Explore every episode of the podcast The Art Biz

Search has changed, and Google's AI summary now bypasses your website to answer most questions before anyone clicks. SEO expert Meg Casebolt returns to The Art Biz to update what she shared in episode 222.

Artists can respond to the search evolution by considering these three levels on their site: their name and bio, their art, and individual images. Host Alyson Stanfield puts it to the test with a live search.

Meg reveals:

• Why the decision now happens on the search page
• What AI tools say when someone searches your name
• The question that shows when a tool would recommend you
• Why a bio in your footer works harder than it looks
• Where poetry still belongs in your art descriptions

Connect with Meg

See Jessica Falcone's art

Read more, and watch the video on the companion post

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

Ceramic artist Heidi Fahrenbacher opened her mailbox in 2021 to an anonymous letter saying she'd price herself out of business. Well, she's still in business, and her income has grown about 10% every year since.

In this episode of The Art Biz, Heidi talks with host Alyson Stanfield about noticing what isn't working, doing something about it, and the discomfort that comes with the territory.

Heidi reveals:

• Why she burned her business to the ground and rebuilt it
• What two anonymous letters couldn't change
• How overproducing became a coping mechanism
• The work she refuses to wholesale
• Why she thinks artists should do less

Connect with Heidi Fahrenbacher

Read more and get links on the companion post

About Alyson Stanfield

Since 2002, Alyson Stanfield has been helping emerging and established visual artists find the right opportunities, gain recognition for their work, and refine strategies for sales through private consulting and group coaching. She brings experience as an art historian, curator, museum educator, and arts writer to her consulting work.

Email Alyson to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield explains why she won't tell an artist how to fix slumping sales until she knows their goals and their numbers.

She names the fears that keep artists from looking at their data, then lays out a simple monthly or quarterly check-in.

It covers the high-level numbers worth tracking, from revenue and email to website traffic, and how to get curious about what they reveal.

Alyson shares:

• Why she refuses to prescribe a fix before knowing what an artist wants
• The fears that keep artists ignoring their numbers until tax time
• Why even good numbers can be scary
• How often to check your numbers, based on how active your business is
• The two numbers she asks about first when sales are down
• Why tracking too much isn't helpful

Read the companion post and watch the video

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that comfort is the most dangerous place to be in your art business. If you keep doing things the same way, you are bound to miss out on opportunities as things in how we show and sell art are changing so rapidly.

She walks through three signals worth paying attention to:

1. The results signal :: that something familiar has stopped working
2. The joy signal :: that something is messing with your happiness
3. The external signal :: that a moment is emerging and worth paying attention to

She mentions the external signal that Jenny McCarty paid attention to and took her art viral in episode 277.

And the joy signal that moved Ali Cavanaugh to remove her work from 10 of her 11 galleries in episode 189.

Alyson also shares her own recent pivot away from group teaching toward strategic consulting after tuning into the results and joy signals.

Read the companion post and watch the video

 

Email Alyson to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

When the redesign of the 2026 national parks pass became a flashpoint, watercolor artist and ecologist Jenny McCarty noticed the uproar in her community — and used her art to do something about it.

What happened next landed her on Last Week Tonight, raised nearly $30,000 for parks conservation, and added thousands of names to her email list.

On this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Jenny about what she built ahead of time to take advantage of the spotlight.

Jenny reveals:

• The Instagram exchange that told her a sticker could be something bigger
• Why going viral would have landed nowhere without her business systems
• The partnership that let her keep the project alive when she couldn't do it alone
• Why every collaboration in her business now starts with a contract
• What the numbers told her about where her time was actually worth spending

Get all links on the companion post

Follow Jenny:

https://www.thesageleafstudio.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sage_leaf_studio/

 

. . . ✦ THE NEXT OPENING ✦ . . . small group coaching applications September only. Get the details and apply at https://artbizsuccess.com/next

 

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

Artists are a sensitive lot, and that sensitivity is what makes the work possible. It also makes everything else land harder.

It's easier to get tripped up by news headlines, family illness, and travel.

In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield argues that it's more important than ever to keep making art. She also talks about what to do when you must keep the business humming so that it's there for you on the other side of the current obstacles.

She reveals:

• Why not making art isn't the answer
• Five reasons to keep up the work in the studio, even when it seems unimportant
• Why it's much harder to restart a business you've stepped away from
• The underlying machine that keeps a business almost on autopilot

Read the companion post

• ~ * YOUR ART MARKETING PLAN IS SEPTEMBER 10 * ~ *

Get your plan at https://artbizsuccess.com/yamp

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that a marketing plan doesn't have to be a spreadsheet full of self-imposed deadlines. She argues for routines over rigid plans, walks through three distinct ways she sees artists approach their marketing, and reframes marketing as something bigger than self-promotion. If you've ever built a plan and abandoned it by week two, this episode is the reset you need.

Alyson reveals:

• Why routines stick when spreadsheets don't
• The three profiles most artists fall into — and why even the best one isn't ideal
• What marketing actually includes beyond self-promotion
• The foundation work that makes promotion pay off
• Why 30% more structure is enough to count as a win
• The two kinds of plans every working artist needs

Read more, get links, and see featured artists

 

* ~ * YOUR ART MARKETING PLAN IS SEPTEMBER 10 * ~ *

Get your plan at https://artbizsuccess.com/yamp

 

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

 

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield names three paths a serious artist can take — and makes the case for the one no one talks about. After more than two decades of teaching online, she's changing how she works with artists, shifting from multi-month courses to coaching groups and private consulting.

She also announces The Third Path, a new group for artists staying in the work on their own terms.

Alyson reveals:

• Why "ambitious" doesn't describe every serious artist
• What's changing at Art Biz Success after more than 20 years teaching online courses
• The three paths a serious artist can take
• Why the third path has never been modeled
• What The Third Path group is — and what it isn't
• Who it's for and how to get on the list

*~ * THE THIRD PATH BEGINS IN OCTOBER * ~*

Email Alyson if you're interested in figuring it out with a group of other artists. Watch your inbox for her short set of questions.

Read more, get links, and see featured artists

Email Alyson to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

Many artists know exactly what they need to do to move their careers forward. They just aren't doing it.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Georgie Coote, a National Board certified health and wellness coach who specializes in ADHD in adults, about what's often underneath that gap and why standard productivity advice tends to fail the people who need it most.

Georgie reveals:

• Why so many artists know exactly what to do and don't do it
• The pattern behind late-in-life ADHD diagnoses in women
• What most productivity advice gets wrong for ADHD brains
• The difference between ADHD and ordinary overwhelm
• Where strategies fail and what helps instead

GeorgieCoote.com

Instagram.com/georgiecootecoaching

Read the more detailed post

. . . ✦ THE NEXT OPENING ✦ . . . small group coaching begins September 1. Get the details and apply at https://artbizsuccess.com/next

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that waiting isn't ambition — it's longing.

She unpacks why so many artists organize their careers around a big break that rarely comes, names the three kinds of openings available to every artist, and offers a simple five-step cycle for building real momentum on your own terms.

She covers:

• Why waiting has no relationship with ambition
• Why hustling isn't the alternative most artists think it is
• The 3 kinds of openings, and the one most underused
• What "building a career on someone else's schedule" actually costs you
• The 5 A's that turn intention into follow-through
• Why doing this alone is exhausting and often uninspired

Read more and see featured artists

 

The Next Opening is a small coaching group for ambitious artists who are done waiting for the big break and ready to make their next move. A year of aiming, acting, assessing, adjusting, and doing it again, with support and accountability. Application only. Next cohort starts in September. artbizsuccess.com/next

 

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

You worked hard to get your art on those walls. So when only a handful of people show up to the opening, it stings.

In this episode, Alyson Stanfield looks at the most common reasons your supporters stayed home — and what you can do differently before your next show.

In this episode:

• Why the 5-10 days before a show are too late to fix most attendance problems
• How a cold list can cost you the people most likely to show up
• Why you can't rely on the venue to bring people to your exhibition
• Why one or two social media posts won't cut it
• The power of a personal invitation and letting people know why the show matters to you
• Why sending one email isn't enough, and why your supporters will thank you for the reminder

Read the show notes, get links mentioned, and watch the video

July 9 workshop: Follow Up Already

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

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The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

Host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that your best salespeople are already in your life, just waiting to be asked to help.

This episode isn't just for artists with collectors. If anyone has ever responded enthusiastically to your work, it applies to you.

Alyson reveals:

• Who counts as a potential advocate
• Why these people genuinely want to help
• Why the relationship has to come first
• How to make it easy with tools whether they are tangible, in-person events, or digital tools
• When and how to make the ask, and what it doesn't look like

If the follow-up is a weak link for you, join Alyson for Follow Up Already: Don't Let Good Opportunities Go Cold.

Read more, get links, and see featured artists on the companion post.

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

There are many ways for artists to make money, but more income sources don't always lead to more income.

In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield looks at the difference between an income source and an income stream—and why that distinction matters when you're deciding what belongs in your art business.

You'll also hear about:

• Why adding a new income source can mean building a separate business
• The time, energy, marketing, and systems each source requires
• Why so-called passive income is a myth
• How to evaluate profitability, potential, and return on your time
• Questions to help you decide whether to add, keep, or let go of an income source

The goal isn't to have as many income sources as possible. It's to understand what each one requires and decide whether it deserves a place in your art business.

Read more and get links and resources on the extensive companion post.

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that research is not an academic exercise. And it's not separate from your art practice, but part of it.

She encourages you to think of it as leading with curiosity, which strengthens the work and builds confidence.

Alyson draws on her background as an art historian and her own current investigation into timelines to show what this actually looks like in practice.

Alyson reveals:

• Why "I've always been drawn to this" isn't a good enough answer, and what happens when you push past it
• The difference between work that is beautiful and work that is about something
• Why you mustn't research to find the right or best answer, and why you cannot rely on Google and AI for a true research practice
• How a serious inquiry practice changes your artist statement, collector conversations, and confidence in the work
• What it means to make curiosity a practice rather than a phase you move through before a project begins

Read more and get links and resources on the extensive companion post.

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

Every artist wants to know "how much time?"

How much time on the business side, how much time making the work, and how long before any of it pays off.

In this episode of The Art Biz host Alyson Stanfield gives straight answers to the two questions that matter — including a number you might not want to hear — and offer a better question to ask yourself instead.

She covers:

• Why "how much time?" is the wrong question, and what to ask yourself instead
• The difference between your daily time and the longer stretch it takes to establish yourself
• Why willingness and commitment matter more than the number of hours you have
• How much of your working time goes to business and marketing when you're serious about income
• Why more success means more business, not less
• The timeframe to expect for the hard work to pay off and why steady work matters most

 

Read more and get links and resources on the extensive companion post.

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This.

 

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

Making a living from your art takes more than passion and talent. In this solo episode, Alyson Stanfield walks through the real considerations — from committing to your studio practice to making friends with marketing — for artists who are serious about turning their practice into a livelihood.

It starts with a question worth considering: is this really for you?

In this episode, Alyson covers:

• Why marketing your art too early can undermine everything you're working toward
• The financial math many artists avoid, and why ignoring it is not an option
• The old stories that hold you back and what it means to let them go
• Why your artist community is a valuable asset
• The difference between being busy and being productive
• Structure is what makes creative freedom possible
• Why you need to make friends with marketing.

Read more and get links and resources on the extensive companion post

 

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

 

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

Venues aren't looking for artists who need them, they're looking for artists who are ready.

Host Alyson Stanfield introduces the attraction method: a way of building genuine relationships with venues long before you ever make an ask. For alternative venues, the timeline from first contact to a yes can be weeks instead of years.

In this episode, Alyson covers:

• Why readiness is more than finished work, and what signals to a venue that you're prepared
• How alternative venues operate on an entirely different timeline than galleries
• The research and in-person visit steps that show a space you're worth talking to
• What separates "Can I show my art here?" from an opener that actually starts a conversation
• Why consistent, genuine presence means venues sometimes do the asking before you do

Visit this episode's page for all resources

MENTIONED

Beyond White Walls workshop

Elevate Your Art workshop

RELATED EPISODES

The artists who don't wait to be chosen (264)

Use the attraction method for art venues before you make the ask (265)

 

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

 

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

You don't need a gallery to put your work in front of people. You don't need to wait for the next juried show application just for the promise to compete with a hoard of other artists.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that waiting for gallery representation — or cycling through the same juried shows — keeps artists from the kind of visibility they could be creating themselves. This is a practical, imagination-expanding episode for artists who are ready to take control.

In this episode, Alyson shares:

• Why "white walls" can be a metaphor for playing it too safe
• Three real art shows she attended that will stretch what you think is possible
• The lesson a hotel show taught her about personal invitations
• The difference between announcing, commanding, and inviting, and when to use each for promoting your show

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Elevate Your Art on-demand workshop
• Why the lone artist mindset keeps you small (263)
• How to write an art show invitation: announcing, commanding, or inviting? (article)

BEYOND WHITE WALLS :: May 7 Workshop

Your next exhibition space is closer than you think. Join Alyson on May 7 for Beyond White Walls, a 70-minute live workshop on finding and approaching non-traditional venues for your work. Registration is $37 and includes email templates, a companion guide, and the recording. Details at https://artbizsuccess.com/whitewalls

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield explores why collaboration is often the missing piece in an artist's growth. While working alone feels easier, it can quietly limit what's possible.

This episode makes the case for thinking bigger by asking a simple but powerful question: Who else belongs in your work?

Alyson shares:

• Two powerful examples of artist collaborations and how they reached audiences that the artists couldn't have reached on their own
• How collaborations build accountability, momentum, and deeper work
• Why it's important that your work be part of the larger dialogue
• What to look out for when collaborating

Visit this episode's page for all resources

 

RELATED EPISODES ON COLLABORATING

This Artist Turned Six Partnerships Into a Sold-Out Gallery Show with Meredith Nemirov (262)

A Collaboration Between 2 Artists that Led to Creative Growth (183)

Multiply Your Audience and Expand Your Show's Impact with Jill Powers (27)

Multi-State Multi-Year Multi-Artist Art Project with Marilyn Artus (30)

Knit Democracy Together with Eve Jacobs-Carnahan (64)

Collaborating on Your Art Business with Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin (86)

Play Tops Work, Connection Tops Solitude, and Confidence Tops Fear with Willie Cole (126)

Expanding Your Skillset to Respond to Opportunities with Detour (128)

 

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

Artist Meredith Nemirov joins host Alyson Stanfield to walk through how she built a rare sold-out show — not by luck, but by design. Starting with a short proposal to a national nonprofit before she ever approached her gallery, Meredith assembled six collaborators, two opening nights, and a donation structure that gave everyone a reason to say yes.

Meredith reveals:

• Why she approached a national nonprofit before she walked into her own gallery
• The three options she gave American Rivers for the collaboration
• How the gallery staff went far beyond hanging the work, and why it mattered
• The missed opportunity she'd handle differently next time
• How having people depending on her changed what happened in the studio

Connect with Meredith

Visit this episode's page for all resources

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

The daily work of running an art business always feels urgent. The strategic work doesn't. So it waits.

But postponing that deeper evaluation isn't okay.

In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield names five specific costs that accumulate when the strategic work keeps getting pushed to next month, next quarter, next year.

In this episode:

• Why tactical delays and strategic delays are two different problems
• The question Alyson asks every client when a deadline feels far away
• What it means to leave money on the table, and why it's such an easy cost to ignore
• How unresolved strategic questions become a constant tax on your attention
• Why execution without direction is just activity
• What happens psychologically every day you don't begin the work you've been putting off

Resources & links

• Stop Being Busy. Start Being Strategic. (258)
• Do You Have the Art Business You Actually Want? (259)
• The Art Business Self-Assessment Every Artist Should Do (260)

Read more in depth, get links, and see featured artists

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

My Art Business Assessment — Used with Every Client 50%

In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield introduces the 3-zone framework she uses with every private client to assess where an art business actually stands.

It's the same structure at the heart of the Art Business Reset workshop, and this episode is your chance to walk through it on your own.

Alyson covers:

• The question she asks before any strategy conversation
• The 3 zones that account for everything you do to build your art business outside of making the work: Outreach, Presence, and Systems
• The breakdown of what each zone covers and questions to ask for your assessment
• Why you can't neglect in-person networking and follow-up

Mentioned

Do You Have the Art Business You Actually Want? (259)

Stop Being Busy, Start Being Strategic (258)

Art Business Reset on March 31, 2026

Read more, get mentioned resources, and see featured artists

Email Alyson to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

Most artists didn't design their art business — they drifted into it. In this solo episode, Art Biz host Alyson Stanfield invites you to slow down long enough to ask a question most artists never take time to ask: if you were starting fresh today, would you build it this way?

In this episode, Alyson covers:

• Why most artists are running a business they drifted into rather than designed — and why that matters
• What a business model actually is (and why you already have one whether you designed it or not)
• The difference between examining your business and evaluating it, and why the order matters
• The foundational question she asks every new private client before anything else
• The six areas to examine when you're ready to take honest stock of what you've built

Read more, get links, and see featured artists

Mentioned

Stop Being Busy, Start Being Strategic (258)

When You Want to Sell More Original Art (257)

Beyond Information: Why Artists Need Frameworks (251)

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term art career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

Being busy is boring.

In episode 258 of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that most artists are so deep in execution mode that they never step back to evaluate, redirect, or ask whether any of it is actually working. This episode draws a clear line between working IN your art business and working ON it, and explains why both matter, but one gets almost all of the attention.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Why execution without direction is just activity, and what it costs you.
• The side-by-side difference between IN and ON work across four common artist tasks
• The two failure modes: too much IN (reactive, no filter) and too much ON (perfect systems, no execution)
• What working ON your business actually looks like in practice, including the questions to ask
• Why multi-year plans have lost their usefulness, and what to hold onto instead

QUESTIONS TO ASK IN YOUR "ON" TIME

• What is actually working — and why?
• Is this still where I want to go — and why?
• What on my to-do list no longer serves me?
• What has the best potential for a long-term payoff?
• Where am I playing it too safe?
• How can I enjoy my art business even more?

Read more, get links, and see featured artists

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

Selling products — giclées, pillows, aprons, notebooks — made sense when you started. But if you've been asking how to sell more original art and not getting traction, something may need to shift.

Host Alyson Stanfield draws on her background as a museum curator and educator to explore what actually gets in the way and what to do about it.

In this episode:

• Why the pivot to products is understandable, and when it starts working against you
• The fear that drives you away from leading with originals
• What collectors are actually buying when they choose to live with original art
• The screen equalization problem: why your $4,000 painting and your $40 print look identical online (and what to do about it)
• Two tactics for selling more original art

Read more, get links, and see featured artists

Check out Elevate Your Art: Museum-Quality Standards That Command Higher Prices

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

Artist and tax advisor Hannah Cole knows firsthand how shame can poison an artist's relationship with money. When her dad's accountant asked "When are you gonna get a real job?" instead of helping her understand quarterly taxes, she experienced the dismissal that makes so many artists avoid financial conversations altogether.

In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield and Hannah explore why artists develop allergies to money talk and what it takes to build confidence with your numbers.

Hannah reveals:

• Why "when are you gonna get a real job?" creates a lasting money allergy
• How believing money corrupts prevents you from advocating for fair pay
• Her ritual for making bookkeeping feel like self-care instead of dread
• Why you must have a separate bank account for your art biz
• What losing 20 years of art in a hurricane revealed about capitalism and grief

Connect with Hannah:

SunlightTax.com

The Sunlight Tax podcast

LinkedIn: Hannah Cole

Instagram: @sunlighttax

Tiktok: Sunlight Tax

Youtube: Sunlight Tax

 

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

Daniel Sipe and Karlë Woods didn't set out to start an arts organization. They just wanted to talk to artists during the pandemic. Four years later, Lights Out has produced 95 artist documentaries, thrown 18 popup exhibitions across Maine, and built a funding model that includes everything from $10 monthly donors to six-figure state contracts.

Their story, shared with host Alyson Stanfield, offers a masterclass in starting before you're ready, investing in what matters (yes, including marketing), and building something sustainable through collaboration rather than competition. They reveal:

• Why a power outage became the best thing that could have happened at their first art show
• The $800 investment that felt reckless at the time but proved essential to their credibility
• How they turned what could be seen as competition into their superpower
• The state contract that nearly bankrupted them before it saved them
• The simplest way artists can support arts organizations in their communities

Read more, see images, find resources mentioned

 

Connect with Lights Out

Website

Videos on YouTube

Instagram

Email me to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals.

 

Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

Damien Davis is a visual artist and writer who questions the art world's power structures from an artist's perspective. In this conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, he exposes the gatekeeping mechanisms—from application fees to institutional approval—that keep artists competing for artificially scarce opportunities instead of recognizing the abundance they could create together.

Damien reveals:

• How learning business skills like grant writing and fundraising allowed him to stop waiting for gatekeepers and reclaim his studio practice
• Why he defines a successful artist as simply someone who keeps making art, regardless of galleries or institutional validation
• How barriers like application fees serve to keep artists competing for resources that should be abundant
• Why people at the center of the art ecosystem benefit from keeping artists in perpetual competition with each other
• How his writing exposes exploitation directly while his colorful sculptures draw viewers into uncomfortable conversations about erased histories

Read more, see images, find resources mentioned

Connect with Damien:

Website and Newsletter

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Think you'd make a good guest on The Art Biz? Read This

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

 

Host Alyson Stanfield reveals an uncomfortable truth in this solo episode: the problem isn't that you don't know enough. The real challenge is building the confidence to act on what you already know. After 23 years of teaching artists, Alyson has realized she's been contributing to information overwhelm when what artists actually need are practices that build steady confidence.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The five major confidence killers that derail your plans
• Six practical confidence-building practices you can start today
• Why your January plans typically fade by February
• How to close the gap between planning and execution
• The difference between accumulating knowledge and trusting yourself

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Alyson reflects on episode 251 and her realization about information overwhelm

01:00 The real problem isn't lack of knowledge—it's information overload

02:00 What typically happens to January plans by February

03:10 Three things that kill confidence: doubt, false beliefs, and comparison

04:10 How perfectionism is actually procrastination in disguise

05:30 The inner critic voices that keep you stuck

06:30 Learning from outside critics versus harsh feedback

07:20 Six practices for building steady confidence

13:00 The gap between planning and working your plan

14:30 Practice steady confidence this season

SUGGESTED ACTION

This week, start one confidence-building practice. Choose the one that resonates most: begin a daily wins list, create your "loved" file, write one affirmation, or commit to one self-care practice. You don't need to do all of them at once. Pick one and practice it consistently.

RELATED EPISODES

Beyond Information: Why Artists Need Frameworks (251)

What Your Failures Are Teaching You with Laura Petrovich-Cheney (96)

How to Be a More Confident Artist with Gwen Fox (24)

To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/steady-confidence

🔶 For the first time, Essentials is available as a single season option—four months focused entirely on building steady confidence. Running through April, you'll get weekly practices, community support, and access to all learning modules when you need them. The planning workshop gives you the plan. The season gives you the practices to meet your goals. Learn more: Essentials for Steady Confidence

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

HOW TO BE A GUEST

Think you have a story to share with other artists here on The Art Biz. Take the first step ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

host: Alyson Stanfield

In this coaching-style episode, host Alyson Stanfield coaches Ebony Iman Dallas through the challenges of building a sustainable public art career while navigating motherhood, a regional market, and the fear of rejection.

Ebony makes 90% of her income from public art but struggles with systems, marketing that highlights events instead of her work, and waiting for opportunities instead of creating them. If you've ever felt stretched between creative work and life responsibilities—or stuck in a local market—you'll recognize yourself here.

HIGHLIGHTS

01:30 Ebony's journey from advertising to opening the first art gallery in post-war Somaliland to full-time public art practice

06:10 How Ebony's income breaks down: 90% public art, 10% studio sales

08:30 Why she needs both institutional recognition and sales to spread her messages about Black Oklahoma history

16:30 Ebony admits she has no systems for tracking proposals and keeps everything in her head

21:10 Her graphic memoir Through Abahay's Eyes aims to clear her father's name and show healing is possible

30:20 The critical marketing shift: promote primarily—over events

33:10 Building a VIP list and postcard strategy to stay visible with the right people

40:50 Why fear of rejection keeps your dreams small

44:00 Weekly accountability check-ins take the emotion out and make it a numbers game

46:20 The three main takeaways: accountability structure, VIP postcard strategy, and intentional art-focused marketing

ACTION

Take one of these strategies and put it into action this week. Reach out to one curator or gallery director. Start your VIP list of people who should know about your work. Or schedule a weekly check-in with an accountability partner to share what you've applied for.

RELATED EPISODES

Remove Barriers to Buying Your Art (237)

How to Guarantee that People Remember You with Skip Hill (187)

Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Christine Aaron (114)

To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/shape-opportunities

⭐️ Connect with Ebony and see more of her art: https://ebonyimandallas.com

🔶 If you heard Ebony talk about keeping everything in her head and thought "that's me," join us for Own Your Year 2026, January 13-15. This three-day planning workshop will help you get it all out of your head and onto a plan that actually supports your goals. Registration closes January 12th at artbizsuccess.com/makeaplan.

🔶 If you're looking for more customized support beyond group workshops, I also work privately with a small number of artists each year. Learn more at artbizsuccess.com/consulting.

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

HOW TO BE A GUEST

Think you have a story to share with other artists here on The Art Biz. Take the first step ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

What happens when you realize the way you've been working isn't sustainable? When you've built something successful but it's costing you sleep, peace of mind, and the very things you set out to protect?

In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield gets really vulnerable with a question most artists face at some point: Who am I if I change the way I've always done things? It's about the pressure to maintain what you've always done because that's what you identify with, the FOMO that makes you say yes when your gut says no, and the overwhelm that comes from adding more and more to your plate.

Artists don't need more information—they need containers to organize it, filters to prioritize it, and boundaries to protect themselves from overwhelm. You'll hear about identity shifts, the power of asking "where can I lower the bar?" and what it looks like to evolve from consuming content to building frameworks that actually support your business.

🔦 HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 The Artist's Annual Review and why reflecting is an act of courage

02:50 The truth is you don't need more information

04:10 We need to prioritize creating containers, filters, and serious boundaries

06:40 Artists keep telling me they're "so behind" and I never want you to feel that way

09:10 I'm preaching sane planning while juggling an insane schedule

13:50 This is about IDENTITY—who I am at my very core

17:20 The right question: what do I need to let go of? Where can I lower the bar?

20:20 This is about evolution, trusting that what already exists is enough

📖 To read more and find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/beyond-info

🔶 FREE! Download The Artist's Annual Review and ask yourself: What do I need to let go of? Where can I lower the bar?

Not just what you want to accomplish in 2026—but what you want less of, and how you want to feel as you move through your days. https://artbizsuccess.com/reviewyouryear

🔶 🔶  OWN YOUR YEAR 2026 🔶 🔶  If you're ready to take that clarity and turn it into a plan—not a plan that adds more to your plate, but a plan that honors where you are and what you actually have the capacity for—join me for Own Your Year 2026.

This planning workshop happens January 13-15, 2026. This isn't about tactics or strategies or adding more to your list. It's about alignment. It's about creating a year that feels sustainable and maybe even radiant.

Learn more at artbizsuccess.com/makeaplan

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

Think you'd make a good podcast guest? Give me your best pitch ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

host: Alyson Stanfield

In 2020, Dawn Trimble was laid off from her interior design job during the pandemic while navigating a divorce—and she felt relief. That moment became a turning point. Within months of painting full-time, she launched her first collection, which sold out in days and matched her corporate paycheck.

Dawn talks about the practical steps she took to build momentum, what she brought from her design background into her art business, how she thinks about creativity as service rather than self-expression, and why she believes the most important thing any artist can do is simply start.

HIGHLIGHTS

01:40 Dawn describes her serene watercolor paintings

03:00 The relief of being laid off during the pandemic

05:40 Creating her first collection and selling out in days

08:00 The three-legged stool business approach

26:00 Wall covering licensing partnerships that surprised her with the size of the first checks

29:00 How she structures her week

32:00 Marketing through storytelling and connection

39:00 The "Memories" collection and her father's dementia

44:00 Her faith, viewing herself as conduit, not source

47:20 Her advice to other artists: just do it

DAWN'S ACTION FOR YOU

Dawn reminds us that everyone has insecurities and everyone is afraid. But you have to start anyway. As she mentioned, inspiration has to find us working.

You can't sit around wishing—it has to be an action. So this week, get into your studio and make something. Let inspiration find you working.

To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/trimble-revenue

Connect with Dawn and see more of her art: https://dawnmtrimbleart.com

🔶 If you've ever felt like you're doing all the things but not seeing sales, or if you're tired of people saying "I love your work" without pulling out their wallet, check out the Followers to Collectors workshop. You'll map out the full journey of how people discover your art, engage with it, build trust over time, and how you make it easy for them to buy when they're ready.

Learn more at artbizsuccess.com/f2c

RELATED EPISODES

Listen to other artists discuss their income streams:

Expanding Your Skillset to Respond to Opportunities with Detour (ep. 128)

Juggling Multiple Art Styles and Audiences with Robin Maria Pedrero (ep. 103)

Beyond Comparison and Jealousy with Jason Kotecki (ep. 191)

Transform Your Creative Ideas into Multiple Income Streams: Helen Hiebert (ep. 18)

The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

host: Alyson Stanfield

Alicia Bailey and Melinda Laz are part of a four-artist collaborative group in Denver that's been working together for years because it's made them better artists.

In this conversation, they share the practical realities of collaboration: the systems that keep things organized, the communication that prevents problems, and the trust that makes it all possible.

If you've ever wondered whether working with other artists is worth the effort, this episode will show you what's possible when you get it right.

🔦HIGHLIGHTS

01:50 How their friendship evolved into collaboration over 25 years

04:10 The early collaborative work between Alicia and Melinda

05:30 Expanding from a duo to a four-artist collaboration with Catherine Chauvin and Sharon Strasburg

08:30 Why they choose loose collaboration over a more formalized collective

10:40 Drafting proposals together without ego

13:20 Choosing "Perseverance" as their theme to allow broad interpretation

16:10 The systems they use to stay organized and on track

18:00 Why one person serves as the point of contact with galleries

20:40 The importance of going to lunch and doing studio visits

25:40 Learning when to say no to opportunities that don't align

36:20 Communication, clear expectations, and getting everything on the table

40:20 Keeping ego in check while maintaining leadership

🏃THE ARTISTS' ACTION FOR YOU

Go to openings and talk to other artists, especially those whose work you feel a resonance with. Go view art even if it's not an opening, then dig deeper by looking at artists' websites or social media pages to learn about the community right in your backyard. Don't be afraid to reach out—send that Instagram message, ask for coffee, introduce yourself at the opening. Artists want to talk to other artists and form community.

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/friendships-collaborations

⭐️ Connect with the artists: https://aliciabailey.com and https://melindalaz.com

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Interested in collaboration? Check out these episodes:

Multiply Your Audience and Expand Your Show's Impact with Jill Powers (ep. 27)

Knit Democracy Together with Eve Jacobs-Carnahan (ep. 64)

Collaborating on Your Art Business with Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin (ep. 86)

A Collaboration Between 2 Artists that Led to Creative Growth (ep. 183)

🔶 Community can support your journey in so many ways. We have that kind of community in Essentials for Artist Success. While there are plenty of lessons in our vault—including our current focus on The Artist's Annual Review and planning work we'll dig into in January—our real emphasis is on action and progress. We're here to help you move forward without getting bogged down in more information than you need. Find all the details at artbizsuccess.com/essentials

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

In part one of this conversation (episode 247), Stephanie Brown shared how she strategically funded her education and built her early career foundation. Now it's time to talk about what happens next: the messy, real, day-to-day work of sustaining an art practice.

Stephanie breaks down her actual income streams with host Alyson Stanfield—sharing her five-year vision for gallery representation and explaining how becoming a mother made her bolder and more focused rather than holding her back.

🔦 HIGHLIGHTS

03:50 Stephanie's income percentages from consulting, speaking, art sales, workshops, and grants

07:30 When paying for a residency is worth it (and when it's not)

08:30 The mistake of saying yes to a show just to meet a quota

10:30 Why motherhood pushed Stephanie's art practice harder instead of pausing it

12:20 What "your mom does for a living" should teach about possibility and freedom

18:30 The tools that keep multiple income streams organized

25:30 Why direct outreach finally started working after years of silence

27:30 If forced to choose only one income stream, this would be it—and why

🏃STEPHANIE'S ACTION FOR YOU

Make a list of the top ten things you're most scared to do in your art career. Then do the scariest thing on that list.

Maybe it's reaching out directly to a gallery you admire. Maybe it's raising your prices. Maybe it's applying to that prestigious residency you've been bookmarking for years. Maybe it's finally having an honest conversation about money with your partner or family.

The scary thing is usually the thing that will move you forward the most.

🔶 ESSENTIALS

If you need structure and support while you're doing the scary things, that's exactly what we provide in Essentials for Artist Success. We help you build a sustainable foundation for your art business with ongoing lessons, accountability, and coaching. Because taking action is always easier when you're not doing it alone.

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Expanding Your Skillset to Respond to Opportunities with Detour (ep. 128)

Juggling Multiple Art Styles and Audiences with Robin Maria Pedrero (ep. 103)

Transform Your Creative Ideas into Multiple Income Streams: Helen Hiebert (ep. 18)

Raising Prices on Your Art, Valuing Community, and Balancing Motherhood with Bri Larson (ep. 166)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/motherhood-brown

⭐️ Connect with Stephanie and see more of her art: https://stephaniebphotos.com

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

Too many artists graduate from art school with crushing debt and then spend years figuring out how to make money while trying to maintain a studio practice. Stephanie Brown did the opposite. She graduated from a private art school debt-free, secured a fully funded MFA, and has been treating her art career like a business from day one.

In this conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Stephanie breaks down exactly how she did it, and why being strategic about money doesn't make you any less of an artist.

🔦 HIGHLIGHTS

02:00 Why interactive art transforms viewers into participants and creates lasting memory points—and how Stephanie intentionally studied education theory to understand this

06:40 How she graduated from a private art school (SCAD) debt-free by maximizing scholarships and strategically taking general education classes at community college

09:40 Why she only applied to fully funded MFA programs and what made University of Michigan's program worth it

16:30 The best advice Stephanie received about graduate school: only go when you know what you want to say to the world as an artist

23:10 How watching her mother's creative side hustles shaped her belief that artists can make money from their work

24:40 The rules she set for herself (one residency, two exhibitions per year) to ensure she could always say "I'm an exhibiting artist"

31:10 Why working from home during the pandemic was the unlock that gave Stephanie energy and time for serious studio practice

33:20 The transferable skills from her art practice (managing budgets up to $50,000) that landed her higher-paying jobs in project management and business operations

🚀 YOUR ACTION

Create your own non-negotiable parameters for your art practice. Stephanie's are at least one residency and two exhibitions per year.

What would your rules be?

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

She Knows Exactly How Much Her Art Income Will be with Kelly Pelfrey (162)

Being an Artist with Geoffrey Gorman (124)

Starting Your Art Career (173)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/debt-free-brown

⭐️ Connect with Stephanie and see more of her art: https://stephaniebphotos.com

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

Your art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Where and how you show your work shapes how people perceive its value before they even look closely at the piece itself. The venue, the lighting, the labels, the other work nearby—all of it sends signals about whether your art should be taken seriously.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield explores what falls within your control and what doesn't, and why understanding that difference can transform how collectors see you and your work.

She encourages you to vet opportunities before committing, establish non-negotiables to establish for yourself, and move strategically toward increasingly prestigious venues rather than staying comfortable with familiar options. Whether you're just starting out or you've been showing for years, you'll learn how to raise your standards and make choices that honor the work you've put into your art.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:30 A gallery story that reveals how presentation can undermine even the most exquisite artwork

02:50 Joshua Bell's subway experiment and what it reveals about context over content

04:20 What you can't control after committing: organizers' behavior, placement, promotion, and who else is in the show

06:00 The power of vetting opportunities before you say yes: research methods and setting non-negotiables

09:00 Moving strategically to increasingly prestigious venues rather than staying comfortable

11:40 Being selective even when starting out: choosing the best option available at your career stage

🚀 YOUR ACTION

Audit your current opportunities through this lens. For each place you're showing or planning to show, ask yourself:

Does this venue's reputation support my prices and goals?

Will being here make collectors take me more seriously?

What can I control about how my work is presented?

And if you can't control key elements, is this opportunity still worth it?

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Seeking Validation and Earning Credibility as an Artist (129)

How One Curator Works with Artists at a Regional Art Center with Collin Parson (116)

Lessons from a Wildly Successful Pop-up Art Gallery Event with Mai Wyn Schantz (109)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit artbizsuccess.com/undermining-value

🔶 Context shapes perception. It's why galleries are selective about their roster and why collectors pay attention to provenance. If you want to command higher prices, context matters enormously. In Elevate Your Art, Alyson covers numerous strategies for increasing the perceived value of your work and being strategic about where and how you show. This is just one of them. The live session on November 18th, with on demand training available afterward. Visit artbizsuccess.com/elevate for all the details.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

host: Alyson Stanfield

La Vaughn Belle is a visual artist based in St. Croix whose interdisciplinary practice explores colonial histories and Caribbean identity.

Host Alyson Stanfield talks with La Vaughn about building a thriving art career outside traditional art centers through strategic networking, intentional collaboration, and the bold decision to hire a publicist for her monument project I Am Queen Mary.

La Vaughn reveals

• How she built strategic networks that expanded her reach beyond her local community
• Why collaboration with people outside her discipline opened unexpected doors
• The power of consistent newsletter practice and following up with genuine curiosity
• How she hired a publicist for her monument project and landed coverage in The New York Times, Guardian, and Time Magazine
• Why separating your work (obra) from your career (carrera) requires different strategies
• How dedicating 20 studio hours per week transformed her practice

HIGHLIGHTS

01:30 How living in the Caribbean has shaped La Vaughn's cosmopolitan perspective as an artist

06:40 How La Vaughn's work explores colonial histories through material remnants and storm metaphors

09:00 The three key practices La Vaughn built to develop her reputation outside St. Croix

10:30 What La Vaughn looks for in collaboration and how working with non-artists sharpens her practice

17:00 How people find La Vaughn for collaborations and the importance of a strong website

20:10 La Vaughn's consistent newsletter practice and how she asks permission to add people to her list

23:40 Why La Vaughn's friend insisted she hire a publicist and how she overcame her resistance

26:30 Describing the two-and-a-half-story sculpture that combined coral stones and a reimagined Huey P. Newton image

33:30 How La Vaughn dove into her practice after the media attention died down

38:40 Using affirmations and strategic positioning to attract the right gallerist

43:20 The difference between obra (work) and carrera (career) that La Vaughn learned in Cuba

46:40 Why committing to 20 studio hours per week is essential for competing at an international level

🚀 YOUR ACTION

Pick one relationship you already have—maybe someone who expressed interest in your work, a curator you met once, or an artist in a different discipline—and reach out this week. Not with an ask, but with genuine curiosity. Invite them for a coffee chat or Zoom conversation and see where it takes you.

🔶 Map out your follower's full journey from discovery to purchase: Follower —> Fan —>Buyer —> Collector. Learn how people find your art, engage with it, build trust over time, and buy when they're ready.

$97 (podcast listeners can save $20 with promo code PODCAST20) Sign up now at ArtBizSuccess.com/f2c

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/visibility-belle

⭐️ Connect with La Vaughn and see more of her art: https://www.lavaughnbelle.com/

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Boldly Reaching Out to Art World Influencers with Laurence de Valmy (108)

Lessons from a Wildly Successful Pop-up Art Gallery Event with Mai Wyn Schantz (109)

Overcoming Anxiety about Making Art World Connections with Heather Beardsley (160)

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

Working with a gallery means putting your art, reputation, and trust in someone else's hands.

That relationship can be transformative (or tense) depending on how it's managed on either side.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Katherine Hébert, founder of Gallery Fuel, which helps small and mid-size galleries strengthen their businesses.

Katherine has seen both sides of the artist–gallery dynamic and knows what helps these relationships thrive: communication, transparency, and mutual respect.

You'll hear:

• What mutual respect between artists and galleries looks like.
• How to establish trust early in the relationship.
• Why open communication prevents power imbalances throughout the evolution of the relationship.
• What "trust signals" artists send through professionalism and follow-through.
• The role of regular check-ins and collaborative planning.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:40 Katherine shares her journey from art history to founding Gallery Fuel.

05:00 Why she focuses on small and mid-size "Main Street" galleries.

07:00 What genuine trust between artists and galleries means, and how to establish it through clear communication.

11:10 How galleries can assess fit before signing artists.

13:00 The professionalism cues (or "trust signals") artists send to galleries.

15:40 Empowering artists to ask questions and clarify expectations.

20:00 Why regular communication and quarterly check-ins matter.

28:20 Contracts as a foundation for mutual respect and protection.

34:00 How younger collectors are changing the gallery landscape.

41:40 Creative experiences galleries can offer to build connection.

46:20 Alyson's closing thoughts: take what you've learned and put it into action.

🚀 YOUR ACTION

Reach out to one of your professional contacts this week—whether it's a gallerist, curator, or collector.

Share a quick update, ask a question, or simply check in. Every thoughtful message builds the trust that keeps relationships strong.

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/respect-hebert

⭐️ Connect with Katherine: https://galleryfuel.com

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Qualities Galleries Are Looking For in Their Artists with Jeremy Tessmer (123)

The Investing Artist: Art, Real Estate, and Legacy with Mary Erickson (19)

Why I Want Partnerships with Art Galleries with Evita Tezeno (175)

What Galleries Want: Preparing Your Art and Yourself with Gabba Gallery (226)

🔶 Map out your follower's full journey from discovery to purchase: Follower —> Fan —>Buyer —> Collector. Learn how people find your art, engage with it, build trust over time, and buy when they're ready. $97 (podcast listeners can save $20 with promo code PODCAST20) Sign up now at ArtBizSuccess.com/f2c

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

When Alissa Quart's 90-year-old mother received a terminal diagnosis, she faced a daunting question: what to do with 400 paintings created over three decades. Her solution was unconventional, distributing the work directly to neighbors, friends, and anyone who wanted to live with her mother's art.

The story she shares with host Alyson Stanfield touches on something much larger: what artists actually need to sustain their practice and how we think about legacy when the traditional art world isn't an option.

You'll learn:

• How to approach inventorying and distributing an artist's work when they can no longer do it themselves
• Why affordable housing is critical infrastructure for artists and what happens when creative communities are priced out
• The legal and economic barriers that prevent cities from supporting working artists
• How one New York Times article elevated an artist's work in ways decades of painting couldn't
• When to stop building an artist's legacy and how to set boundaries around the work

HIGHLIGHTS

01:30 Barbara Quart's journey from East Village bohemian to 30 years of daily painting 
05:40 The horror story that sparked a mission to honor her mother's wishes
08:20 Looking for external validation through local gallery shows in the Berkshires
10:40 The circumstances that allowed 30 years of sustained art practice
12:50 Why artists need community, not just queen bees but worker ants too
14:40 Legal barriers that restrict housing developments for artists
17:00 How art production creates billions in economic activity
23:10 Starting with an inventory and creating a catalog system
26:30 Women who inherit their husband's art and sacrifice their own lives
29:20 The art destruction party where artists let go of their work
34:10 How one piece in the New York Times changed everything
38:10 Barbara started painting again after the article's positive response
42:00 Collective joy and questioning the myth of individualism
44:00 The promise that consciousness can persist beyond the hand that picked up the brush

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Spotlighting Artists Who Bloom Later in Life with Janice Mason Steves (181)

Proactively Planning Your Art Legacy with Heather K. Powers (143)

Confronting Your Professional Legacy with David Paul Bayles (15)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/quart-legacy

⭐️ Connect with Alissa: https://alissaquart.com

Learn more about and support the Economic Hardship Reporting Project: https://economichardship.org

Follow Barbara Quart's art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaraquartpainter/

🔶 Map out your follower's full journey from discovery to purchase: Follower —> Fan —>Buyer —> Collector. Learn how people find your art, engage with it, build trust over time, and buy when they're ready. $97 (podcast listeners can save $20 with promo code PODCAST20) Sign up now at ArtBizSuccess.com/f2c

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

host: Alyson Stanfield

Artist and activist Malene Barnett joins host Alyson Stanfield to unpack how she balances a multidisciplinary practice while designing work that "holds memory" in space. Malene shares the planning, community, and process-sharing that keep a long, installation-driven practice moving, and she offers a resonant lens on clay as a tool for liberation grounded in Caribbean and West African heritage.

Bits of her wisdom:

• Plan your studio around time-intensive mediums so momentum never stalls.
• On social media, share process, tools, and research to connect when finished work is scarce.
• Think in space: design work and installations that carry memory and story.
• Build stability outside the studio to support long-term creative growth.
• Form intentional communities for critique, support, and opportunity.

HIGHLIGHTS

02:10 Family lineage and a first-generation background shape Malene's practice.

04:20 The pact to center ancestry and identity in her work from art school onward.

08:20 Clay as a tool for liberation through Caribbean pottery history and markets.

13:10 Leaving bespoke rugs, after a sabbatical, to reclaim her voice and move into clay.

19:20 Tiles and architecture as ways to create a space that holds memory.

21:00 Planning around clay's long timelines for drying, firing, and glazing.

22:20 Residencies, film, and building an archive of Caribbean potters.

26:40 Why sharing process, tools, and research sustains audience connection.

32:10 Founding the Black Artists and Designers Guild and how to start a community.

35:10 Crafted Kinship: agency, blurred lines between art, craft, and design.

41:10 Career advice: seek stability, invest, and take the long view.

43:20 What's next: a large-scale ceramic mural in Greensboro, with installation in 2027.

ACTION

This week, share one piece of your process with your community: a tool you rely on, a test tile, or a research thread you're following.

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

The Investing Artist: Art, Real Estate, and Legacy with Mary Erickson (223)

Expanding Your Skillset to Respond to Opportunities with Detour (ep. 128)

Leaning Into Her Roots and Community Art with Marilyn Fontaine (185)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/kinship-barnett

⭐️ Connect with Malene and see more of her art: https://malenebarnett.com

🔶 If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels on random marketing tasks and instead build a strong, reliable foundation for your art business, check out Essentials for Artist Success. Inside, you'll find the structure, coaching, and accountability to help you turn intentions into consistent action. Learn more at artbizsuccess.com/essentials.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

host: Alyson Stanfield

Pinterest isn't just for recipes and home décor—it's one of the most underutilized marketing tools for artists. In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield talks with artist coach Hayley Price about how she's still getting traffic from pins created years ago and why Pinterest should be part of your long-term strategy. Discover how to turn your existing content into evergreen visibility for your art.

• Why Pinterest functions more like a search engine than a social platform
• How pins can drive traffic for years, not hours or days
• The easiest way to start using Pinterest if you already post on Instagram
• Smart strategies for linking pins so they keep working—even after artwork sells
• How to use Pinterest not just for marketing but also for creative inspiration

HIGHLIGHTS

00:30 Meet Hayley Price—artist, gallerist, coach, and podcast host

02:20 Why Pinterest offers long-term visibility compared to Instagram

03:20 How Pinterest functions as a search engine (not social media)

05:10 How interior designers and collectors use Pinterest to discover art

06:30 Doubling your SEO efforts by linking blog posts to pins

08:40 First steps: setting up a business account and connecting Instagram

12:20 Creating multiple pins from one piece of content (without extra work)

19:00 What kinds of pins perform best for artists

24:40 How to keep pins working even after artwork has sold

28:20 Success story: 40–50% of gallery traffic still coming from old pins

29:50 Why ads often perform better on Pinterest than Instagram

33:20 Pinterest as a digital mood board for artistic inspiration

37:00 Hayley's creative routine and how she balances her multiple roles

ACTION

Choose one Inspired Pinterest Action:

• Repurpose something you've already shared on Instagram
• Start a new board for your blog posts or a collection
• Revive an old board with fresh pins

Just one step this week can set you up for visibility long after you hit publish.

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Presenting Yourself Professionally on Your Artist Website with Jessica Burko (174)

Technology Is Your Colleague in the Studio with Iris Scott (203)

What Artists Need to Know About SEO with Meg Casebolt (222)

22 Tactics to Thoughtfully Invite People to Visit Your Art Website (228)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/pinterest-price

⭐️ Connect with and see more of her art and the artists she features: https://thescoutedstudio.com/

🔶 If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels on random marketing tasks and instead build a strong, reliable foundation for your art business, check out Essentials for Artist Success. Inside, you'll find the structure, coaching, and accountability to help you turn intentions into consistent action. Learn more at artbizsuccess.com/essentials.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

Host Alyson Stanfield talks with Katie Hunt about the findings from her 2025 State of the Product Industry survey.

While Katie's audience includes product-based artists and makers, many of the themes—pricing pressures, burnout, and the need for stronger systems—apply across the creative sector.

They explore what's really happening behind the scenes of creative businesses right now: why some are thriving while others are closing or stalling, how tariffs are complicating planning and profitability, and the surprising number of businesses still not using email marketing.

Katie and Alyson reflect on the connection between sustainability and simplification, and how support, community, and structure can make all the difference.

03:50 Who was surveyed and what kinds of businesses they run

09:00 How hiring and systems correlate with reduced hours and greater sustainability

11:30 Why email marketing is still underused—and still effective

15:30 The mindset blocks around unsubscribes and "bothering" your list

17:40 Social media as a visibility tool vs. a sales driver

18:30 Why community, mentorship, and education accelerate growth

21:00 Emotional tone of the industry: cautiously hopeful, but tired

24:20 Following up and closing the loop when no one responds

26:40 30% of respondents have considered closing their business

30:00 Tariffs, planning challenges, and the ripple effect on pricing

34:20 What separates those who sustain their business from those who burn out

38:00 The role of peer support and accountability

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

4 Considerations for Wholesaling Your Art with Katie Hunt (138)

Worrying About the Economy with Elaine Luttrull (141)

Increasing Self-Sales by 400% with Sarah Becktel (157)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/fatigue-hunt

⭐️ Connect with Katie and listen to the Proof to Product podcast at https://prooftoproduct.com

🔶 Ready to make real progress in your art business? Essentials for Artist Success is where you stop spinning your wheels and start taking focused, intentional action. It's not just another course—it's a structured system for building momentum, making better decisions, and implementing the right strategies at the right time. Designed to support you through every season of your business, Essentials gives you the clarity, accountability, and community you need to keep moving forward.

Learn more >>> Essentials for Artist Success

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

 

host: Alyson Stanfield

Artists thrive on creative expression, but that same impulse can scatter your marketing. Without consistency, collectors are left confused about who you are and what you stand for.

In this solo episode, I share why identity comes before design, what goes into a brand kit, and how it saves time while building trust.

Your next collector is just one connection away. Make it a memorable one.

✨ HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 When artists relied on printed packets

02:40 Why tactile marketing materials still matter today

05:40 The tough love: artists aren't designers (and why that matters)

08:00 Why your Identity — with a capital "I" — comes first

10:20 What a brand kit includes and how it helps

12:00 The pitfalls of DIY and how we can give you support in Essentials

13:40 Wrapping up: identity, design, and consistency in action

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/brand-kit

🎧 MENTIONED

These are the other solo episodes (so far) leading up to the Followers to Collectors workshop.

When the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235)

Clean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236)

Remove Barriers to Buying Your Art (237)

You Don't Need a Gallery, You Need Conscious Connections (238)

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

These episodes feature guests who have clarity around who they are as artists:

Married to a Single Art Project Forever with Michelle Fung (227)

How You Want to Be Perceived as an Artist with Alexandra Squire (133)

What a Commitment to Audience-Building Means to Noelle Phares (225)

📥 RESOURCES

Planning Workshop:

Followers to Collectors – September 9–10

Essentials for Artist Success:

Ongoing coaching, support, and training

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

host: Alyson Stanfield

Waiting to be discovered isn't a strategy. A gallery might help, but it won't solve everything. What you really need to build a thriving art career are conscious connections. These are intentional relationships that open doors, create opportunities, and sustain you for the long run.

In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield explains what conscious connections are, why they matter more than ever, the barriers that hold artists back, and how to start cultivating your own unique network with a list that only you could create.

00:00 Why waiting to be discovered is not a strategy

01:00 August solo series leading to the Followers to Collectors workshop (see other episodes below)

02:20 The changing art ecosystem — what has and hasn't changed

02:50 Defining conscious connections

03:30 Quick scenarios that show conscious connections in action

04:50 Why connections matter: resources, opportunities, momentum, knowledge, sales, collaboration

07:10 Conscious connections are the lifeblood of your career

07:30 Barriers: fear, logistics, and avoidance

09:00 The importance of focusing on others, not just yourself

09:10 Four buckets of connections: supporters, sellers & venues, influencers, peripheral potential

11:20 Conscious connections aren't optional — they are foundational

11:50 One small action to nurture a connection this week

12:30 Invitation to the Followers to Collectors workshop (Sept 9–10)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/conscious-connections

🎧 MENTIONED

These are the other solo episodes (so far) leading up to the Followers to Collectors workshop.

When the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235)

Clean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236)

Remove Barriers to Buying Your Art (237)

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

In these episodes, guests talk about the conscious connections that have helped them succeed with a specific project.

Multiply Your Audience and Expand Your Show's Impact with Jill Powers (27)

Knit Democracy Together with Eve Jacobs-Carnahan (64)

Collaborating on Your Art Business with Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin (86)

A Collaboration Between 2 Artists that Led to Creative Growth (183)

📥 RESOURCES

Planning Workshop:

Followers to Collectors – September 9–10

Essentials for Artist Success:

Ongoing coaching, support, and training

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

host: Alyson Stanfield   When someone is ready to buy your art, the last thing you want to do is make them go on a treasure hunt. Every extra click, unanswered question, or missing price is a barrier that can cost you the sale.   In this solo episode, I talk about how you can take charge of the buying process—because while you can't control the economy or trends, you can control how easy it is for people to pay you.   Key Ideas

• Collectors don't just buy art—they buy into the artist. Relationships matter, but clarity in the buying process is non-negotiable.

• Three keys to a smooth sales experience: Clarity, Ease, and Trust.

• Why your homepage isn't enough—and how credit lines, prices, and details create clarity.

• How multiple payment options and clear agreements make buying easier.

• Why trust depends on fast responses, transparent policies, and consistent follow-through.

• A challenge for you: Audit your own buyer's journey and fix one barrier this week.

Highlights

00:00 Someone discovers your art on Instagram—what happens next?   02:00 Barriers in the buying process and why they matter   04:00 The first key: Clarity (and why your homepage is not the best destination)   05:00 The importance of credit lines for every finished piece   06:00 Pep talk: Don't make people work harder to give you money   06:20 The second key: Ease—payment options and professional process   07:00 Stories about payment plans gone wrong and how to protect yourself   08:00 Why seamless transactions signal professionalism and build trust   08:20 The third key: Trust—buyers need to feel safe and confident   09:00 Follow-through, transparency, and consistent post-sale communication   09:30 The bigger picture: Trust and relationships over time create collectors   09:50 Your action step—audit your own buyer's journey   10:00 Workshop invitation and how this step fits into the larger journey   11:20 Closing reminders: You can't control the economy, but you can control how easy it is to buy your art   Mentioned When the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235)   Clean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236)   Strategic Growth, Collector Relationships, and Costly Lessons with James Corwin (232)     📖 To read more and see featured artists visit https://artbizsuccess.com/remove-barriers     📥 RESOURCES   Planning Workshop:   Followers to Collectors – September 9–10   Essentials for Artist Success:   Ongoing coaching, support, and training       ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.   ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~   This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Most artists focus on growing their email list—but what if the real power comes from trimming it?

In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through why and how to clean your email list. This isn't just about numbers—it's about improving deliverability rates, boosting engagement, and building trust with the people who are actually listening.

If you want to email with more confidence—and stop second-guessing who's on the other end—this episode is for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Why list hygiene is essential for deliverability and visibility
• How neglecting your list hurts your confidence and metrics
• A 5-step process to clean your list (without panicking)
• Why this matters more than ever with changes to email deliverability
• A mindset shift: You're not deleting people—you're making space
• How this ties into the upcoming Followers to Collectors planning workshop

00:32 Why email list hygiene often gets overlooked but is critical for your marketing

01:49 The emotional impact of sending emails to people who aren't engaging

03:04 How deliverability is changing and why this matters now more than ever

04:47 What happens when you keep inactive contacts on your list

05:53 Garden metaphor: pruning your list is thoughtful, not ruthless

06:58 Signs it's time to clean: analytics, hesitation, and confidence dips

07:54 Step-by-step process to clean your list (starting with segmentation)

11:12 Why a smaller list can be more energizing

11:44 How cleaning your list connects to the Followers to Collectors workshop

12:45 Your action step this week and how refreshing your list brings clarity

 

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

The artists in these episodes discuss successful use of their email lists:

She Knows Exactly How Much Her Art Income Will be with Kelly Pelfrey (162)

Self Sales, Open Studios, and Relationships with Interior Designers with Carol MacConnell (171)

Increasing Art Sales with Online Events with Patricia Griffin (97)

Producing a Monthly Digital Magazine with Alyson Sheldrake (199)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/clean-email-list

 

📥 RESOURCES MENTIONED

Planning Workshop:

Followers to Collectors – September 9–10

Essentials for Artist Success:

Ongoing coaching, support, and training

 

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

You've shown up. You've posted, emailed, exhibited, maybe even launched something. And yet... the sales aren't coming.

In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through six insight areas to investigate when your art isn't selling like it used to—or like you believe it should. These aren't quick fixes, but reflective prompts that can lead to real clarity and intentional next steps.

Whether you're feeling stuck, confused, or just curious about how to improve your results, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and reassess—with empathy and a practical path forward.

HIGHLIGHTS

01:00 – The emotional toll of not selling and how to approach it with curiosity, not panic

01:56 – Introduction of the When Your Art Isn't Selling guide and what to expect from this episode

03:07 – External Factors: What's beyond your control (economy, distraction, collector habits)

04:00 – The Work Itself: Has your style or message shifted? Are collectors keeping up?

05:00 – How You're Showing the Work: Venues, pricing visibility, and perceived value

06:36 – The Buying Experience: Is it easy to buy from you, or are you creating friction?

07:28 – How You're Connecting: Relationships, follow-up, and trust-building

08:54 – How You're Promoting It: Visibility, storytelling, and showing up consistently

10:10 – Reassurance and encouragement to act from insight, not overwhelm

10:52 – Three options for you

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

These episodes focus on self-sales:

She Knows Exactly How Much Her Art Income Will be with Kelly Pelfrey (ep. 162)

Increasing Self-Sales by 400% with Sarah Becktel (ep. 157)

Self Sales, Open Studios, and Relationships with Interior Designers with Carol MacConnell (ep. 171)

Increasing Art Sales with Online Events with Patricia Griffin (ep. 97)

📥 RESOURCES MENTIONED

Free Download and Show Notes:

When Your Art Isn't Selling – 44 Smart Questions for Insight

Planning Workshop:

Followers to Collectors – September 9–10

Essentials for Artist Success:

Ongoing coaching, support, and training

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Sculptor and installation artist Marianne Lettieri creates intricate, meditative work from salvaged and domestic materials. In this episode, she shares her journey from marketing to art, and how she has centered her practice around intention, discernment, and clarity—rather than urgency or trends.

She talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how she defines success, the importance of showing up in the studio (even if it's just to sweep the floor), and why research, ritual, and creative constraint are essential to her process.

HIGHLIGHTS

01:50 – Marianne's career shift from PR to full-time artist

03:54 – Why Marianne is drawn to historical artifacts and "slow" art

08:19 – Defining success: critical acclaim vs. financial success

13:14 – Income sources: sales, commissions, and artist estates

17:57 – How she tracks ideas and builds inventory systems

22:02 – How she's using only what she already has

24:56 – Making over 100 collages from studio leftovers

26:54 – A rejection story: the San Francisco dump residency

32:10 – Building community through art and faith

38:45 – How location (Granbury, TX) shapes her art

46:42 – Where to find Marianne + Alyson's closing takeaway

 

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Establishing Yourself in a New Art Community with Joan Chamberlain (mentioned)

The artists featured in these episodes discuss a very intentional path for themselves.

What a Commitment to Audience-Building Means to Noelle Phares (225)

The Joy in Artist Community and Paring Back Obligations with Ali Cavanaugh (190)

Why I Want Partnerships with Art Galleries with Evita Tezeno (175)

Focusing on the Art, Not the Art Business with Rebecca Welz (134)

How You Want to Be Perceived as an Artist with Alexandra Squire (133)

 

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/discerning-lettieri

⭐️ Connect with Marianne and see more of her art: https://mariannelettieri.com

 

🎯 Ready to make a plan that actually supports your art business? Join me for the Followers to Collectors planning workshop on September 9-10, where we'll map out how your audience moves from discovering your art to feeling confident buying it.

You can sign up for the waitlist here. Or join Essentials for Artist Success today to get access to this workshop plus ongoing support, live coaching, and two additional planning workshops throughout the year. Details at artbizsuccess.com/essentials.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Thoughtful artists often hesitate to share their work publicly—not because they're lazy or unclear, but because they don't want to contribute to the "noise" online.

In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield unpacks that fear and explain why it's often a mask for perfectionism. You'll hear why your content doesn't need to be perfect, polished, or viral—it just needs to be true.

She also shares mindset shifts to help you move from performance to presence, broadcasting to connection, and perfection to permission.

Whether you're struggling to post, over-editing everything, or just trying to trust your voice again, this episode is here to remind you: you're not the noise. You're the signal.

[00:00] Workshop intro: From Followers to Collectors

[01:45] The fear of adding to the noise

[03:20] You're not the noise—you're the signal

[04:50] Where "quality over quantity" falls apart

[06:30] Some of your best content might be the quickest

[07:15] When perfectionism poses as professionalism

[08:10] What quality really looks like (hint: not polished)

[09:25] You can't control who sees it—just share

[10:40] Shifting from performance to presence

[11:35] Final encouragement: show up with trust

[12:15] Workshop + Essentials invitation

[13:00] Closing thanks + where to find more

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

These episodes also have an emphasis on mindset:

Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Christine Aaron (ep. 114)

What Your Failures Are Teaching You with Laura Petrovich-Cheney (ep. 95)

Are You Playing It Too Safe in Your Art Business? (ep. 92)

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Christa Forrest (ep. 91)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and see our featured artists, visit artbizsuccess.com/noise

🎯 Ready to make a plan that actually supports your art business? Join me for the Followers to Collectors planning workshop on September 9-10, where we'll map out how your audience moves from discovering your art to feeling confident buying it.

You can sign up or get on the waitlist here. Or join Essentials for Artist Success today to get access to this workshop plus ongoing support, live coaching, and two additional planning workshops throughout the year. Details at artbizsuccess.com/essentials.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Wildlife artist James Corwin has built a thriving art business by putting his originals first—and building everything else around them. In this episode of The Art Biz, he talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how he strategically developed multiple income streams through prints, commissions, and galleries, all while prioritizing his painting time.

James shares the mindset shift that helped him focus, the failures that taught him the most, and why nurturing collector relationships is a cornerstone of his success. His perspective as both an artist and gallery owner offers valuable insight for anyone seeking representation—or thinking about opening their own space.

Plus, he reveals how he handles marketing, team-building, and staying connected to buyers in a way that's rare, but powerful.

Highlights

• 02:00 – James's start and finding his niche
• 07:00 – Focusing the business and saying no
• 13:00 – Early business experience and multiple revenue streams
• 20:00 – Print systems, marketing, and building a team
• 23:00 – Strategic growth and personal planning
• 28:00 – How James actually plans and thinks while painting
• 31:00 – Major failures: financial loss and Aspen gallery stress
• 36:00 – Representing artists and running a gallery
• 39:00 – Advice on gallery representation
• 43:00 – Building collector relationships
• 48:00 – Teaching, online academy, and omnipresence
• 52:00 – Business books/podcasts and what's next

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

These episodes discuss multiple income streams for the artists:

Expanding Your Skillset to Respond to Opportunities with Detour (ep. 128)

Juggling Multiple Art Styles and Audiences with Robin Maria Pedrero (ep. 103)

Beyond Comparison and Jealousy with Jason Kotecki (ep. 191)

Transform Your Creative Ideas into Multiple Income Streams: Helen Hiebert (ep. 18)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/growth-corwin

⭐️ Connect with James and see more of his art: https://jamescorwin.com

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/