Michelle Tea on Conjuring Queer Literary Magic: From Sister Spit to Dopamine Press | Your Art Is A Spell Podcast / April 11, 2025 by Edgar Fabián Frías

Michelle Tea's creative journey began with a simple invitation: "I have books, come play with me." From these childhood attempts at connection to founding Sister Spit poetry tours and Dopamine Press, Tea has consistently used writing to build community and create space for marginalized voices. In this illuminating conversation, she reveals the delicate balance between maintaining an authentic creative voice while reaching wider audiences, and shares how spiritual practices inform her writing process. Whether you're looking to find your creative community or infuse your art with more intentional magic, this episode offers valuable insights for turning your words into spells that manifest real connection.

60 Ways to Make Money as an Artist: Turn Your Passion into a Fulfilling Career! / April 2, 2025 by Edgar Fabián Frías

Are you tired of the "starving artist" stereotype? Feeling trapped between your creative passion and paying the bills?

Many artists struggle with turning their talents into sustainable income, but it doesn't have to be this way! The truth is, the traditional employee mindset might actually be what's holding you back from building a thriving creative career.

In today's digital landscape, artists have more opportunities than ever to generate multiple income streams simultaneously. The secret lies in recognizing the value you're already creating and finding the right channels to monetize it.

Think about it: How much of your creative work are you currently giving away for free? What if you could transform those same offerings into reliable revenue sources without compromising your artistic integrity?

The most successful artists in 2025 aren't just creating beautiful work—they're strategically positioning themselves at the intersection of passion and profit...

Unlock Your Dream Job: A Multi-Passionate Artist's Guide to a Fulfilling Career / April 2, 2025 by Edgar Fabián Frías

Watch the video version of this blog post by clicking above. Listen to more episodes from Your Art Is A Spell on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Ever feel trapped in a job that drains your soul instead of feeding it? Dreaming of a career where your many passions can coexist instead of competing with each other?

You're not alone. So many of us bounce between different interests, never quite finding that perfect role that embraces all of who we are.

Meet Edgar Fabián Frías – artist, witch, educator, and therapist who didn't just find their dream job... they created it. Their journey from collecting cans to becoming a celebrated multi-passionate creator wasn't a straight line – and that's exactly what makes their story so powerful.

Tune in to discover:

🛑 Why conventional career paths might be sabotaging your happiness
🗑️ The surprising connection between dumpster diving and professional success
✨ How a pivotal intuitive reading changed everything
🧩 Why your "random" jobs aren't random at all
🌈 The "both/and" mindset that breaks career limitations
🚀 When working part-time can actually accelerate your dreams

Edgar's journey teaches us that our dream careers don't have to make sense to anyone else. From call centers to counseling centers, from gallery assistant to full-time artist, their path proves that each experience – even the painful ones – can become an essential ingredient in your unique career magic.

Ready to stop forcing yourself into someone else's definition of success? Learn how to trust your dots, follow your intuition, and create a career that's as multifaceted as you are.

Check out the full episode of "Your Art Is a Spell" to hear Edgar's complete story and discover how you too can transform your winding path into your dream career!

Share your own story with me or ask me any questions you have by sharing a voice note here.

I will answer questions in future episodes of Your Art Is A Spell.

How I Got My Dream Job | Mutant Mondays #4 / March 10, 2025 by Edgar Fabián Frías

Last night was nothing short of magical at LA Public Library's Central branch. Over 3,000 people attended #NightAtTheLibrary, with some waiting two hours for tarot readings. The cosmic confirmation of The Hermit and Wheel of Fortune cards signaled the perfect convergence of art, spirituality, and community connection.

Reflecting on my MFA journey years after graduating, I see how much my viewpoint has evolved. Although my experience at UC Berkeley laid the groundwork, I aim to share insights with a wider lens, emphasizing the lessons that have influenced my development as an artist and providing practical advice for those on their own creative journeys.

My Nonlinear Path to Art Practice

One important lesson I’ve learned is that there isn’t a single "correct" approach to obtaining an MFA or building a career in the arts. My journey was not linear; I started with a master’s in counseling, applied to MFA programs, and faced several rejections before fully committing to my artistic practice. I aim to make this unconventional journey more approachable for those who feel bound to follow a traditional path. It’s perfectly acceptable to take alternative paths, try out different careers, and return to your passions when it feels right. In fact, those diverse experiences can profoundly enhance your art in unexpected ways.

Key Takeaways from My MFA Experience

During my graduate studies, I gained profound insights into the relationship between the physical and digital realms, as well as the material and conceptual aspects of art, and how interdisciplinary approaches can enhance creative output. I was fortunate to collaborate with remarkable faculty and peers, which created an environment for me to both challenge and broaden my artistic practice. Nonetheless, grad school also revealed some deep-seated insecurities I had regarding artmaking—anxieties, uncertainties, and societal expectations about what art should represent. Although this process was challenging, confronting those insecurities was crucial for my development as an artist.

Five Tips for Aspiring Artists and MFA Applicants

If you’re thinking about pursuing an MFA or are simply working on growing your practice, here are a few lessons I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Give Yourself Time and Space to Rest:
Following significant achievements, taking time to pause and reflect is important. In a world that often asks "What’s next?" it's vital to acknowledge that resting can also be productive. This becomes even more crucial when managing several projects or applications simultaneously.

2. Rejection Isn’t the End—It’s Part of the Process:
I applied to MFA programs multiple times before receiving my acceptance, and each rejection offered valuable lessons. It’s perfectly fine not to succeed on your first attempt. Continue to refine your vision and believe that the right opportunity will arrive when the time is right.

3. Diversify Your Portfolio (and Yourself):
When applying to graduate programs, ensure that your portfolio's top three images are strong and diverse. Highlight various projects to showcase your versatility as an artist. This principle extends to your life as well—celebrate your multifaceted identity. Engage in different roles, skills, and practices. You are not limited to a single identity, and it’s perfectly fine to follow non-linear paths. Sending much love to all my multi-hyphenate kin out there! If you see this, leave me a comment to let me know you’re here!

I also invite you to learn more about my MFA Art Portfolio that Led to Acceptance at UC Berkeley's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Art Practice Program!

4. Build a Supportive Network:
Graduate school connected me with a community of artists and mentors who still support my development. Whether it's through structured education or informal DIY environments, seek out your peers. Engage with those who inspire and challenge you—these connections are as vital as the technical skills you acquire.

5. Keep Pushing Boundaries:
The journey doesn’t end with a degree. Continue experimenting, learning, and evolving. Whether it's embracing new media, working across disciplines, or breaking down hierarchies in art, stay curious and open to growth.

Moving Forward

As I progress in my practice, I’m eager to delve deeper into materiality and sculpture while also broadening my digital work. For artists, charting their unique paths, embracing risks, making shifts, and redefining their own version of success is important. Whether you're applying to MFA programs or seeking personal growth, trust your intuition and continue to move ahead.

I’d be eager to learn about your creative journey! Which aspects of my MFA experience resonate with your current path?

Whether you’re contemplating an MFA application, developing your art portfolio, or finding a balance between rest and creativity, please share your thoughts or questions in the comments—I’m here to help! How do you approach applying to graduate programs or coping with the highs and lows of being an artist? If you’ve encountered challenges or celebrated successes, I’d love to hear about them. Let’s start a conversation about how we can support and grow alongside one another as artists. I look forward to reading your stories and insights!