The Art Biz Healing Your Money Allergy with Hannah Cole (256)
Feb 12, 2026
Hannah Cole, an artist-turned-tax advisor and founder of Sunlight Tax, helps creatives untangle taxes and money mindset. She recounts a dismissive accountant moment, losing decades of work to a hurricane, and why artists often view money as corrupting. Short, practical rituals and systems for bookkeeping, separate accounts, and mindset shifts are highlighted.
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Twenty Years Of Work Lost In A Hurricane
- Hannah lost 20 years of artwork when Hurricane Helene destroyed her studio.
- The loss forced her to confront grief, capitalism, and how she values the non-economic side of her art.
Fired Because Bookkeeping Was Ignored
- At a design agency Hannah's boss avoided numbers and later discovered he was losing money due to poor bookkeeping.
- That collapse cost Hannah her job and motivated her to study accounting for creatives.
Money-Shame Undermines Advocacy
- Artists often internalize cultural messages that money is corrupt or that paying well ruins integrity.
- That belief reduces their willingness to negotiate, price fairly, or advocate for financial needs.
