Hey there!
Today, I want to share an exciting interview I had with Piper, the head instructor at Evolve Artist Online Academy.
If you’re not familiar with Evolve, they specialize in training artists and students from all around the world in traditional oil painting. You can check out my review of Evolve Artist Academy program here.
Piper, specifically, focuses on horse portraits (also known as equine portraits), so if you’re a fan of horse art, you’ll definitely want to check out her beautiful paintings.
Now, let’s get to know Piper a little better. I invited her here to answer a few questions that I think will be helpful for anyone considering the course. So, let’s dive in!
YouTube Interview with Piper Talladay, Head Instructor at Evolve Artist Academy
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Evolve Art School Success Stories
First off, I asked Piper about some success stories from Evolve, something that can inspire us. She shared that they have many success stories because people are gaining the skills they need to bring their artistic dreams to life.
One student, for example, had been painting for a long time but wanted to level up her skills. After joining the program and completing Block 4, she started sharing her paintings on Facebook.
To her surprise, her friends got excited and began commissioning her for paintings. Now, she’s made enough through commissions to pay for the entire Advance program!
There are numerous success stories like this, where students who want to sell their artwork find the technical training they need to succeed.
We also talked about the power of social media for artists. Piper mentioned that sharing your progress and inviting people along your artistic journey is a fantastic way to build interest and potential commissions. It allows people to witness your growth and improvement over time, which can lead to more opportunities.
Next, Piper shared another inspiring story of a student who lives in Arizona.
This student has been working with local artist galleries, showcasing her work and achieving great success in selling her paintings. Through her gallery connections, she has also gained private clients.
It goes to show that with the right technical skills and the desire to share your work with others, success is within reach.
Approach to Teaching Art
We discussed how the Evolve program takes a methodical approach to learning, breaking things down into small, manageable steps.
Instead of overwhelming you with complex concepts, they start from the basics, teaching you everything from holding a brush to mixing colors. This incremental approach helps you progress faster and build a solid foundation for your art.
In addition to the technical skills, Evolve offers a series of live classes that cover various aspects of marketing, selling your work, contracts, shipping, and more. They understand that there’s more to being an artist than just honing your skills, so they provide support in all areas.
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Community of Students and Instructors
Speaking of support, Piper highlighted the feedback system at Evolve. After submitting your homework, you receive written feedback within 24 hours. If you have further questions or want to dive deeper, you can book one-on-one feedback calls with instructors. These interactions are valuable for getting personalized guidance and encouragement.
Apart from feedback calls, Evolve has a thriving Facebook group where students can connect, ask questions, and share their experiences. There are also live study groups where students can meet, provide feedback, and ask instructors questions as they work on their art.
Art Supplies Provided with the Program
When it comes to art materials, Evolve partners with a company called Old Holland, one of the oldest paint manufacturers in the world.
They provide professional-grade paint that has stood the test of time. Unlike student-grade paint, which often contains fillers and can be challenging to work with, professional-grade materials ensure you don’t have to worry about the quality of your tools.
Evolve even sends you all the necessary materials, so you don’t have to stress about what to buy.
I also shared my personal experience unboxing the materials from Evolve, which was like opening a gift every time. It was a pleasant surprise, and I found the whole experience of receiving the art supplies to be very well thought out and exciting.
It added to the overall sense of anticipation and eagerness to start creating art.
Piper agreed and emphasized that the unboxing experience is intentional. Evolve wants their students to feel motivated and inspired right from the beginning. They want you to feel like you’re embarking on a special artistic journey, and the unboxing process is designed to enhance that feeling.
Join Evolve Artist Program, the world’s simplest art training method with results guaranteed!
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Time and Effort Required
As our conversation continued, I asked Piper about the time commitment required for the Evolve program.
She explained that it’s a self-paced program, allowing you to work at your own speed and convenience.
The curriculum is divided into blocks, and each block has several assignments and exercises. On average, students spend about 10-20 hours per week on their art studies, but the actual time may vary depending on your schedule and personal goals.
Piper emphasized the importance of consistency and practice. She mentioned that even if you can only dedicate a few hours per week, as long as you’re consistently working on your art, you will see progress. It’s about building the habit and making art a part of your routine.
Final Thoughts
As we wrapped up our conversation, Piper shared some final thoughts.
She emphasized that art is a journey, and it’s important to enjoy the process of learning and growing as an artist. It’s okay to make mistakes and encounter challenges along the way—it’s all part of the artistic development.
Piper also expressed her passion for teaching and how rewarding it is to see her students succeed. She encouraged aspiring artists to take the leap and pursue their artistic dreams, whether it’s through the Evolve program or any other form of art education. With dedication, practice, and the right guidance, anyone can become a skilled artist.
I want to extend my gratitude to Piper for taking the time to share her insights and experiences with us. It was truly inspiring to hear about the success stories and the supportive community at Evolve.
If you’re interested in traditional oil painting, I highly recommend checking out Evolve Artist Online Academy and exploring the possibilities they offer.
Until next time, keep creating and embracing your artistic journey!
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
