The Real Work of Being an Artist on The Magic Hour

What does it mean to build a creative practice that’s both intentional and evolving?

In this episode of The Magic Hour, CEO of Unicorn Marketing CO Hope Mikal sits down with Pennylane for a grounded conversation about visual identity, creative burnout, and redefining what success looks like as a working artist today. We talk about what it really means to be an artist in today's world—from burnout and guilt to intuition, deadlines, and the myth of gallery validation. Pennylane shares hard truths and gentle encouragement for anyone navigating the expectations of being seen, selling work, and still finding joy in the process.

We explore how Pennylane’s consulting work has shaped the careers of thousands of artists, the invisible pressure creatives feel to constantly produce, and how to find your visual voice without getting lost in the noise. From breaking away from the traditional gallery path to embracing structure in your play, this episode is packed with thoughtful insights for visual artists trying to make honest, impactful work in 2025.

To listen visit Spotify.