The myth of the starving artist isn’t just a story—it’s a tool of control. When we internalize the belief that making money means selling out, we keep ourselves small, broke, and exploitable. It’s time to break these money rules and reclaim our right to thrive.
Read MorePunk Damage: When Anti-Capitalism Keeps You Broke (And How to Break Free) /
Have you ever felt like rejecting capitalism was keeping you broke? Like your activism was being celebrated—but never compensated?
What if the way we resist capitalism isn't actually helping us create change... but instead keeping us disempowered?
In this no-holds-barred episode of Your Art is a Spell, we dive deep into what I call "punk damage"—the internalized belief that making money equals selling out—and how to heal from it without compromising your values.
Tune in to discover:
💸 Why broke activism often reinforces privilege (and who can actually afford to work for free)
📉 How systemic oppression keeps LGBTQ+, Latinx, and marginalized activists financially vulnerable
🧾 The false binary between "pure but broke" and "successful but sellout"
🔮 Why having more resources can help you give more impact
🔥 How to build financial resilience while staying true to your values
⚔️ Mindset shifts to transform from burned-out activist to resourced visionary
Did you know LGBTQ+ Latinx women earn only 72 cents to every dollar a non-Latinx woman earns? Or that trans women earn just 60 cents on that dollar?
These aren't isolated statistics—they're symptoms of a system built to keep certain people disempowered, made worse when we internalize the belief that financial stability means compromising integrity.
This episode reveals how "punk damage" accidentally serves the status quo, why sustainable activism requires resources, and the practical steps you can take to reclaim your financial power—on your terms.
Whether you're squatting in abandoned buildings or working in nonprofits, this is your invitation to treat financial stability as part of your liberation toolkit.
🎧 Ready to become a resourced, rested, and powerful visionary—in the best possible way?
Listen to the full episode now. Your activism deserves to thrive.
The System Keeps Artists Broke—Here’s How to Break Free /
Have you ever felt like the system was deliberately keeping you broke? Like your creativity was being celebrated—but never compensated?
What if the lack of financial education for artists isn’t an oversight… but a spell cast to keep us disempowered?
In this no-holds-barred episode of Your Art is a Spell, we break the silence around the hidden forces keeping creatives financially illiterate—and how to finally break free.
Tune in to discover:
💸 Why art schools don’t teach financial literacy (spoiler: it’s not an accident)
📉 How systemic disempowerment keeps queer, trans, and BIPOC artists struggling
🧾 The contract trick institutions use to kill your negotiating power
🔮 Why managing money is actually a creative, magical act
🔥 How to build financial resilience without selling your soul
⚔️ Tools and tactics for financial self-defense in chaotic times
Did you know most MFA programs never include one single class on how to make a living as an artist? Or that many therapists-in-training are expected to work for years for free?
These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re symptoms of a system built to profit from our brilliance while keeping us broke.
This episode reveals the money myths we’ve inherited, the toxic taboos that silence us, and the practical steps you can take to reclaim your value—on your terms.
Whether you're just starting your creative journey or deep in your practice and ready to reclaim your power, this is your invitation to treat financial literacy as sacred spellwork.
🎧 Ready to become financially dangerous—in the best possible way?
Listen to the full episode now. Your art deserves to thrive.
To get a FREE month of YNAB You Need A Budget click on my affiliate link:
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Michelle Tea on Conjuring Queer Literary Magic: From Sister Spit to Dopamine Press | Your Art Is A Spell Podcast /
Michelle Tea's creative journey began with a simple invitation: "I have books, come play with me." From these childhood attempts at connection to founding Sister Spit poetry tours and Dopamine Press, Tea has consistently used writing to build community and create space for marginalized voices. In this illuminating conversation, she reveals the delicate balance between maintaining an authentic creative voice while reaching wider audiences, and shares how spiritual practices inform her writing process. Whether you're looking to find your creative community or infuse your art with more intentional magic, this episode offers valuable insights for turning your words into spells that manifest real connection.
Read MoreBeyond Time and Space: How Nonlinear Psychic Collaboration Can Transform Your Art & Life /
Have you ever created something and felt like you weren't entirely alone in the process? Had an artistic breakthrough that seemed to come from somewhere beyond yourself? What if your creativity isn't just happening here and now but is connecting across dimensions?
Most of us have been taught that art is simply self-expression – a one-way street from artist to audience. But what if it's a cosmic conversation outside the bounds of time and space?
In this mind-bending episode of "Your Art is a Spell," we explore how your creative practice might be tapping into something far more magical than we've been led to believe.
Tune in to discover:
🧠 Why Western materialism is sabotaging your creative potential
⚛️ How quantum physics is finally catching up to ancient wisdom
👽 The bizarre UFO synchronicity that happened between two artists who'd never met
🛸 What Pentagon research reveals about our limited understanding of reality
🌈 Why queer, trans, and BIPOC perspectives hold special keys to psychic collaboration
🔮 How to consciously connect with your future self through your art
Did you know the US government spent millions on psychic research through Project Stargate? Or have scientists found compelling evidence for precognition? The boundaries of what's "real" are far more permeable than most have been taught.
This episode reveals how to harness nonlinear psychic collaboration – the ability to co-create across time, space, and dimensions – to infuse your art with transformative power far beyond conventional limitations.
Whether you're looking to heal your past, manifest your future, or simply tap into deeper wells of creativity, this episode offers practical techniques for turning your art into a reality-bending spell.
Ready to break free from linear thinking and unleash the full magical potential of your creative practice? Listen to the full episode now!
60 Ways to Make Money as an Artist: Turn Your Passion into a Fulfilling Career! /
Are you tired of the "starving artist" stereotype? Feeling trapped between your creative passion and paying the bills?
Many artists struggle with turning their talents into sustainable income, but it doesn't have to be this way! The truth is, the traditional employee mindset might actually be what's holding you back from building a thriving creative career.
In today's digital landscape, artists have more opportunities than ever to generate multiple income streams simultaneously. The secret lies in recognizing the value you're already creating and finding the right channels to monetize it.
Think about it: How much of your creative work are you currently giving away for free? What if you could transform those same offerings into reliable revenue sources without compromising your artistic integrity?
The most successful artists in 2025 aren't just creating beautiful work—they're strategically positioning themselves at the intersection of passion and profit...
Read MoreUnlock Your Dream Job: A Multi-Passionate Artist's Guide to a Fulfilling Career /
Watch the video version of this blog post by clicking above. Listen to more episodes from Your Art Is A Spell on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.
Ever feel trapped in a job that drains your soul instead of feeding it? Dreaming of a career where your many passions can coexist instead of competing with each other?
You're not alone. So many of us bounce between different interests, never quite finding that perfect role that embraces all of who we are.
Meet Edgar Fabián Frías – artist, witch, educator, and therapist who didn't just find their dream job... they created it. Their journey from collecting cans to becoming a celebrated multi-passionate creator wasn't a straight line – and that's exactly what makes their story so powerful.
Tune in to discover:
🛑 Why conventional career paths might be sabotaging your happiness
🗑️ The surprising connection between dumpster diving and professional success
✨ How a pivotal intuitive reading changed everything
🧩 Why your "random" jobs aren't random at all
🌈 The "both/and" mindset that breaks career limitations
🚀 When working part-time can actually accelerate your dreams
Edgar's journey teaches us that our dream careers don't have to make sense to anyone else. From call centers to counseling centers, from gallery assistant to full-time artist, their path proves that each experience – even the painful ones – can become an essential ingredient in your unique career magic.
Ready to stop forcing yourself into someone else's definition of success? Learn how to trust your dots, follow your intuition, and create a career that's as multifaceted as you are.
Check out the full episode of "Your Art Is a Spell" to hear Edgar's complete story and discover how you too can transform your winding path into your dream career!
Share your own story with me or ask me any questions you have by sharing a voice note here.
I will answer questions in future episodes of Your Art Is A Spell.
Your Art Is A Spell: How Art & Magic Can Transform Your Life /
What if that painting you're working on isn't just a painting? What if your latest poem is actually a spell waiting to be cast into the world?
Most of us see our creative work as just that—work. But what if it's something far more powerful?
Meet Edgar Fabián Frías – artist, witch, therapist, and host of "Your Art is a Spell" – who discovered that a single artwork at age 14 could trigger a life-altering trance state that would eventually send their own creations to the surface of the moon. (Yes, literally the moon!)
Edgar believes every creative act is imbued with intentions that continue radiating long after you've finished making it. Your art isn't just expressing you—it's representing you across time and space.
Tune in to discover:
🚗 How a controversial car sculpture changed Edgar's entire life trajectory
✨ Why your art keeps working even when you're not around
🔮 The radical concept of "nonlinear psychic collaboration"
💰 How to navigate exploitative art world systems
👑 Why self-ordaining as an artist (or witch!) might be your most powerful move yet
🌈 The secret to turning transcendental moments into concrete reality
From having their work etched onto discs now resting on the lunar surface to performing at prestigious museums and venues, Edgar has learned that creative power is about claiming your vision, regardless of what gatekeepers might say.
Ready to turn your creative practice into intentional magic? Learn how to harness your artistic energy as a transformative force for yourself and the world around you.
Join us on "Your Art is a Spell" and discover how your creations can manifest realities beyond what you ever imagined possible!
Exalting Queer and Trans Magic in an Age of Erasure | Mutant Mondays #5 /
I had the most deliciously queer and trans weekend, and I wanted to share about it with you all as it was deep medicine for me, and I hope it will be for you too!
Read MoreI’m on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! /
I’m on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Truly grateful to my friend Anji @travelgrrrl for reaching out to me and letting me know about this digital billboard with me on it promoting the exhibition Queering Digital: Artists In Response to Anti Trans Legislation.
Join us for the opening this Friday from 6-9 pm.
Queering Digital explores the social ramifications of digital technology through the lens of queer, trans, and non-binary artists working in Los Angeles.
Artists include:
Jenna Caravello @jennafruit
Amina Cruz @aminacruz.studio
Nat Decker @nat_decker__
Marsian DeLellis @hausofmarsian
Andres Payan Estrada @andres_payan
Edgar Fabián Frías @edgarfabianfrias
Vita Kari @vitakari
Ibuki Kuramochi @ibuki_kuramochi
Duane Paul @duanepaul
Phil Tarley @philtarleywrites
Thanos Valentine @celibatechase
Sammie Veeler @miss__sammie
Devin Wilson @devinwilsonstudio
Kira Xonorika @xonorika
&
Ruby Zarsky @rubysateen
Location: Pacific Design Center: Blue Building 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Queering Digital explores the social ramifications of digital technology through the lens of queer, trans, and non-binary artists working in Los Angeles. Over time, queer individuals have used technology and media not only as tools for survival, but also as sources of radical liberation—transforming inanimate objects, ideas, and movements into powerful symbols of resistance and self-expression. From secret printing presses and word-of-mouth newspapers to the infamous “first brick” thrown at the Stonewall Riots, to cruising phone lines and anonymous web browsers, Queering Digital traces the myriad of ways that technology has been instrumental in shaping queer social movements in perpetuity. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to trace these digital echoes across a range of visual mediums and digital systems. The resulting exhibition invites visitors to consider how digital influences are migratory—how they travel across borders, impacting individuals and communities.
EXHIBITION DETAILS Opening Reception: March 14, 2025, 6-9 PM Exhibition Dates: March 14 - March 30
QUEERING DIGITAL is supported in part by an arts grant from the City of West Hollywood. Curators: Steve Galindo & Jamison Edgar.
Sharing a couple more photos taken by Orange Barrel Media.
How I Got My Dream Job | Mutant Mondays #4 /
Last night was nothing short of magical at LA Public Library's Central branch. Over 3,000 people attended #NightAtTheLibrary, with some waiting two hours for tarot readings. The cosmic confirmation of The Hermit and Wheel of Fortune cards signaled the perfect convergence of art, spirituality, and community connection.
Read MoreMoving Weekend, Art Shows, & Teaching News | Mutant Mondays #3 /
This week brings multiple transitions as I join CalArts as special faculty while simultaneously moving homes. My artwork "Emergence" will be featured in Last Projects' Artist Relief Fundraiser Exhibition in Los Angeles, followed by "Dieu est Algorithme" in Paris - a show exploring the intersection of AI, spirituality, and magic.
Read MoreAre Meta, TikTok, and X: The New State Media? Why Many Are Fleeing to BlueSky | Mutant Mondays #2 /
As major social media platforms face accusations of becoming state media, users are seeking refuge in decentralized alternatives. Follow one creator's journey as 400+ followers migrate to BlueSky in a single week, and discover why the future of social connection might lie in community-driven platforms rather than corporate-controlled spaces.
Read MoreHow are you feeling about the air quality in Los Angeles right now? | Mutant Mondays #1 /
In this inaugural edition of Mutant Mondays, we examine Los Angeles's wildfire crisis and its deeper implications through Octavia Butler's prophetic lens. The post weaves together urgent public health guidance, mutual aid initiatives, and reflections on systemic failures, while highlighting Butler's eerily accurate predictions about climate crisis and social inequality. Features essential safety tips for LA residents and ways to support affected communities.
Read MoreWhy I'm Quiet Quitting Instagram: A Letter to My Community /
Social media has been woven into my sense of self and livelihood—but it's time to reclaim that energy. This isn't about leaving entirely; it's about intentionally choosing where and how we connect. Here's why I'm stepping back from mainstream social platforms. Here is where you can find me instead...
Read MoreEmbracing The Hermit Year: My Journey into Digital Minimalism and Intentional Creation in 2025 /
As 2025 emerges as the year of The Hermit, I'm answering the call to turn inward and enter 'the cave' of deep contemplation. This transformative journey involves reimagining my digital presence, strengthening creative rituals, and fostering meaningful connections through intentional platforms. After leaving Twitter and reconsidering my relationship with social media, I'm prioritizing spaces that offer true autonomy and deeper engagement. Join me as I explore what it means to embrace the Hermit's wisdom in our digital age, finding balance between connection and solitude, creation and reflection. From deepening nature connections to establishing stronger digital boundaries, this year promises profound personal and creative transformation. What does The Hermit year mean for your journey?
Read MoreHow to Help LA Wildfire Victims: Comprehensive List of Verified Fundraisers and Aid Programs /
As Los Angeles grapples with devastating fires that have displaced thousands, this curated guide provides immediate ways to help through verified fundraisers, mutual aid networks, and emergency support programs.
Read More2024 Solstice Gifts & Magic ✨ (Free Goodies 🎁 Inside!) /
In a year marked by both celestial achievements and earthly challenges, my artwork found its way to the moon just as Bell's Palsy forced me to find new rhythms of rest and resilience. Through organizing Indigenous futurist exhibitions, crafting UFO installations, and diving deep into curanderismo practices, I've discovered that transformation isn't linear—it's messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully alive. As we approach the solstice, I'm sharing not just reflections but a carefully curated collection of the tools, texts, and practices that have helped me cultivate joy, even in the hardest moments. From magical guidebooks to financial wisdom, from podcast recommendations to healing practices, consider this your guide to navigating your own path of growth with intention and wonder.
Read MoreReflections on My MFA Experience: Key Takeaways and Must-Know Tips for Future Artists /
Reflecting on my MFA journey years after graduating, I see how much my viewpoint has evolved. Although my experience at UC Berkeley laid the groundwork, I aim to share insights with a wider lens, emphasizing the lessons that have influenced my development as an artist and providing practical advice for those on their own creative journeys.
My Nonlinear Path to Art Practice
One important lesson I’ve learned is that there isn’t a single "correct" approach to obtaining an MFA or building a career in the arts. My journey was not linear; I started with a master’s in counseling, applied to MFA programs, and faced several rejections before fully committing to my artistic practice. I aim to make this unconventional journey more approachable for those who feel bound to follow a traditional path. It’s perfectly acceptable to take alternative paths, try out different careers, and return to your passions when it feels right. In fact, those diverse experiences can profoundly enhance your art in unexpected ways.
Key Takeaways from My MFA Experience
During my graduate studies, I gained profound insights into the relationship between the physical and digital realms, as well as the material and conceptual aspects of art, and how interdisciplinary approaches can enhance creative output. I was fortunate to collaborate with remarkable faculty and peers, which created an environment for me to both challenge and broaden my artistic practice. Nonetheless, grad school also revealed some deep-seated insecurities I had regarding artmaking—anxieties, uncertainties, and societal expectations about what art should represent. Although this process was challenging, confronting those insecurities was crucial for my development as an artist.
Five Tips for Aspiring Artists and MFA Applicants
If you’re thinking about pursuing an MFA or are simply working on growing your practice, here are a few lessons I’ve picked up along the way:
1. Give Yourself Time and Space to Rest:
Following significant achievements, taking time to pause and reflect is important. In a world that often asks "What’s next?" it's vital to acknowledge that resting can also be productive. This becomes even more crucial when managing several projects or applications simultaneously.
2. Rejection Isn’t the End—It’s Part of the Process:
I applied to MFA programs multiple times before receiving my acceptance, and each rejection offered valuable lessons. It’s perfectly fine not to succeed on your first attempt. Continue to refine your vision and believe that the right opportunity will arrive when the time is right.
3. Diversify Your Portfolio (and Yourself):
When applying to graduate programs, ensure that your portfolio's top three images are strong and diverse. Highlight various projects to showcase your versatility as an artist. This principle extends to your life as well—celebrate your multifaceted identity. Engage in different roles, skills, and practices. You are not limited to a single identity, and it’s perfectly fine to follow non-linear paths. Sending much love to all my multi-hyphenate kin out there! If you see this, leave me a comment to let me know you’re here!
I also invite you to learn more about my MFA Art Portfolio that Led to Acceptance at UC Berkeley's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Art Practice Program!
4. Build a Supportive Network:
Graduate school connected me with a community of artists and mentors who still support my development. Whether it's through structured education or informal DIY environments, seek out your peers. Engage with those who inspire and challenge you—these connections are as vital as the technical skills you acquire.
5. Keep Pushing Boundaries:
The journey doesn’t end with a degree. Continue experimenting, learning, and evolving. Whether it's embracing new media, working across disciplines, or breaking down hierarchies in art, stay curious and open to growth.
Moving Forward
As I progress in my practice, I’m eager to delve deeper into materiality and sculpture while also broadening my digital work. For artists, charting their unique paths, embracing risks, making shifts, and redefining their own version of success is important. Whether you're applying to MFA programs or seeking personal growth, trust your intuition and continue to move ahead.
I’d be eager to learn about your creative journey! Which aspects of my MFA experience resonate with your current path?
Whether you’re contemplating an MFA application, developing your art portfolio, or finding a balance between rest and creativity, please share your thoughts or questions in the comments—I’m here to help! How do you approach applying to graduate programs or coping with the highs and lows of being an artist? If you’ve encountered challenges or celebrated successes, I’d love to hear about them. Let’s start a conversation about how we can support and grow alongside one another as artists. I look forward to reading your stories and insights!
Leave a comment below.
For even more intimate details about my journey and some major tips on applying to MFA programs, check out the video I’ve included above in this post. I share my personal experiences and additional insights that can help guide you on your creative path.
Subscribe to my newsletter to connect with me or explore how you can collaborate with me, including the option to hire me for one-on-one coaching.
Psychic Cats and Itinéraires Fantômes: A Magical Night at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles 🐈🔮 /
The Los Angeles launch event for the Itinéraires Fantômes Oracle Deck at the Philosophical Research Society was a night filled with magic, synchronicity, and illuminating conversations. Artists like Alexandra Grant and Edgar Fabián Frías shared their creative journeys, exploring themes of art, mysticism, and even the psychic abilities of cats. This gathering was not just a celebration of an oracle deck but a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring impact of cultural icons like Hélène Cixous.
Read More