• Early exposure to entrepreneurship—even as a child—can shape your mindset and career trajectory.
• Build your own business skills by selling your work directly before relying on galleries or third parties.
• Finding your creative niche can amplify your impact and open up new business opportunities.
• Your failures teach you more than your successes; experimentation and course correction are vital.
• Reinvest business profits wisely, live below your means, and seek passive income to provide creative freedom.
• Enjoy the journey instead of chasing destinations—flexibility and patience are keys to long-term fulfillment.
• Continuous learning through books, podcasts, and travel to fuel both personal and business growth.

[00:52] Meet James Corwin – Phil Better introduces guest James Corwin, highlighting his journey from artist to gallery owner and creative entrepreneur.

[02:23] Entrepreneurial Roots – James shares his background growing up with entrepreneurial parents and never working a traditional 9-to-5.

[05:01] Early Art Hustle – James recounts selling art at farmers markets and online while in college, laying foundations for his business.

[09:16] Discovering the Wildlife Niche – James talks about the shift from landscapes to wildlife painting, inspired by a trip to Africa.

[11:50] Art as Storytelling – The power of wildlife art to connect emotionally, compared to landscapes, and finding inspiration in animals.

[14:17] Becoming a Gallery Owner – The serendipitous story of how James opened his first gallery and grew his space for business and creativity.

[18:22] Expanding to Aspen – James describes opening a second gallery in Colorado, the challenges of long-distance management, and the lessons learned.

[24:06] Advice for Artists – James emphasizes learning to sell your own art before relying on galleries and explains different gallery models.

[27:42] Building a Collector Base – Strategies for direct sales, nurturing collectors, and leveraging that base for more success and independence.

[31:11] Unconventional Self-Investment – James discusses bootstrapping, financial discipline, building passive income, and reinvesting in travel and inspiration.

[34:27] The Inspiration of Travel – How scuba diving in the Philippines and outdoor adventures continue to fuel James’s creativity and business.

[36:19] Advice to Young Dreamers – Words for the 10-year-old self: enjoy the journey, be flexible, and don’t rush success.

[38:22] Where to Find James – James shares how listeners can connect with him and follow his work online.

[39:33] Closing Remarks – Phil Better wraps up with a reminder to invest in yourself and take control of your destiny.