The Working Artist Academy: Your Questions, Answered

I want to take a moment to explain—plainly and directly—what the Working Artist Academy is, and why I built it.

I’ve been getting questions about the Academy so I sat at my kitchen table and shared my answers for you.

Here’s what people are asking:

1. How much time does this actually take?

About two to three hours a week. Some weeks it’ll be less. Some weeks you might want to dive deeper and do more.

And here’s something important: we’ve built in two integration weeks — one in the middle, one at the end — so you can catch your breath, process, and let things settle before we gather for the final celebration. Because the Academy is meant to fit into a working artist’s life. Not take it over.

You have lifetime access to everything, so there’s no falling behind. You step back in where you are.

2. What actually happens? How does this unfold?

We start with a Welcome Salon on Thursday, January 22nd. This is where we all gather together for the first time. I’ll walk you through the program, you’ll meet the five international mentors, and you’ll meet your artist brothers and sisters.

Here’s what I’m asking everyone to do: bring a candle. We’re going to light them together at the beginning of the Salon — a small ritual to mark the start of this journey. And at the end, we’ll blow them out together.

I want this to feel sacred, not transactional. Because that’s what it is.

After the Salon, you’ll have access to the Academy materials and the community platform. Then, over the next twelve weeks, there are four live group calls with me — these happen on Thursdays at 5pm Universal Time (9am Pacific).

Now, if you can’t make it live? Don’t worry. Every session is recorded. And if you have questions you want addressed during the coaching calls, you can post them in the community beforehand, and I’ll respond to them during our time together.

These are teaching calls where I’m guiding the whole cohort through the material, answering questions, working through what comes up.

Between those calls, you have the five mentors actively in the community with you. They’re trained in how I work. They’re there to offer perspective, answer questions, give feedback, and hold the momentum between our group sessions. So it’s not one-on-one coaching with me every week — I want to be clear about that.

But you’re absolutely not alone.

And then, at the end, we have a “Vernissage” — a closing celebration. That’s the fancy French word for an art opening, but this is our opening. Your opening.

It’s a live online gathering where you share your work, your reflections, and the transformation that happened. Every artist is witnessed. Every artist is celebrated.

It’s a week after the final lesson, which gives you that second integration week to prepare, reflect, and arrive ready. And honestly? This is one of my favorite parts.

Because artists need to be seen. Not judged. Seen.

3. How does feedback actually work?

Feedback happens in a few ways.

In the live calls, I’m responding to what’s coming up for the group. And in the online community, mentors are reviewing what you post — not critiquing for the sake of critiquing, but helping you get clarity.

The goal is always: can you make a decision you actually trust? That’s what feedback is for.

And I want to say this clearly: this is fun! Artists forget that working on your career can actually be enjoyable. There’s humor in this community. There’s lightness. There’s play.

This isn’t bootcamp. It’s… alive.

4. Tell me more about the mentors.

They’re experienced professionals who’ve been trained in my approach. They’re not there to tell you what to do. They’re there to support you between sessions, offer perspective, and help you keep moving without pressure.

This isn’t about hierarchy. It’s about having thoughtful people holding the work with you.

And honestly? Some of my best insights over the years have come from watching how other artists think through things. The mentors bring that.

5. What if I’m busy, or behind, or worried I won’t keep up?

That’s most artists! Listen — the Academy isn’t built around perfection. It’s built around continuity. You don’t “fall behind” here. You step back in where you are.

And because you have lifetime access, you can move at whatever pace actually works for your life. This isn’t a race. It’s a practice.

6. What about AI? Do I need to use it?

I’m really glad people are asking this. Here’s what I want you to know: AI work is completely optional in the Academy.

We show you what’s possible with these tools — how they can draft materials, organize your thoughts, help you move faster through the tasks you might find tedious.

But if you don’t want to engage with AI at all? You don’t have to.

Because here’s the truth: the core of what we’re doing here can’t be automated.

AI can give you the “right answer.” But it can’t tell you what’s right – for you.

It can draft a professional email.

But it can’t help you read between the lines when a gallerist says “we’ll be in touch” — and know whether that’s real interest or a polite brush-off. It can’t sit with you when you’re doubting everything and say, “No, actually, you’re on the right track. Keep going.”

And here’s what matters most: Art is bought by humans.

Collectors respond to your work because of something human they feel.

Gallerists take you on because of a human connection.

Curators advocate for you because they believe in you, not just your portfolio.

You can’t automate that. You can’t build those relationships through a chatbot.

What you’re really getting here is me. The mentors. And a community of artists who understand your world.

People who’ve lived this. Who know what works in practice, not just in theory.

Who can say, “Based on what I’m seeing in your work and your situation — here’s what I’d do.”

If you want to explore how AI can support your work — we’ll show you.

If you’d rather focus on the fundamentals without any of that — perfect. You’ll still get everything you need.

The artists who thrive aren’t the ones who use every tool.

They’re the ones who know what they actually need, and choose accordingly.

That’s what we help you figure out.

7. What if I’m just… scared? What if I don’t measure up?

Listen to me. This is a place where everyone’s creative spark is honored.

In the Academy, there are no distinctions between artists. No hierarchy. No competition. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or if you’re showing in museums.

We’re all artists.

And when that pressure drops — when comparison quiets down — something beautiful happens. The creative spark comes back. You remember why you started. You remember that this work matters.

So if you’re scared? You’re welcome here.

If you’re uncertain? You’re welcome here.

The Academy isn’t about getting rid of fear. It’s about not letting fear make all your decisions.

You’re supported here. Not pushed. Not judged.

We meet you where you are.

8. What do you hope artists walk away with?

First, I want you to feel supported. I want you to know you’re not doing this alone anymore. That there’s a real community behind you. And that community doesn’t end after twelve weeks.

We continue to meet monthly — ongoing guidance, ongoing connection. This is something you graduate into, not out of.

I also want you to leave with confidence and clarity — a stronger sense of direction, and an understanding of how to make decisions that actually support your work.

And maybe most importantly…

I want you to walk away remembering why you create.

Not for validation. Not to prove something.

But because this work is who you are.

Still have questions?

You can [book a call with me here] or email me at [email protected].

The Working Artist Academy Welcome Salon is January 22nd at 5pm UTC/9am Pacific

Join the Academy → https://theworkingartist.com/twa-academy-page/

Crista

January 16, 2026