In Episode 5 of the Art + Audience podcast, Stacie sits down with the incredible Peggy Dean to explore her secrets to building a loyal creative community. Peggy, a powerhouse in the creative industry, shares her journey, insights, and the importance of authenticity in connecting with her audience. Let’s dive into the highlights of this inspiring conversation.
Peggy Dean shares her recent realization that searching for the “correct” answer or following a rigid roadmap has often hindered her growth. Instead, she’s learned the value of trusting her own ideas and embracing her unique approach. “I wasn’t trusting my ideas enough,” she says, “and that essentially unpeggy-fied it.” Peggy reignited her passion and found deeper connections with her community by staying true to herself.
Peggy’s authenticity is her superpower. She started her journey with brush lettering and expanded into various artistic mediums. As a lifelong learner and natural educator, Peggy loves sharing her knowledge. “When I see someone else get excited about what I got excited about, that is truly what actually lights me up,” she says. Her genuine enthusiasm and willingness to overshare make her a beloved figure in the creative community.
Peggy emphasizes the importance of connecting authentically with people. She has never relied on ad spending to grow her audience. Instead, she focuses on organic marketing and creating valuable content that resonates with her followers. Peggy shares that her email list has grown to 86,000 subscribers, all from providing valuable resources and genuine connections.
Despite her success, Peggy acknowledges that imposter syndrome is a constant companion. “No matter how far in you are, you’re always going to feel like you’re not doing something right,” she admits. Her strategy is to acknowledge these feelings but not let them dictate her actions. “Create more than you consume,” she advises, encouraging artists to trust their resourcefulness and unique ideas.
Peggy believes that mistakes are blessings in disguise. Reflecting on her own experiences, she shares how following a “correct” roadmap stripped away her personality. This realization has led her to embrace her methods and trust her instincts. “Now I feel reignited and I feel like I have an opportunity to really go to my core and connect with people the way I want to,” she explains.
One of Peggy’s key lessons is the importance of knowing your audience. She stresses that trying to cater to everyone ultimately means speaking to no one. By identifying her ideal audience, Peggy creates content that truly resonates and attracts the right people. “If you don’t know who you’re talking to, you’re talking to nobody,” she says.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Peggy helps other creatives build their own successful online education programs. She recently launched Creative Course Lab, a comprehensive course designed to guide artists through creating engaging and effective online courses. Peggy’s program emphasizes the importance of authenticity and provides a structured yet flexible framework for aspiring educators.
Peggy Dean’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, connection, and trust. Her approach to building a creative community is inspiring, reminding us all to embrace our unique paths and share our passions openly. For those interested in online education, Peggy’s Creative Course Lab offers invaluable insights and guidance. You can find all the details and more about Peggy at The Pigeon Letters.
Pre-order here, if you want to get your hands on the Jungle Tigers Tea Towel by Peggy Dean.
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