Maria Piscopo has one of the most diverse and over-arching views of the business of creativity of anyone I know.

She is the author of the books Photographers’ Guide to Marketing and Self-Promotion and Graphic Designers’ and Illustrators’ Guide to Marketing and Self-Promotion, as well as a contributing writer to numerous publications and magazines including Communication Arts and Shutterbug.

Maria has been a college instructor for 30 years, teaching business practices and marketing to students in graphic design, illustration, photography, animation and myriad other communication specialties. Based out of San Francisco, she’s taught workshops and seminars and spoken at numerous trade conferences around the country. The most popular topic Maria is called on to present is “Taking Charge of What You Charge,” which helps creative professionals change the way they talk to clients about money, and to keep their fears from overcoming good business sense.

In addition, Maria's also been an artist’s and photographer’s representative for 25 years, not only helping them market their services but also working closely with her clients to guide their creative journey.

In this episode, Maria talks about how fear is vital in moving creative professionals forward. “People wait for the fear to go away to act brave. It’s exactly the opposite. You act brave and confident and eventually you’ll feel that way. Feelings follow behavior.”

She counsels creative professionals to stop thinking about their businesses as having a creative side and a business side. Good business practices should be integrated into the whole life of the business – otherwise you need to be a hobbyist. “I make whole people, that’s my mission.”

“The fear is important! It gives a chemical boost – to push you beyond your own comfort level. Fear is good! I need fear to move forward … Act brave and confident and professional – and eventually, you’ll feel that way. In other words, feelings follow behavior.” ~ Maria Piscopo