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What does it take to build an art career from scratch in a country where you don’t even speak the language?
In this episode of
The Professional Artist Podcast, painter
Gabrielle Reeves is featured by the
Professional Artist Association (
https://professionalartist.com/join), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.
Gabrielle is an American artist working between the United States and Turkey, who made the unconventional decision to move abroad and pursue her career without an established network, local connections, or even fluency in the language.
Starting from zero, she built her career step by step through persistence, visibility, and a willingness to put herself in uncomfortable situations.
In this deep dive, Gabrielle shares how she created opportunities without waiting for permission, what actually led to exhibitions and gallery representation, and how consistent, small actions compound into real momentum over time.
“ I have had people tell me: you're crazy to move to a foreign country and work as an artist. But I knew it's what I wanted to do.”
— Gabrielle Reeves
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:32 Building an Art Career From Scratch Without a Network
01:38 Art-Making Process: Materials Lead the Way
03:41 Working in a Detailed-Realistic Style with Surrealist Qualities
05:45 Career Choice: Music vs Painting and Becoming Serious About Art
06:10 Influence of Wyoming and Istanbul on Her Work
07:26 Travel and Study Abroad as the Path to Moving to Turkey
08:54 Moving to Istanbul Without a Network: Openings, Outreach, Residencies
10:53 Learning Turkish and Expanding Connections Through Language 1
5:59 Running a Career Across Continents: Logistics of Transporting Work
17:11 Shipping vs Carrying Artwork Personally (Packing Strategies)
19:49 Financial Responsibilities: Tracking Sales/Expenses and Filing Taxes
23:04 Coaching Program: benefits
Connect with Gabrielle
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Ready to take the next step in your art career?
We are hosting a free 4-Day Challenge online to help artists like you get back on track.
Whether that’s making your next art show your best ever, designing a paid art workshop that is uniquely yours, or getting your artwork into the next right-fit gallery…
…this live, virtual, and interactive challenge will help get you get unstuck.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review/comment. We read every single one.
What is The Professional Artist Podcast: Art Business Transformations?
If you want to make it in the art world, talent is key - but so is mastering the business side. The Professional Artist Podcast is where fine artists and commerce meet.
Co-hosts Miguel L. Mayher and Cristina Demiany guide visual artists through an audio gallery, exploring how to show and sell your art, land commissions, apply for artist grants, license your art, and much more.
This is where your art career begins to grow.
Miguel L. Mayher is the Director of Education at the Professional Artist Association. Previously, he worked with Google Arts & Culture, striking partnerships with national museums. He is also a Global Economic Symposium Young Fellow and a One Young World Ambassador.
Cristina Demiany is a Senior Art Business Coach at the Professional Artist Association. She formerly served as Senior Program Manager at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and as Executive Director of the National Children’s Chorus.
The Professional Artist Association is a global organization dedicated to providing real-world education for visual artists, including painters, sculptors, and fine art photographers.