Episode 64: Why Most Artists Stay Broke (And He Refused To) | Julian Raven
October 24, 2025
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Artist, author, and free speech advocate Julian Raven joins Bo to share his incredible journey from self-taught entrepreneur to fearless defender of creative freedom. Born in London and raised in Spain, Julian’s life has been defined by curiosity, conviction, and a relentless pursuit of truth. After decades of building businesses, he followed his passion for art and ended up taking on one of America’s most powerful institutions.
In this episode, Julian reveals how he built a life around creativity, faith, and independence, and why he refused to compromise his principles in the face of rejection from the Smithsonian. His story is one of courage, conviction, and the unbreakable spirit of a man who refused to stay silent or small.
Guest Resources
Instagram: @julian.raven
Facebook: Julian Raven
Website: saatchiart.com
Value Bombs
Art and Entrepreneurship – Why Julian believes the artist’s mindset and the entrepreneur’s drive must coexist.
Refusing to Settle – How he built independence by trusting his own instincts instead of the system.
The Artist’s Dilemma – Why making great art and running a business rarely mix, and how he learned to balance both.
The Smithsonian Showdown – What happened when Julian’s Trump portrait was rejected and how that fueled his legal fight.
Freedom Over Fame – Why personal integrity matters more than public approval.
Sponsors
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Show Notes
[00:00] – Meet artist and author Julian Raven and hear his early story growing up between London and Spain.
[04:00] – Building a life of curiosity, creativity, and entrepreneurship from age sixteen.
[08:00] – The struggle of balancing business with art and the personal cost of creative integrity.
[12:00] – Opening galleries, moving between New York, Virginia, and Spain, and the realities of selling art.
[16:00] – Writing Odious and Cerberus and uncovering a fight much bigger than art itself.
[20:00] – The Smithsonian rejection that sparked an eight-year legal and constitutional battle.
[24:00] – Julian’s painting of Donald Trump, its symbolism, and how it ignited controversy.
[28:00] – Facing hostility, ridicule, and censorship while standing by his principles.
[32:00] – Discovering corruption within the Smithsonian and deciding to take the case to federal court.
[36:00] – Navigating the U.S. legal system as a self-represented artist and new American citizen.
[40:00] – The power of truth, freedom, and perseverance in the face of institutional bias.
[46:00] – Lessons from his faith, creativity, and the deeper meaning of freedom of expression.
[52:00] – How persistence led to the eventual resignation of Smithsonian leadership.
[58:00] – The dangers of politics in art, and why Julian now fights for reform and accountability.
[1:04:00] – Reflections on faith, freedom, and living a life that serves truth over comfort.
Killer Resources
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