Simple

If you’ve ever stared at a blank canvas and felt a pang of hesitation or found your colors lacking pop, toning your canvas could be the secret to unlocking more expressive, confident painting.

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Mural artist at work

How Mural Artists Can Protect Their Work from Damage and Vandalism

For mural artists, the thrill of painting a public canvas can come with heartbreak: vandalism, taggers, or weather damage can strike any day. Here are creative ways to reduce damage on murals and bring them back even stronger when it happens.

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charcoal drawing test

What Is Frottage?

Ever get stuck staring at a blank page or canvas, unsure of where to start? Frottage might just be the spark you need. Many artists love this technique for its spontaneity, subtle surprises, and hands-on simplicity. Let’s explore what frottage is, where it comes from, and how it can light up your creative process.

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Is It Cheaper to Make or Buy Canvases?

When your brushes are loaded and your vision is flowing, you’d rather paint than build. But is buying canvases or making your own more cost-effective? The answer depends on your goals and teaming up with pros like CanvasLot often comes out ahead in both value and quality.

The Cost Reality: Make vs Buy

Making your own canvases–be it stretching your own fabric or securing DIY panels–can cut material costs by up to 50 percent, especially if you’re making multiple or unusual sizes. You get total control over fabric choice and priming which can be tempting if you’re budget-conscious. But, that time isn’t free. Building, sizing, gessoing, these steps slow you down. Not to mention, if you’re not yet practiced, small mistakes can creep into corners and tension.

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6 Tips for Caring for Finished Custom Wood Panel Paintings

Finished custom wood panel paintings bring touchable texture and archival strength but they demand thoughtful care. Here’s a practical guide to help amateur and professional visual artists make their work last.

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