Margo is joined by illustrator, surface designer, educator, and art business mentor Vanessa Stoilova—better known online as Art Business with Ness. Since 2015, Vanessa has navigated the creative industry from mobile games to picture book illustration to surface design, and now shares her hard-earned insights with thousands of aspiring artists through her courses, YouTube channel, and mentorship programs.
Vanessa has a knack for making the business side of art feel approachable, actionable, and even exciting. In this conversation, she and Margo dig into how to position yourself for real opportunities, land clients without waiting to “be discovered,” and build a sustainable creative career.
They discuss:
- Building a client-ready portfolio before you get hired
- What actually works when pitching yourself (and why Instagram isn’t enough)
- Why niching down doesn’t limit you—it frees you
- Creating her own online art business summit with 20+ teachers
- How to stop overthinking and start making moves toward your goals
Links & Resources:
- Free 3-day training: Your First Step to Illustration Clients
- YouTube: Art Business with Ness
People inspiring Vanessa:
Illustration: https://www.instagram.com/lisabarlowillustrates/
Painting: https://www.instagram.com/tijanadraws/
Mixed-media: I’m really interested in pop-up art right now! https://www.instagram.com/juditorosz.artwork/
