Crafting Connections: Networking and Community-Building in the Art World with The Ivory Bunny, Gabriela Sepulveda

In this episode of 'Art and Cocktails', host Ekaterina Popova engages with the vibrant artist and muralist, Gabriela Sepulveda, The Ivory Bunny. They discuss the role of playfulness in self-expression and the critical impact of community involvement on an artist's career. Gabby opens up about her strategies for adapting to different social environments, utilizing dress-ups, and quirky personas to create unforgettable interactions. She also emphasizes the power of embracing our authentic, even eccentric, selves. Through her own narrative, Gabby illustrates the transition from struggling to make ends meet to thriving in the mural community, exemplifying the importance of passion, perseverance, and the ability to own one's uniqueness.   Podcast Notes: Strategies for becoming well-known within your art community. The benefits of celebrating your unique qualities and 'weirdness'. How attire can influence personal branding and leave a strong impression. The significance of embracing various facets of your personality and locating supportive communities that encourage genuine self-expression. Gabby's journey from striving to pay the bills with art to exceeding those aspirations and setting new objectives. Practical advice for emerging artists to display their work, engage with local art scenes, and obtain funding. The importance of establishing a robust artistic identity in-person and online, with a focus on impactful interactions over simply collecting followers. Effective methods for self-introduction and forging valuable connections in the art industry. Recognition of the art world's interconnectivity and the necessity of determination.   Tune in and be motivated to add flair and weirdness to your life and leave your unique imprint on the community!   Discover more about Gabby's work: https://www.theivorybunny.com/the-ivory-bunny https://www.instagram.com/theivorybunny/   Enroll in the Artist Navigation Course: https://artistnavigation.com

Om Podcasten

Art & Cocktails is a weekly podcast where contemporary art meets creativity, business, and real talk. Hosted by artist, Create! Magazine founder, and master coach Ekaterina Popova, each episode delivers honest, no-nonsense conversations that blend passion and vulnerability with real-world strategies for thriving as a creative entrepreneur. Created for artists, creatives, and artpreneurs, the show features inspiring stories and candid discussions with artists, curators, writers, and thought leaders in the arts and beyond. From navigating the art world to building a sustainable creative practice, each episode offers actionable tips, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes insights—served with your favorite drink in hand. Whether you're in the studio, on a walk, or unwinding after a long day, Art & Cocktails is your go-to space for fresh perspectives and practical tools to support your artistic journey. Tune in weekly and be part of the conversation—because your creative life deserves it. Find us at www.createmagazine.co/podcast — where the conversation about art and business starts.