Art Biz Podcast

In 2014 then-promising artist Jennie Tucker received a challenge out of the blue from a friend: Paint my wedding. At my wedding. In front of all the guests. Most of the artists I know and love would have (1) laughed out loud thinking, Obviously she jests, or (2) run the other way. Fast. Not Jennie. She accepted the challenge and rose to the occasion. More interestingly, she found she really liked it. Jennie, who was single at the time (read: freer), enjoyed traveling and painting at weddings. She liked interacting with guests and painting within the time and location constraints. She didn't mind people looking over her shoulder to see what was on the canvas. She became an artist-performer of sorts, and the word spread. Jennie found a niche for herself. Before long, she was in demand for other live events, like corporate parties and conferences. The opportunities abounded, and every one of them happened by word of mouth and, eventually, as a result of her social media sharing. There was no way she could accept

One of the most important lessons in my course, Magnetic You, involves meditating on your art. You read that right. Meditating on your art. ****I insist that art speaks when you give it the time and space to tell you its story. Then you have to capture that story in a journaling process. In the spring of 2018, Cathy Read worked her way through this course, and wrote pages and pages about a new body of work. Then she got an idea from another lesson in Magnetic You to leverage all of that writing she had done. It didn’t just stay in a notebook or in a file somewhere in the dark depths of her computer. Nooooo. She put it to work and turned her written stories into audio for an exhibition. The leap Cathy took from written word to audio involves a different way of thinking. It’s much like how museums consider programming their shows. They don’t simply put up the art along with nearby labels. They have docents who lead tours, scholars who give presentations, activities to expand on a theme, and audio for telling st

Art Biz Success has been around since 2002, but we have probably undergone more changes in our business in the last two years than in the previous ten years combined. In this episode I'm joined by team member Kristen O'Neill as we walk you through the biggest changes. They're all based on three major insights I had during a self-reflective process. I enjoy working live and in person. I like to travel and hold the energy of a large group throughout a workshop. This can be exhausting, but it also feeds me. And I think I’m good at creating an excellent experience for workshop participants. I learn more when I’m there in person. However, I don’t enjoy launching ads, emails, and promotions to try to fill a room and being on the hook for thousands of dollars to a venue. To satisfy this part of me, I'm organizing half-day marketing plan workshops throughout the country in 2020. You can find out how to invite me to your city here: https://artbizsuccess.com/art-marketing-workshops. And see where my scheduled worksho

Alison Nicholls leads Art Safaris in South Africa for National Geographic. The two back-to-back sessions sell out every year, and she loves teaching in this environment. Alison gives equal weight to her field sketches and studio work, and has begun to believe that the field sketches are almost more important. She is a Signature member of Artists For Conservation and the Society of Animal Artists, a member of the Explorers Club, and an artist member of the Salmagundi Club. In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, Alyson talks with Alison about how the Art Safaris came about and how she uses social media, video, blogging, and her newsletter to attract students months in advance. See Alison's art: https://artinspiredbyafrica.com/ Find out about the Art Safaris: https://artinspiredbyafrica.com/art-safaris/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artinspiredbyafrica/ **** This episode is sponsored by my signature business-building program, the Art Career Success System, a program I have perfected for mor

Suzanne Gibbs is an artist and author based in Portland, Oregon. Two years ago, she entered my Art Biz Inner Circle and began taking full advantage of everything that was offered. As an aside, although we no longer offer the Inner Circle, we do continue to support artists through the Art Career Success System and our new artist masterminds. But, no matter how hard we try, we can’t make you do the work, whether it's business or studio based. What Suzanne wanted to share in this episode is critical to every artists' success. We started talking about the idea of doing less (not more) in order to accomplish your goals, but it turned into a conversation about focusing more. Focusing on what matters, and nothing is more important to your professionalism as an artist than a consistent studio practice. Nothing! Suzanne creates contemporary abstract portraits exploring the roles of women, in particular homemakers, in society. In 2013 she graduated from Claremont Graduate University’s MFA program. She received her MS i

Megan Auman is a designer and metalsmith who creates bold, wearable jewelry made from steel and recycled sterling silver sold in stores across the U.S. She is also a focused businesswoman who has helped many artists grow their businesses through her blog, courses, e-books, and consulting at Designing an MBA. That makes her a writer/author, instructor, and entrepreneur as well. In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, you’ll hear Megan and I talk about a manifesto she wrote back in 2012 titled Stuff Does Matter. Megan has some insight that will make you feel better about making more art. You are not contributing to the landfills. What you do is critically important—it's the antidote to mass consumerism. See Megan's work: http://meganauman.com Read about her consulting: http://designinganmba.com Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganauman In this episode, you'll hear a conversation about pricing and why it's critical to get your pricing right—especially not to undervalue your art. If you're co

Fiona Valentine is always on the lookout for wonderful landscapes, objects that tell stories and everyday moments just waiting to be shared. She divides her time between painting in her home studio in Melbourne and teaching. In 2019 she released her first online course explaining colour theory. Her Team Building Drawing Workshops help companies improve customer serve by increasing their team's innovation and creativity. Fiona works in multiple mediums and  is currently a guest writer for Australian Artist Magazine.  Her facebook group The Confident Artist supports aspiring artists to build a creative habit and conquer the basics of painting, so they can make beautiful art. In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, Alyson talks with Fiona about the Lean Methodology she adapted to keep her studio organized. See Fiona’s art: https://fionavalentine.com Join The Confident Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theconfidentartist Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionavalentineartist  *

Early in her painting career, Carol A. McIntyre was surprised by the lack of easy-to-understand color theory classes. This motivated her to develop a simpler way to mix color which, in turn, would empower artists. Her full-color book, I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want, walks you through her color-mixing methodology. Carol has helped over 3,500 painters see and mix color differently. She is an award-winning artist who is a signature member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and holds associate memberships with the Oil Painters of America and the American Women Artists. In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, Alyson talks with Carol about the long process of publishing her book and the expenses, many of which were surprises.  See Carol’s art.  Find her book, I Just Want to Paint. Follow her on Instagram. This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program, the Art Career Success System, a program I have perfected for more than 17 years working with artists.  All of the

Adele Sypesteyn is a New Orleans-born artist whose architecturally influenced abstract work is distinguished by multiple layers of texture, color and pattern. She draws inspiration from her surroundings, particularly the weathered walls of New Orleans and elements of nature. Her abstract art combines warm textures with aged patinas and writings, and utilizes her unique technique developed over three decades as a practicing artist. Adele has been making a living from her art for 4 decades. But she never got too comfortable with income coming from a particular source. She paid attention to changes in the marketplace and economy. And she educated herself.  In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, Alyson talks with Adele about the trail she blazed, including her decision to pull out of her galleries and focus on expanding her teaching practice into a major source of income. See Adele’s art at https://AdeleSypesteynStudio.com  and watch her instructional videos on her YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/chann

Lorraine Glessner’s love of surface, pattern, mark-making, imagem and landscape has led her to combine disparate materials and processes such as silk, wood, wax, pyrography, rust, paper, and more in her work. Lorraine is a former Assistant Professor at Tyler School of Art, Temple University, artist mentor, workshop instructor and an award-winning artist.  She holds an MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, a BS from Philadelphia University, and an AAS in Computer Graphics from Moore College of Art & Design. She has a diverse art background with skills that include painting, sculpture, graphic design, interior design, textile design, photography, digital imaging and much more. Since 2016, Lorraine has evolved from an assistant professor of art to running her own workshops and retreats.  Through the process, she has learned a great deal about teaching as a significant source of her income.  In this episode, you’ll hear Lorraine and Alyson talk about how she has set up her workshops and retreats, h

*~* This episode is sponsored by the Art Career Success System, a 1-year training program that gives you the time and space to build a strong and reliable business foundation for your art.  See ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com *~*  Living the artist’s life doesn’t necessarily flow with owning a business—with gaining valuable business skills that help you earn income from your creativity. But every so often I come across artists who are just as interested in learning about business as they are in being an artist. And I feature them in my interviews on the podcast and blog. Miriam Schulman is one of those artists. She discovered a gift secondary to her art—a curiosity about how the art business works. Combined with the fact that she loves to talk and ask questions, Miriam found her calling in her weekly podcast, The Inspiration Place. But it was a lot of work to start, and it’s a lot of work to keep up. If you have ever considered starting a podcast or sharing your story on a podcast, this episode of the Art Biz Podc

In 2014, Ali Cavanaugh had 11 galleries representing her work throughout the U.S. and even overseas. It was all she could do to paint fast enough to supply these galleries with new work. What a great problem to have, right? But something wasn’t sitting right with Ali. So she asked each of the 11 galleries to return her work. One by one they sent back what few paintings remained in their inventories. She had begun to reconsider not just what her business model looked like, but the art itself.  She decided to take control and be very deliberate about her next moves.  In episode 33, you’ll hear about: Ali’s first steps as an artist and initial gallery representation. Why galleries weren’t interested in work behind glass. How Ali took 6 months to teach herself a new watercolor technique and why it was important to do this. How Ali used her blog to attract press coverage and interest from galleries. How Ali has expanded her audience using social media. Ali’s philosophy of the artist’s journey and micro-evolution.

In this bonus episode of the Art Biz Podcast, host Alyson Stanfield explores the word Success as it pertains to your art career and business. It’s a messy journey full of twists and turns.  Alyson talks about:  Why she hasn't been feeling successful lately. What makes her feel successful. The 3 ways most artists define success, and what each definition overlooks. Stopping the comparisons. Artists are more creative than that. Why we must start embracing success in much smaller increments. Jeff Haden’s view that "The happier you are, the more successful you are." What it means for you that success is repeatable and predictable. Join the conversation using #ArtBizSuccess or tagging @alysonstanfield on Instagram. RESOURCES The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden The Summer Day by Mary Oliver What makes you feel successful? Read the comments here. How to Be More Successful and Lucky The Art Career Success System

When I heard Sean VanderVliet mention the word “legacy,” I knew I had to talk with him. He thinks big and I like that. Check out episode 15 and  episode 19 for more on legacy. Sean is the artist behind Fenway Clayworks based here in Denver, Colorado, and in just a few years he has created a brand and a buzz around his functional pottery. A number of Denver’s finest restaurants commission Sean for their signature dinnerware. He wasn’t always a ceramic artist. For a number of years Sean worked in tech startups and even, with partners, started his own niche business for rock climbers. He has been able to translate the lessons he learned in those positions to his career as an artist. Sean says that people work with him because they see his passion. Although 60% of his current business is from commissions, he makes work in his style. If you want something with a flower or aspen tree on it, look elsewhere.  He enjoys immensely the collaboration with chefs and others, but he is also clear that not everyone is a cust

The fact that we are approaching the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the19th Amendment did not escape the attention of Oklahoma-based mixed media artist Marilyn Artus. For years, Marilyn had been wondering what art project she could possibly do that would be grand enough to match the significance of the occasion. She came up with one—Her Flag—and joins the show to talk about it. It includes collaborations with artists and public performances in each of the 36 states that passed the amendment. After more than a year on the road, Marilyn will complete the enormous flag.   Marilyn talks about what inspires her to honor this occasion. She also shares how we can get involved.   In this interview, you will hear about: ● The research and passion that drove Marilyn into this ambitious project. ● Why it was important to Marilyn that the project be open to anyone who wants to celebrate, regardless of race or political affiliation. ● Why Marilyn knew if she wanted this project done, she needed to do it herself

Tampa Bay area artist Leslie Neumann had a real sweet deal going with Firebird Restaurants, until it stopped. She rose to meet the challenge and joins the show today to share her experience and provide a cautionary tale to others. Leslie talks about how she started working with Firebirds, and how she found a way to not only stay afloat but succeed when 50-60% of her income went away. She also talks about living frugally, playing to your strengths, and the planning and strategizing that went in to her one-woman show.     In this interview, you will hear about: ● How Leslie got her gig with Firebirds Restaurants in the first place, and how she landed her deal with them from 2014 to2018. ● Why her time with them came to an end, and a lesson when there is a change. ● The role of her art consultant, and the pros and cons of them working so closely together. ● What her production schedule looked like while working with Firebirds including payment, deadlines and production. ● How she came to pick the 10-13 same pai

What would it be like to pack up your art supplies and live in an entirely new country? Today’s guest, Marcus McAllister, left the United States over 20 years ago to live in Paris, and has been making a living as an artist there for the past 17 years. In this episode, Marcus talks about his decision to live abroad, his sketchbooks, the sources of his income, and the importance of relationships.   In this interview, you will hear about: How Marcus has been scrappy yet intentional about his business and career. His sketchbooks (and why he doesn’t even walk the dog without taking one with him). Marcus’s first memories of living on an Army base in Little Rock, Arkansas. How Marcus ended up in Paris and transitioned to a full time artist, and the transition within his career to getting there. The way Marcus overcame the language barrier and presented himself as an artist to find work. Why Marcus thinks it’s hard for artists to call themselves artists, and why it’s important for artists to own that titl

Jill Powers is a sculptor, installation artist and educator who creates art related to ecological issues. Jill discusses how her events educate, delight and challenge the viewer, and how she came to seek out unique collaborations with area businesses, organizations and experts. Jill also describes the many programs she has organized, and how she did it while balancing her own artistic commitments. You’ll hear about how she worked with dancers, scientists, and restaurants beyond gallery walls.   In this interview, you will hear about: Jill’s background both in art and education, and her passion to create and teach in different settings. Two Colorado exhibitions: Plants and Insects in a Time of Change at the Firehouse Art Center in 2013 and Hold Fast: Seaweeds in a Time of Oceanic Change at the Dairy Art Center in 2016. The curatorial thesis of experiencing art that opens doors to the message. The actual work that was on view for each exhibit. The benefits of becoming involved in your community and co

Chicago painter, public artist, and creative placemaker Lynn Basa joins the show today. She discusses making the art you want to make and the varied ways that artists are intersecting with public life. Lynn, author of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art, also talks about the legacy she is creating with The Corner Project and how public art has changed over the years.     In this interview, you will hear Lynn talk about: Her background as a studio artist and how it led to her interest in public art. Her time at the Seattle Arts Commission. The big jump of having her tapestries fabricated as rugs in Nepal, to then selling art to private collections, to finally teaching herself the business of finding customers. How the accessibility of art and availability of selling it online has changed the industry over recent years. What creative placemaking is, why it has gotten a bad rap, and how it is different from public art. Why she felt the need to go back to school in 2016 and get an MFA. What The Corner

Missy Graff Ballone, artist and founder of Wellness for Makers, joins the show to discuss the importance of taking care of your most precious asset for making art: your body. She shares her own background as an artist, massage therapist and yoga instructor, and why she saw a need to provide resources that help artists take care of their bodies so they can make more art, and in turn, run their businesses. She also gives tools artists can use to get started in their new journey towards better health.   In this interview, you will Missy hear talk about: Her background as an artist, massage therapist, and yoga instructor, and how all three are instrumental in her career today. How she blended her artistry and love of the body to motivate and empower artists through education, mindful living, and movement. Why she felt it important to teach artists accessible self-care to improve the longevity of their bodies, and ultimately their career. How it’s never too late to invest in yourself and focus on the key a