Art Biz 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

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

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

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 desig

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 Soci

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

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 c

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 o

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 p

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: Venu

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:

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 l

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 – S

The biggest mistakes artists make aren’t about doing the wrong things—they’re about doing nothing at all. Avoidance. Waiting. Hoping something will change on its own. In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield revisits and reframes one of her most popular articles, updated with a decade of insight and experience. These are not dramatic failures, but subtle patterns of inaction that can quietly keep your art business stuck. Alyson shares 7 common mistakes, grouped into 3 themes: Mindset. Connection. Structure. Each is paired with a powerful inquiry to help you take honest inventory—and move forward with more awareness. HIGHLIGHTS 03:00 What do you want from your art? 05:00 There’s no magical moment when you feel ready. 06:45 Real artists don’t have to promote their work? 08:00 There are doors you don’t even know exist. 10:55 Templates, contracts, follow-up—none of it is optional. 12:50 Your art might be amazing, but does the presentation match? 15:00 These aren’t failures—they’re invitations.

A retired police captain turned artist, Jennifer Steck realized she didn’t have to wait for opportunities to come to her—she could create them. Seeing a gap in what was available for artists to sell their work, Jennifer founded Artburst Studios, an online gallery that’s part pop-up show and part community hub for artists. She had zero experience running a gallery, but that didn’t stop her. Armed with curiosity, a clear vision, and plenty of determination, Jennifer (at the time of this recording) has helped over 80 artists sell more than $174,000 of art in just a few years. In this episode, she shares how a simple idea (and a lot of spreadsheets!) grew into a platform connecting artists with buyers and each other. In this conversation, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Jennifer about: Her “aha” moment as a new artist that inspired an artist-centered online gallery. The key qualities Jennifer looks for (like clarity, consistency, and an active practice) when reviewing an artist’s online presence—and what might

What if titling your art is actually part of your creative practice? One that helps you better understand your work, connect with your audience, and prepare your art for life beyond the studio? That’s the beautiful perspective offered by artist and writing consultant Fran Gardner. In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Fran to explore the idea that titles aren’t just labels—they’re bridges. They link your creative intention to the viewer’s experience and give your work a voice when you’re not there to speak for it. Fran shares her own turning point with titling, walks us through her thoughtful process, and explains why she believes writing—especially titling—is part of every professional artist’s responsibility. 00:00 – Why titling your artwork is an act of creative responsibility 03:45 – The emotional and symbolic power a title carries 07:50 – Fran’s turning point: when numbering her work wasn’t enough 13:55 – A step-by-step process for discovering the right title 20:50 – How titling deepens your

It’s easy to assume that people will visit your artist website once it’s built. But websites don’t always attract attention on their own. You have to give people reasons to show up. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield shares 11 simple, low-effort strategies to guide more people to your site—plus a way to download the full list of 22 ideas. These are real, artist-friendly actions that work in the background of your art business to increase traffic over time. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why waiting for people to discover your website isn’t a strategy 11 proven ways to increase site traffic—most of them free How small tweaks to your emails and profiles can make a big impact Why showing up in community spaces can lead people back to your site Where to get the full download with all 22 ideas  

What does it take to stick with one creative project for more than a decade—and still feel inspired by it? Michelle Fung has been immersed in The World of 2084 since 2015. What began as a vivid dream in a coffee shop became a sprawling, interdisciplinary art project imagining five futuristic nations and their cultural, ecological, and political identities. In this conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Michelle shares how she builds these imagined worlds through woodcut painting, animation, books, and research—and how her commitment hasn’t wavered in 10 years. She talks openly about the tension between conceptual satisfaction and selling work, and how she uses long-term planning to stay focused. You’ll also hear how she transitioned from printmaking to a unique “woodcut painting” process that honors her love of carving and visual storytelling—and how she separates money-making projects from money-burning ones without losing joy.

Getting gallery representation isn’t just about having great work—it’s about preparation, professionalism, and relationships. At Gabba Gallery in Los Angeles, those values are at the heart of how things run. For more than a decade, owner and director Jason Ostro has led the gallery’s mission to elevate emerging and mid-career artists, while curator and manager Elena Jacobson makes sure every show runs smoothly. Together, they bring a practical and deeply human perspective to the artist-gallery partnership. In this conversation, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Jason and Elena about: How they collaborate and divide responsibilities at Gabba Gallery. The qualities they look for in artists and what makes someone a strong fit. Common mistakes artists make when submitting or working with galleries. Why proper preparation makes a big difference in working with an artist (or not). How Gabba’s 50/50 commission model works and what artists should know about gallery finances. Why relationships, networking, and trust a

Building a sustainable art business requires more than just making good work. It requires showing up consistently, connecting with the right people, and staying true to a long-term vision—even when that means setting difficult boundaries. In this conversation, Noelle Phares returns to talk with host Alyson Stanfield about the structures she’s put in place to support her thriving art career. From smart use of assistants and art festivals to strategic decisions around galleries and commissions, Noelle has built her success by staying fiercely committed to audience building. Here’s what’s ahead: How Noelle balances artistic independence with professional growth. Why she made audience-building a priority early on—and how she continues to nurture it. The systems and support team she’s built to stay focused on creating. Setting boundaries with galleries and protecting her studio sales. The importance of maintaining multiple price points and income streams. Noelle’s approach is a masterclass in running an art busi