David Speed talks public speaking, small scale IRL events, starting a podcast, and lots more

Artist David Speed from today’s Substack Live:

“From all of these brilliant minds that I’ve had on (the podcast), the overwhelming thing that comes through is just keep making stuff. Because through the things that you will make, you will process the world around you. You will learn what resonates with people and what doesn’t. You’ll find your niche. You’ll find your groove. You’ll find your people. And you’ll get better at what you do. So just keep making stuff. I think make is the most important word that we have. And it is my mission on this planet to encourage people to make stuff. Make as many things as you can. Leave behind a legacy of beautiful things that you’ve made. Make, make, make.”

Listen to the full interview to hear us talk about:

• How 3K email subscribers is mightier than 160,000 Instagram followers
• Small in-person events build trust
• David’s monthly free studio paint sessions in London
• Start a podcast (and listen to David’s Creative Rebels Podcast)
• Plant flags everywhere
• AI slop makes people want to get back to real human-created work

I mentioned this post (I quit my job at Apple to be a full-time artist) during this chat, too, about selling art in person.

And this from The CLG Journal: Community Led Growth “CLG” Conference

People mentioned during this chat:

Oliver Jeffers – Known for his “Dip Paintings” project!

Harris Newcomb – Photographer

August Lamb – “The Girl With No Internet” who was David’s most downloaded podcast episode

Peter Yee – Iconic designer from Oakley

Sophie T – Artist with a million followers on Instagram

Noah Kalina – Photographer (20+ years pro) who had a viral moment on Threads with a kitchen photo people thought was AI

Dr. Rachel Barr – Scientist with over a million followers who has a healthy relationship with social media