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In this episode of Creative Money ATX, I sit down with Natalie Earhart and Zach Zulch, the co-founders of Almost Real Things (ART) — a for-profit arts organization based in Austin that supports local creatives through a mix of events, exhibitions, and their signature magazine. Natalie also serves as Editor-in-Chief and a contributing writer, while Zach brings a complementary skill set that helps drive the organization’s vision.

We start with Natalie’s and Zach’s personal journeys — how their relationships with art began, how they describe what they do, and the story of how Almost Real Things was born. They share the early inspirations, the evolution of the magazine, and what it’s like running a creative business day-to-day.

We also get into the financial side of things: how ART functions as a for-profit, what revenue streams they’ve developed, and what experiments haven’t worked out. Natalie and Zach open up about the realities of sustaining an arts business in Austin — from barriers local artists face to their own strategic goals for 2025.

Studio 2324

Elevate Grant

Nexus Grant

Trail Conservancy

Touch The Art

Jason Webb watercolor artist

Ellen Nelson

Hanger Art Studio

Prospect New Orleans

Prospect 6

Joey Cruz

24 Diner

Magnolia Cafe

Saps

Texas Thrift

Armadillo Christmas

Where to find Almost Real Things

https://almostrealthings.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostrealthings/

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Find me, Bri Landry

Instagram @creative_moneyatx

https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/

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In this episode of Creative Money ATX, we talk with Austin-based figure painter Marcella Colavecchio. Marcella shares how her first job out of college—working at a bank—shaped her thoughtful financial mindset. She also reflects on her experience growing up with Italian immigrant parents and the journey that led her to Austin. Tune in for a compelling conversation about art, money, and finding your place in a creative city.

This episode with Marcella was recorded in the summer of 2024 and some of the events might have already passed, but please check out the galleries mentioned.

• Highland Collective
• Good Dad
• Get your shit together online
• Dazed and Confucius Pennylane and David
• Jenny Saville british based figurative painter
• Robin Frenchesca Williams
• Little Deli
• 1301 Gallery Audio Summer
• Mothership Studios
• Anya Tish Gallery Houston
• Commerce Gallery Lockheart

Where to find Marcella

https://marcellacolavecchio.com/

Instagram @marcellaispainting

Support the show

Find me, Bri Landry

Instagram @creative_moneyatx

https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/

If you liked the show please share, rate, and review.

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In this episode of Creative Money ATX, I sit down with abstract painter Ashley Marie Richiez. Ashley shares insights into the financial realities of her painting practice, including the costs of her studio and the challenges of shipping large-scale art pieces. Whether you're an artist navigating similar logistics or an admirer curious about the behind-the-scenes of an art career, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.


The Artist Way - Book

The Cathedral - location

American Frame

Agave Print

Print Space - Drop Shipping Printing

$2,000 Shipping the art

$20,000 worth of art

Popular canvas sizes
30 in X 40

36 X 48

Year of art

$49,000 before expenses

$20,000 profit

Studio rent
$500 a month

Tools
Quickbooks
Turbo Tax
Square Space
Stripe
Paypal
Square for an invoice
Zelle

Esco Bros Transportation - shipping art
Sugarlift - Gallery
Megan Parker - @movingaltars
Maja dlugolecka - @maijkah
Fabrik - vegan restaurant

Where to Find Ashley Marie

https://ashleymarierichiez.com/

Instagram @ashleymarierichiez

Support the show

Find me, Bri Landry

Instagram @creative_moneyatx

https://www.creativemoneyatx.com/

If you liked the show please share, rate, and review.