Is Leverage Your Art Worth It? Alumni Share Their Honest Results

This week on the Art + Audience podcast, Stacie shares a special replay of a live roundtable Q&A with alumni from her course, Leverage Your Art. The conversation featured a group of artists who spoke candidly about their journeys, their challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned while building thriving creative businesses.

From painters to pattern designers, illustrators to stationery makers, these alumni showcased the many different paths artists can take in the industry. Their stories highlighted both the diversity of creative practices and the shared themes of persistence, adaptability, and community.

Meet the Leverage Your Art Alumni

• Ashley Paggi (Ash Cascade Design) – Illustrator and designer from Oregon
  
  
• Kelsey Weigl – Graphic designer turned surface pattern designer in Canada
  
  
• Laura (Laura Sevigny Design) – Surface pattern designer, also from Canada
  
  
• Mable Tan – Surface pattern designer from Australia
  
  
• Megan Stringfellow – Illustrator, author, and pattern designer
  
  
• Shirlee Fisher (Quiet Lines Design) – Former art teacher turned full-time artist
  
  
• Tiffany Grimes (Posterity Paper) – Stationery designer
  
  

Each artist joined Leverage Your Art at different stages in their careers, yet all found the program adaptable and impactful for their specific paths.

Key Takeaways from the Roundtable

Mediums Don’t Define the Possibilities

One recurring theme was that no medium is too niche for success. Alumni emphasized that the principles of licensing and product design apply across all forms of art, from ceramics to photography, from fine art to sewing. Ashley noted:

“I don’t think there’s a limit to what kind of art you can leverage. It’s about taking what you do and finding new ways to get it out in the world.”

Creativity Knows No Borders

International alumni spoke about licensing opportunities beyond the United States. In fact, many found it advantageous, thanks to currency exchange rates and modern payment platforms like PayPal and Wise. As Mable explained:

“There is no border. Your mind has no limits. You can license your work anywhere.”

Both Licensing and Product-Based Businesses Can Thrive

Not every artist focuses solely on licensing. For example, Shirlee and Tiffany run successful product-based businesses, and they found the program’s focus on pitching, portfolio-building, and marketing invaluable. Shirlee reflected:

“I had this idea that if I showed up on Instagram enough, shops would find me. Stacie’s focus on pitching changed everything for me.”

A Large Portfolio Isn’t Necessary

Another common concern is whether artists need a vast body of work before starting. Alumni reassured listeners that even a small portfolio can go far. Many of their strongest pieces were created during the course through guided design briefs. Laura shared:

“I created stronger work because of the guidance. Waiting another year would have just delayed my progress.”

Megan even turned one design assignment into ten different products, from posters to tea towels.

Community Makes the Difference

While Leverage Your Art provides tools and strategies, the alumni agreed that the most lasting benefit has been the community. The friendships and encouragement built within the group have carried them forward long after the course. Ashley summarized:

“I grew up believing artists couldn’t make money. This course gave me permission to believe otherwise, and the friendships I’ve made are priceless.”

Why Leverage Your Art Matters

For many artists, the biggest question isn’t about talent but about direction: How do I actually turn my art into income? The alumni roundtable addressed this head-on, showing that Leverage Your Art matters because it equips artists with both the mindset shift and the practical tools needed to build sustainable businesses.

Ultimately, Leverage Your Art matters because it helps artists stop asking “Is this possible for me?” and start taking the steps to make it happen. As the alumni’s stories reveal, growth, opportunity, and lasting creative friendships are all within reach when artists invest in themselves.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Want to sell products? Teach what you know? License your art? Leverage Your Art will help you choose the right path for your business, build the systems that make it profitable, and design a creative life that leaves room for what matters most.

Enrollment opens August 19, 2025. If you’re ready to stop wondering “Is this possible for me?” and start building the business you’ve been dreaming of, now’s the time.

Got questions about your own art journey? Call the Art + Audience hotline at (479) 966-9561 and Stacie might answer your question in a future episode!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Art + Audience Podcast and share it with your favorite art friend. Follow Stacie on Instagram @gingiber | @leverageyourart.