Welcome back to The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of ‘the starving artist’ and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time. In this episode, Cory is joined by Zsudayka Terrell; a multi-faceted person and artist with an emphasis on African American figurative work. As a mixed media artist and designer, Zsudayka’s aim is to capture and archive the history and culture of Black Americans. Her work seeks to normalize the day-to-day of Black Americans and celebrate culture while also highlighting moments shared by all humans. Zsudayka shares her journey and self-discovery as an artist; her process with commissions, selling her artwork online, and marketing through social media; her advice on promoting your artwork and converting fans of your work into paying customers; how she navigates politics and controversy as an artist; how she came to open her own art gallery, and the inspiration behind the pieces she creates.   Key Takeaways: [:30] Cory welcomes Zsudayka Terrell to the podcast! [1:22] Zsudayka shares about her background and how she has become the multi-faceted person and artist that she is today. [3:59] How Zsudayka taught herself art. [7:24] Zsudayka shares about her transition from journalist to artist. [11:57] Does Zsudayka believe that serendipity in an art piece happens more often for self-taught artists than those who are classically trained? [13:57] Does Zsudayka feel she has more freedom with her art than those who have been through classical training? [15:45] The value in both classical training and being self-taught. [17:25] Why Zsudayka chose to move to a predominantly black neighborhood in DC and open an art gallery. [24:02] How Zsudayka navigates politics and controversy as an artist. [31:09] Zsudayka describes the art that she is doing now, the inspiration behind them, and the messages she wants to share through her art. [34:55] Zsudayka’s process with commissions, selling her artwork online, and marketing through social media. [41:03] Why it is so important to foster relationships as you’re marketing and selling your artwork. [43:46] How Zsudayka fosters relationships in her business to help promote her art. [47:34] Cory thanks Zsudayka for joining the podcast and sharing her wisdom.   Mentioned in This Episode:TerrellArtsDC.com Zsudayka Terrell’s Instagram @zsudayka Zsudayka Terrell’s Linktree How to Sell Your Art Online: Live a Successful Creative Life on Your Own Terms, by Cory Huff   Find More Episodes Over on TheAbundantArtist.com