In this episode of the Arts to Hearts podcast, join Charuka Arora as she delves into the insightful interview with Ellie Milan. Hailing from the vibrant state of Florida, Ellie Milan shares her journey as a professional artist and the myriad challenges she faced in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
With her spouse, who is also an artist, by her side, Ellie recounts their entrepreneurial journey of establishing an art business and highlights the immense value of unwavering support from a life partner. She passionately advocates for a paradigm shift in the perception of artists, shedding light on the significance of mindset and personal growth in the pursuit of success.
Despite grappling with administrative tasks, Ellie’s focus on her creative spirit and resolute work ethic has propelled her to heights of accomplishment. Furthermore, she delves into the delicate balance between masculine and feminine energies, underscoring the importance of nurturing and supporting others along the way.
Ellie’s commitment to fostering artists is evident through the Milan Art Institute, an institution she founded. This institute offers aspiring artists a comprehensive program, equipping them with the essential skills and mindset necessary to flourish in the dynamic art industry.
Tune in to this enlightening episode and prepare to be inspired by Ellie Milan’s profound insights and unwavering passion for art.
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Chapters
| Timestamp | Summary |
|---|---|
| 00:00.00 | Introduction and background of the guest |
| 04:18.57 | The challenges faced by the guest in pursuing art |
| 09:20.88 | The guest’s experience with gender roles and expectations |
| 13:44.44 | Learning about the decorative market and transitioning to the collectible market |
| 18:08.48 | Setting a goal to paint 100 paintings in a month |
| 21:36.56 | Learning about production-style painting and managing space |
| 25:26.22 | The guest’s approach to business and mindset |
| 30:00.74 | The dynamics of the guest’s relationship with her husband |
| 35:31.46 | Balancing feminine and masculine energies |
| 39:24.81 | The guest’s experience with raising children and gender roles |
| 43:07.84 | Mentoring and nurturing others as a feminine quality |
| 44:39.00 | The guest’s experience with balancing roles and finding balance |
| 47:22.78 | The guest’s experience with being a driven woman |
| 48:02.58 | Starting Milan Art Institute after 14 years as an artist |
| 49:09.10 | The challenges and fears of turning art into a business |
| 51:08.70 | The evolution of the guest’s role as an entrepreneur |
| 53:05.15 | The importance of purpose and following a cadence |
| 54:44.49 | The guest’s experience with family involvement in the business |
| 56:33.95 | The development of the Mastery Program and its curriculum |
| 58:13.82 | The belief that anyone can be a professional artist |
| 01:05:00.43 | The potential for artists in India and embracing change |
| 01:09:00.60 | The importance of staying informed and embracing new tools |
| 01:09:46.12 | The guest’s advice for artists and the availability of resources |
| 01:11:53.89 | The introduction of Art Social, a social media platform for artists |
| 01:12:15.20 | Conclusion and gratitude for the opportunity to speak |
| 01:12:20.82 | Thanking the host and expressing appreciation for posting the links |
About Elli Milan
Elli, the visionary founder of Milan Art Institute, has been successfully selling her artwork for the past 24 years. She has not only transformed the lives of countless artists worldwide but also empowered them to discover their artistic voice and transform their passion into a full-fledged profession.
Elli’s profound understanding of the artist’s role in modern culture positions her as a prominent advocate for the ongoing Art Renaissance.
Key Highlights From The Episode
Being an artist is not an easy path to choose. It requires passion, dedication, and a strong belief in oneself. In this episode of the Arts to Heart podcast, we will explore the journey of artist Elli Milan and her experiences in the art world. Through her own words and experiences, we will delve into the main themes that have shaped her career and the challenges she has faced along the way. From navigating societal expectations to finding her own voice as an artist, Elli Milan’s story is one of resilience, determination, and ultimately, success.
The Struggles of Breaking Free from Traditional Expectations
Elli Milan’s journey as an artist has not been without its challenges. Growing up in a traditional household with a Greek father, she faced the pressure to conform to societal expectations of what a woman’s role should be. Her father’s mindset, rooted in 1960s Greece, placed a strong emphasis on gender roles, with boys being considered superior to girls. Elli’s mother, on the other hand, instilled in her the belief that she could be anything she wanted to be. This dichotomy created a conflict within Elli, as she had to navigate between her father’s expectations and her own desires to pursue a career in art.
According to Elli Milan, “I’ve had to be okay with my identity as this, you know, different from what is expected… I think a lot of us are that way though, almost everybody doesn’t fall into the template.”
She acknowledges that breaking free from traditional expectations is a common struggle for many individuals, and it requires a strong sense of self-assurance and the ability to think for oneself.
Finding Her Voice as an Artist
Despite the challenges she faced, Elli Milan was determined to pursue her passion for art. She attended art school against her father’s wishes and began her career as an artist. Initially, she worked for other companies, creating art for the decorative market. This experience taught her valuable lessons about what sells and how to identify trends in the industry. However, Elli soon realized that she wanted to create art that had a deeper meaning and told a story. She began collaborating with her husband, John, and together they started painting on the same piece, creating unique and collectible artwork.
As Elli Milan explains,
“I think it’s meant to be that way… I feel like it’s meant to be that way most… that’s how it used to be.”
She emphasizes the importance of finding one’s own voice as an artist and not succumbing to the pressure of painting like one’s favorite artist. By embracing her own unique style and expressing what is truly inside of her, Elli Milan found her voice and created art that resonated with others.
Building a Successful Art Business
In 2010, Elli and John opened the Milan Art Institute with the goal of helping other artists make a living selling their art. They wanted to provide a platform and structure for artists to build a community and support each other. Through their institute, they offered classes and mentorship programs to help artists develop their skills and learn the business side of art. Elli’s own experiences as an artist and her journey to success provided a strong foundation for her to guide and inspire others.
According to Elli Milan,
“I believe anybody can be a professional artist… It just takes passion, drive, and hard work.”
The Milan Art Institute serves as a testament to this belief, providing aspiring artists with the tools and knowledge they need to turn their passion for art into a successful career. By sharing her own experiences and expertise, Elli Milan has created a supportive community where artists can thrive and find the resources they need to build their careers.
The Importance of Mindset and Personal Growth
One of the key factors that contributed to Elli Milan’s success was her mindset. She recognized the need to change her thinking and develop a more positive and growth-oriented outlook. By adopting a mindset of abundance, believing in herself, and setting big goals, Elli was able to overcome self-doubt and push through the challenges she faced. She also emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who support and uplift each other.
As Elli Milan advises,
“Make the decision once that you’re going to live your best life and pursue your passions at whatever cost… Don’t waffle in that decision… It’s worth it.”
She encourages artists to embrace change, stay informed about new tools and technologies, and continuously work on personal growth. By cultivating a positive mindset and surrounding themselves with a supportive community, artists can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
The Impact of Gender Roles and Expectations
Throughout her journey, Elli Milan has had to confront societal expectations and gender roles. As a female artist, she faced criticism and skepticism from others who believed that art was not a viable career path. She also had to navigate the dynamics of being a woman in a male-dominated industry.
However, Elli’s determination and resilience allowed her to break free from these limitations and carve out her own path. She encouraged her daughters to do the same, teaching them to choose partners based on their own desires and aspirations rather than societal expectations.
Elli Milan’s journey as an artist is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and personal growth. Despite the challenges she faced, she was able to build a successful art business and inspire others along the way. Her story serves as a reminder that success is not limited by gender or societal expectations. By embracing one’s true passion, adopting a growth mindset, and surrounding oneself with a supportive community, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
In the future, Elli Milan plans to expand the reach of the Milan Art Institute and continue to support artists in their journey to success. She hopes to create a community where artists can thrive and find the resources they need to build their careers. With her unwavering dedication and commitment to empowering others, Elli Milan is poised to make a lasting impact on the art world and inspire future generations of artists.
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