Art Chat: Finding Your Audience and Being Authentic with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer of Balzer Designs

Today we are talking with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer of Balzer Designs about the business of art, pricing your work, and finding your audience. Julie also shares tips for setting up an art studio. It's a wealth of information in today's podcast!
Where to find Julie:
Balzer Designs KZbin: / @balzerdesigns
Website: www.juliebalzer.com/
Her classes:
Design Boot Camp: ⁠www.juliebalzer.com/design-bo...
Practical Color for Painters: ⁠balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/r...
Julie's Product Pick: Carnival Wet Strength Tissue Paper: amzn.to/3SKdW2I
Try a class! lindsayweirich.teachable.com
NEW! Podcast anchor.fm/lindsay-weirich
Subscribe to my blog and stay updated (upper right-hand corner) thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com
Subscribe to my monthly-ish newsletter for class info and sales: lindsayweirich.substack.com/
Shop my favorite products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/thefrugal...
Credits:
Video production and Craft ideas: Lindsay Weirich
Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
For Sponsorships or Product Reviews email Lindsay at: [e-mail]
Social media links:
Facebook: / thefrugalcrafter
Blog: thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com
Pinterest: / boards
Twitter: / lindsayweirich
Instagram: / lindsayweirich
KZbin Subscribe: kzbin.info...
*This post may contain affiliate links
#thefrugalcrafter #watercolor #art

[@attorneycarissa]

Georgia O'Keeffe said, "I thought someone could tell me how to paint a landscape, but I never found that person. I just had to settle down and try... they could tell me how they painted their landscape, but they couldn't tell me how to paint mine." I use this as a reminder that I need to watch less videos and do more painting.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Love that!

[@paulynevandersloot5677]

I think this Art Chat is my favorite so far. She talks about a lot of things I worry about. And you talk about a lot of things that are so helpful to me. I look forward to more Art Chats. Thank you!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm so glad!

[@user-wk1mw9nj3i]

Great interview. Lots of wisdom and authentic artist advice, with two interesting personalities. It is indeed refreshing to see a real life studio instead of a setting that looks like an interior design commercial. I’m tired of seeing pristine white cabinets with all the art supplies always neatly out of sight. Thank you, enjoyed this a lot! Martha from Minnesota.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RinasAMaker]

I absolutely LOVE Julie! I’ve followed her for many years! I cried with her pregnancy announcement vlog because I was so happy for her and Steve. She’s a “get your hands in there and just go for it” type of artist. Very inspiring. This was great to see 2 of the greats together chatting ❤️

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing!! She is so awesome!

[@senseofwonder0]

Lindsay, your content is amazing and brings me a ton of joy. Thank you!!! 💓

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@attorneycarissa]

I really appreciated the reminder that just because we love art, we should still be paid for the value of it. ❤

[@veystone2580]

This podcast was so nice. Very upbeat and interesting. Julie's personality is sooo amazing! She seems to be a really nice person, very direct, to the point, transparent, and full of energy. Love her thinking process and the way she expresses and explains herself. I appreciate that quality on people, quality that you too have, Lindsay. ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it! I love Julie's candor, what you see is what you get with her. So authentic:)

[@marytesta3003]

I really enjoyed this podcast. Lindsay, you look amazing. Your hair is gorgeous. And Julie is so down to earth. So many great points were brought up that really hit home like people wanting you to give art away. I run into that in my profession as well. I went to school and spent thousands of dollars learning. You can't do it yourself but don't want to pay for my service. Oh well, bye-bye!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@128titanic9]

Hi, Lindsay and Julie. Thank you for your video.🎉.❤. Have a weekend.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You too!!

[@selenep1193]

Great conversation! Thank you! Subscribed to Julie also!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bridget9472]

Two great artists and teachers in one conversation. Brilliant!

[@deborahwyscarver9933]

This was so so fun! You and Julie are my favorite KZbin artists, and I so enjoyed your conversation!! Lindsay I’m loving your interview podcasts and I really enjoy the video versions. Thanks so much😘😃👍❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@mvass294evr]

Thank you for this lovely video. I love Julie and your podcast. It was so nice and relaxed. Not too serious, but stayed on task. I hate listening to podcasts that start somewhere, ask a question, start to answer the question and then vear off into nowhere. The question never gets answered and it leaves Mr frustrated. Both of you are a delight. Keep going with the podcasts. They are great.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks! Julie's a pro!

[@toriandrus8148]

As a natural connector, I was thrilled to see the two on this video. The realness of you both..great connection and information. Thanks, gals.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

I really enjoyed this podcast you did with Julie. It is good to get to know her better. Thank you so much.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terrilea5146]

Two of my favorite artists!! So cool!! You are both amazing!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wow, thank you!

[@ellengoodloe9786]

Oh, I'm so happy you had Julie on your Art Chat. She is one of my favorite artists and people!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm glad too!

[@sooziecougs5425]

Lindsay I am really enjoying these podcasts. So nice and interesting, a good follow on from Sat chat while I draw or whatever, it's like my feelings confirmed and agreed with in one go! Thank you so much.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wonderful!

[@robbd44]

I started art journaling because of Julie. Awesome to see this. I was traveling last week so I didn’t see this.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@BUY_YOUTUB_VIEWS_679]

You make learning an adventure

[@lauramiller8175]

Great interview! So fun to listen in to the two of you chatting about art

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terrilyon6825]

I loved this chat - I'm off to subscribe to Julie's channel. Thanks both off you for this uplifting and inspiring chat

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@WendyColeArt]

Really enjoyed this one Lindsay, Julie is a favorite of mine, she did a lot to get me started in crafting and creating, she has a great style all her own, it's not my style but it plays well with what I want to do. I gained a lot of confidence to try things by watching and listening to her. Good to see you artists opening up like this and giving us a more personal peek into your process.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Julie - so good to see & hear you - I watched all your PBS programs - love your style & enthusiasm. Lindsay - you are amazing - so knowledgeable - thank you for being so dependable & reviewing everything. I check w/you before I invest in any art supplies! YES - creating is a NECESSITY Thank you both for sharing!!

[@MbSaidSo]

Two of my favorite teachers in one place! Great discussion - though I would have expected nothing less. P.S. Julie - speaking for lawyers everywhere, no... no we don't! Lol

[@thefrugalcrafter]

😆

[@paulage1art]

Love the authenticity of the both of you! You both be yourselves and are unapologetic to people who criticize you for being who you are and try to tell you how you should be on your channels! Vianey Creates is awesome and she just laughs when people criticize how she runs her channel and nicely reminds people that her channel is not for everyone and there are limitless channels to choose from. Love you both. We can all choose to like who we like, which Julie said "your audience finds you" inspired me to comment on that thought!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

She is very wise!

[@macgurrl]

I am loving your podcasts, so interesting and informative. Not being paid for your art reminds me of something someone once told me. It isn't related to art but when I used to repair computers. A man once told me "you want how much for just turning a few buttons." In this case some people don't want to pay when they can't see something in their hands. As for art that is something that they can see in their hands and yet they don't want to pay, makes no sense. The only time I have ever sold my art is when friends come over and buy it right off my walls and they always pay me very farily.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's bizarre

[@GrandmaMuggy]

Love the podcast. So fun and upbeat!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Great Podcast Lindsay very interesting and enjoyable! Thank you for doing the podcast hugs Liz x

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cloverrabbit5622]

Great podcast guys! I enjoyed it while working in my art journal, thanks so much. 😁

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, I have been avoiding this video. You can bring about phenomenal content with a simple conversation! I never started a channel for many reasons, yet I have trouble staying on task and even just watching videos can cost me a whole day of creating! I have enjoyed watching your videos and seeing other artists and how they work. This does not necessarily get my work done! Thank you for sharing this conversation with all of us! So many real “truths” are told in this one! Wonderful content from these ladies!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you, you can always just listen to the podcasts while you work.

[@deb.e.mixedmedia]

This was fun and interesting! Thank you both!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Our pleasure!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thanks Lindsay and Julie. This was a great video! I had such a good laugh when Julie said she plays some videos at fast speed! I bet she doesn’t play Lindsay’s at fast speed because of her fast speech! I really enjoyed this video!😉🤗

[@thefrugalcrafter]

😆 she listens fast!

[@VBeeMe]

I really enjoyed this interview while I played with my watercolour pencils. It was wonderful!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@elizabethjehnzen]

This one was really good. Not sure how I never found her before. Dang that algorithm! BTW, thought it was funny how she watches yt on 2x speed. I do too. I can't believe how slow some ppl talk in their videos. I've got things to do! Things to learn!

[@jspriddleuk]

Wet strength tissue paper is used for sculpting carnival props, a bit like papier mache. You lay it down over a willow frame, putting on layers of wet strength tissue with diluted PVA - 2 layers is usually enough. Once it's dry you can paint over it. The result is really strong but light, so easy to carry. I've used it to make lanterns for a Christmas lantern parade. I collaged normal tissue over the top, then put a layer of waterproof mod podge over that to seal it. It was semi-transparent, so with a light source inside, it was very effective.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That sounds beautiful! I am very tempted to order some!

[@jspriddleuk]

@@thefrugalcrafter if you google "making lanterns with wet strength tissue paper" you will probably find tutorials. Or look for "lantern parade" to see what you can do with it. No idea if it is a UK thing, so if nothing comes up, add UK to your search term :-)

[@ChantelleArts]

Fantastic episode, so fascinating ☺☺☺

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@windywednesday4166]

I love the reminder of what "Authenticity" is yours to share. There's some people who will try to bully you into sharing more than you're comfortable with. It's good to keep in mind what's mine and what's not mine.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true, got to keep some boundries.

[@windywednesday4166]

@@thefrugalcrafter...If for a tranquil mind you seek, these things observe with care: of whom you speak, to whom you speak, and how, and when, and where.

[@olderendirt]

I used to watch Julie on Create TV so this was a treat! I'm enjoying this series you're doing, Lindsay. Thanks so much. ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!boundaries. She was so good on that show! Do you remember Scrapbook soup?

[@jimflack9462]

Wonderful podcast. You both made such valid points about how you like to come across on social media. I love watching both of you because you're both so authentic!. Just yesterday I went through my list of channels that I was subscribed to and unsubscribed to some of them. Some I had simply lost interest in, some I found that the person's personality just has begun to rub me the wrong way, and a few I found did not only Snark about other KZbinrs, but weren't honest. Who needs 'em when there's so much 'good stuff' out there to watch and learn from. Thanks to you both for your honesty and integrity! Keep posting! We love you!😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!

[@revCMF]

This has been my favorite Art Chat so far. Love how you and Julie flowed back and forth between each other.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! Julie is a pro, she has a wonderful podcast called the adventures in acting on the KZbin channel. She was very easy to fall into the groove with!

[@amherst88]

Two favorite KZbinrs & one *great* conversation -- thanks Lindsay & Julie ❤🧡💛

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yay! Thank you!

[@sonyaoart]

Another great conversation! Really like the idea of having a formula for pricing artwork. I feel like I should have taken notes there was so much good stuff here, thank you both!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful! You can always replay it:)

[@lindathaxton1994]

AMEN SISTERS - I would feel privileged to hang out w/you both! My tribe

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks 😊

[@sharonyoung8251]

I’ve taken a class with Julie. She is great. I love the photos of Julie’s son doing art. ❤❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Awesome!

[@sandracreatesstudio]

I have been a big fan of Julie for years, great guest.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!

[@tthappyrock368]

I'm loving the Art Chats! So much great information!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@jessicamaisonet917]

Great Art Chat …❤❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@annettefournier9655]

Great Art Chat!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you 😊

[@marybuhl6097]

Great podcast!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for listening

[@berolinastrassmann]

What a stimulating conversation! Did the conversation abiut Wet Strength oaper get truncated / edited out? Lindsay asked what it was designed for and suddenly fhe conversation turns to guillotine and rotary trimmers. 😮 Thanks for this, Lindsay. I will check Julie's stuff back. I used to follow more closely but somehor kist track of her.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'm not sure, I think therecwas some glitchyness in my program. I didn't take anything out but I usedctheir suggested dead air removal edits. I think I'll leave it alone next time. I'm still learning how everything works:)

[@marlbboro8091]

Loved Julie. May I suggest Sketches and Scrubs and Sadie Says as your guests. I am so curious about Sadie especially- her knowledge of pigments might be like yours, but also different if you know what I mean.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great suggestion!

[@marybuhl6097]

Amazon now sells the carnival wet strength tissue paper in a 10 sheet or 60 sheet quantity. FYI

[@Kb1901kb_kris]

Thank you i struggle with my scan and cut

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Julie's tutorials are very helpful!

[@belasco2]

I thought I was the only one who watches videos at 2x speed! Some KZbinrs talk so slowly and stammer without editing, even when they have good info, it gets frustrating or boring. I think people who actually have broadcast before or done filmed content understands you have to keep things paced up.

[@cindysimons2772]

Meltdowns are personal. The outside world doesn't need to know it. If it happens on recording edit it out. I also wouldn't entertain comments about it.

[@janetsjewellery]

This one seemed to jump a lot and miss some speech.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I noticed it did in one spot. I'll have to look into why.

[@bonneeley5670]

if it wasn't for Julie Fei-Fan Balzer I would have left. You had UTube insert 6 commercials 2 in the first 8 min. No one will answer my question of who OKs this You Tube or the person who owns the web site. And I refuse to pay them money for no commercials because I would rather spend it on the crafters who do the videos and sales the product.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

KZbin decides where and how many ads to run. They used to let us choose the frequency but they did away with that a couple of months ago. They said they choose ad placement to optimize the viewer experience. Feel free to hit the skip ads button.

[@bonneeley5670]

@@thefrugalcrafter I do. But when they come on, It just blares out at you. And when they play the 15-30 sec ones, I just go to the top and reload the page. Some are even longer. I am to old to put up with that. I don't like commercials on TV. and I don't like them here either. I feel like what time I have on this earth, I would like to enjoy it, and not waste it in all of that. When I watch the person using something that I like, I will go buy it. Watching the commercial 20-30 times a day, Will not get me the money to spend on it. And sometimes it just turns me off. The ads are always the same. Repeat after repeat. At least on TV you fast forward and you do not have to listen it.

[@cazkiwinz4300]

Did she really just talk … nay, RAVE about paper tissue for 5 minutes? 😂😂😂 Fabulous! Great interview… I’ve known of JFFB since I got the first ScanNCut and she was the most knowledgeable on the machine….but it was awesome finding out more about her personality 🫶 ** Haha, just got to the end where you mention that too 😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it