JOHN SEWELL - FOUNDER COSIMO.ART

Thrive Without the Starving Artist Narrative!

As artists, many of us have heard the same story over and over again: to be "serious" about our craft, we need to suffer for it. The narrative of the “starving artist” has been romanticized for generations, leaving countless creatives feeling like they have to choose between their passion and making a living. But what if we could have both?

That’s the idea behind Cosimo.Art, a platform designed to help artists, particularly those just starting out, connect directly with buyers, navigate their careers, and grow their businesses—all without the traditional gatekeepers of the art world.

In a recent episode of the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Sewell, the founder of Cosimo.Art. We discuss his creative journey and the origins of starting such an ambitious platform.

His mission is simple yet powerful: to make the art world more accessible for everyone! Breaking down the barriers of high gallery commissions, art critics and gatekeepers, and the perceived snobby exclusivity of the art world. Instead, Cosimo empowers artists to take control of their careers by providing them with tools, knowledge, and a supportive community.

What Makes Cosimo.Art Different?

Traditional art-selling platforms often operate like gatekeepers. Galleries and auction houses decide who gets to showcase their work, and artists are expected to part with significant chunks of their profits in commissions. Cosimo flips the script by:

- Cutting out middlemen and excessive fees.

- Providing artists with tools to market themselves effectively.

- Offering education on pricing artwork confidently and so much more.

Cosimo isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a resource hub. Their platform equips artists with practical skills like learning how to promote their work, connect with buyers, and believe in the value of what they create.

Artists as Entrepreneurs: A New Mindset

One of the standout moments from our conversation with John was his take on the similarities between artists and entrepreneurs. Both face the challenge of turning ideas into something tangible and valuable. However, artists often struggle with seeing themselves as businesspeople.

John shared valuable insights on how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset doesn’t mean compromising your creative integrity—it’s about creating a sustainable way to share your vision with the world. He encourages artists to rethink the way they approach their careers by embracing ideas like:

- Viewing your art as a product that has real value.

- Building a brand around your unique creative voice.

- Learning to prioritize your time and energy, so you can focus on creating.

Shifting Away From the “Starving Artist” Narrative

John and the team at Cosimo are challenging the idea that pursuing art means living paycheck to paycheck. Instead, they believe every creative already has the tools they need to thrive—sometimes they just need a bit of guidance to unlock that potential.

Through Cosimo, artists are encouraged to take control of their own destinies, whether they’re just starting out or looking for ways to scale their careers.

Practical Tips for Artists from the Episode.

During the episode, John shared actionable advice for artists looking to succeed in today’s market:

1. Know Your Worth: Pricing your artwork can be intimidating, but understanding the time, effort, and skill you bring to the table is key. Cosimo offers resources to help artists feel confident in setting fair prices.

2. Build a Connection: Buyers are often drawn to the story behind the art. Share your journey, inspirations, and process to create a deeper connection with your audience.

3. Learn to Market Yourself: Marketing might not come naturally to all artists, but it’s essential to reaching new buyers. Platforms like Cosimo provide tips and tools to help you stand out in a crowded space.

Why Community Matters!

Beyond the technical aspects of selling art, John emphasized the importance of community. Artists thrive when they feel supported, and Cosimo provides a space for creatives to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another. Whether you’re asking for feedback on a new piece or brainstorming pricing strategies, being part of a community can make all the difference.

John Sewell - CNL Podcast

To hear more about John’s journey and how Cosimo is reshaping the art world, listen to the full episode of the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. Click below to listen now! Be sure to check out the Cosimo website links and social media.

If you’ve ever felt torn between your creative passion and the practicality of making a living, this episode is for you. Platforms like Cosimo.Art prove that it’s possible to thrive as an artist without sacrificing your integrity—or your paycheck. It’s time to rethink ‘success’ as an artist.

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to know when the next podcast goes live and to stay up to date with everything happening here in Creative Nowhere Land. Until next time…

EXPLORE. INSPIRE. CREATE.

CNL PODCAST, INSPIREMatt Wilson