Art Biz Podcast

Building an art career with intention doesn’t always start with a plan. Sometimes it starts with a gut feeling that something isn’t working. That was true for Noelle Phares, who left behind a structured science career to follow her creative instincts—eventually leading to a solo museum exhibition and a thriving, self-directed art business. In this episode (part 1 of 2), host Alyson Stanfield talks to Noelle about how she transitioned from environmental data science into full-time painting, and how her rigorous research background continues to shape her studio practice. The conversation centers around 2024 solo show Tracking Time at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art—how it came together, what she learned from the proposal process, and why she approaches every exhibition as a fully developed project. She also shares her mindset around selling art, connecting with collectors, and painting for impact. This conversation is rich with insight about: Leaving a traditional career to follow a creative calling. Th

host: Alyson Stanfield It’s easy to think that being a full-time artist means struggling financially. But painter Mary Erickson is proof that with discipline, long-term thinking, and a deep love of both art and business, it’s possible to build a creative life that’s both fulfilling and financially secure. In this conversation, recorded several years ago and lightly edited for re-release, Mary shares how she transitioned from painting before and after work at a frame shop to selling 500 watercolors, managing 8 gallery relationships, and investing in real estate—all while keeping her commitment to living simply and giving back. In this episode, Mary and I discuss: Why she says she paints to buy real estate so she can collect art How she used her job at a frame shop as a launchpad for her career What it took to sell her first 500 watercolors Her entry into the print market (and her rules for doing it smartly) Why she sees her galleries as partners, not just sales channels How she built a bird sanctuary and arti

You work hard on your art. You want people to discover it. But if you’re relying entirely on social media to be found, you're building on shaky ground. Search engines like Google, YouTube, and even Pinterest remain powerful tools for helping people find you and your art—but only if you’re strategic about how you show up there. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with her go-to SEO coach, Meg Casebolt, about what artists need to know about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and how to take ownership of your content online. Meg helped Alyson make sense of 20+ years of blog content and gave her the confidence to be more intentional moving forward. She breaks SEO down in a way that’s accessible and artist-friendly—even if it’s not your favorite thing to think about. We discuss: The two things you must own online (spoiler: Instagram isn’t one of them) How search engines work and what they’re really looking for Where and how to use keywords on your site and images What alt text is (and how to

Writing about your art isn’t easy—but it’s one of the most important things you can do to clarify your vision and connect with others. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through a comprehensive guide to writing an effective artist statement that truly reflects your work. You’ll hear why artist statements still matter, how to approach the writing process without getting overwhelmed, and what to avoid in your final draft. She also shares specific journaling prompts to help you uncover what’s most essential about your art—and how to put your finished statement to work for you. Listen closely for the ultimate test of an artist statement. Whether you’re revisiting an old statement or writing one for the first time, this episode is packed with guidance and encouragement to help you write with confidence. 00:37 The Importance of an Artist Statement 02:08 Defining an Artist Statement 03:45 The Process is the Point 06:16 Journaling Prompts for Clarity 10:15 7 Rules Every Artist Statem

Guest: Ruby Lopez Harper, Executive Director of CERF+ In this episode of The Art Biz, Ruby Lopez Harper, executive director for CERF+ (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund) joins host Alyson Stanfield to discuss the vital work CERF+ does to support artists before, during, and after emergencies. As CERF+ celebrates its 40th anniversary, Ruby shares the history of the organization, its spirit of mutual aid, and how it has expanded its services over the years. Most importantly, Ruby and Alyson want to encourage artists to research, plan, and prepare in order to protect their art businesses—sharing resources to help them get started. Take Action Today Ruby encourages all artists to take one step today toward protecting their creative practice—whether it's backing up files, reviewing insurance, or creating an emergency plan. And most importantly, spread the word so that more artists know about CERF+ before they need it.

As an artist, you have the freedom to shape your career—but with that freedom comes the challenge of making decisions that align with your goals and values. Decision-making can feel overwhelming, especially when every opportunity seems promising. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield breaks down the Artist’s Decision-Making Framework to help you prioritize what truly matters. She shares practical strategies for assessing opportunities, trusting your instincts, and using policies to protect your time and energy. Alyson discusses: Why decision-making is one of the hardest parts of running an art business. The Eisenhower Matrix and how it can help you categorize tasks by urgency and importance. The power of policies in simplifying your choices and setting clear boundaries. Her step-by-step framework for evaluating opportunities, including gut checks, vision alignment, time management, relationship-building, and financial potential. A real-life example of how having a pricing policy helped a

Building an art business takes more than just talent—it takes determination, adaptability, and a willingness to keep going, even when success feels out of reach. Stella and Gemma Stevens, the artists behind Two Faced Twins, know this firsthand. Their work—bold, colorful, and joyful—now has a dedicated following, but their path wasn’t always easy. For two years, the Stevens twins struggled to sell a single piece. They faced creative differences, self-doubt, and even a gallery robbery. But instead of giving up, they leaned into their vision, their roles as artists, and their belief in what they were building. In this conversation, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Stella and Gemma about: How they transformed sibling disagreements into a creative advantage. The strategies that helped them push through early struggles and build momentum. The business mindset that keeps them going, including their marketing and expansion efforts. How they inspire the next generation of artists through school visits. One of the bi

Art has a unique ability to transcend language, evoke emotion, and bring people together across cultural divides. This idea is embodied in the work of Samra Bashir, whose glass paintings celebrate the rich traditions of South Asian and Islamic art while inviting a broader audience into their intricate beauty. Samra’s journey as an artist began as a personal escape—something she turned to during challenging times. But over the years, her work evolved into something much larger. Through her use of glass paint and light, she has built not just an art practice, but also a powerful means of storytelling, connection, and cultural education. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Samra about: How her creative journey started and what led her to glass painting. The role of light in her work and why it’s an essential element. How she uses art to foster community and bridge cultural gaps. The importance of stepping out from behind the screen and sharing art in real-life spaces. Samra’s story

host: Alyson Stanfield If you’ve followed my work, you’ve likely noticed some recurring themes—guiding principles that shape the way I advise artists. These aren’t just casual suggestions; they are the foundation of everything I do. In this episode of The Art Biz, I’m sharing the four core beliefs that define my approach and help artists build sustainable, thriving careers. You’ll hear why your art must always come first, why you must learn to communicate clearly about your work, why your network is your #1 marketing asset, and why business systems will help you grow faster and save time. Internalizing these beliefs will make decision-making easier, marketing more purposeful, and your path as an artist clearer. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, these principles will support you for the long haul. Join me as we dive into the essential mindset shifts that will strengthen your art career. 00:00 Introduction and Core Beliefs Overview 01:44 Core Belief 1: The Work Must Come First

Every artist’s journey is unique—what works for one won’t necessarily work for another. Personal preferences, life circumstances, and individual personalities all shape how artists navigate their creative careers. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield welcomes astrologer and coach Bonnie Gillespie to explore how artists can work with their natural wiring instead of against it. They discuss the concept of enoughness—understanding that an artist’s value isn’t determined by external validation—and how astrology can provide insights into creative rhythms, decision-making, and self-worth. Highlights: What “enoughness” is and why it’s essential for artists. How astrology can be used as a tool for self-awareness, not prediction. The role of Venus in creativity, money, and self-worth. How understanding your natal chart can help you embrace your unique creative process. Why artists should pay attention to planetary shifts and their impact on motivation. Practical ways to stay inspired and aligned with

This episode of The Art Biz with host Alyson Stanfield focuses on the power of commitment and taking action toward your goals. Explore how to align your schedule with your values, overcome hesitation, and stop waiting for the "perfect time." With practical strategies like inquiry-based reflection and small, intentional steps, you’ll discover how to move forward confidently. Whether it’s honing your craft, building connections, or pursuing opportunities, this episode inspires you to begin today. 00:20 The Illusion of Time Management 01:29 Living Intentionally 05:25 The Power of Commitment 08:37 Taking Action: Overcoming Hesitation 13:26 The Artist’s Empowered Success Cycle 14:45 Inquiry for Progress: Reflecting and Committing 18:39 Encouragement to Act Today

Host Alyson Stanfield discusses the benefits and strategies of a daily creative practice with Helen Hiebert, who constructs installations, sculptures, films, artists’ books, and works in paper using handmade paper as her primary medium. This conversation acknowledges the value of a daily practice, but Helen is a strong advocate for what she calls “intermittent daily practices.” If sticking to a daily routine forever feels daunting, her approach might resonate with you. There’s also a dive into Helen’s realization that as a teacher, she could maintain the same class structure while creatively evolving the content to keep it fresh and exciting over time—primarily to prevent herself from getting bored. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the act of making—without obsessing over the final outcome. 04:00 Helen's Income Streams Update [ see Transform Your Creative Ideas into Multiple Income Streams with Helen Hiebert (ep. 18) ] 06:14 Daily Practice and Paper Weaving 22:30 Teaching and Online Classes 26:10 

Debbie Mueller talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how she has cultivated resilience and bravery as an artist, from finding her community to embracing opportunities that might initially feel intimidating. She also discusses how she’s navigated challenges like rejection and the balancing act of art and life. Debbie credits her successes not just to hard work and persistence but to a little bit of luck—though her version of luck is decidedly hard-earned. Whether you’re just starting out as an artist or looking for inspiration to take your next bold step, Debbie’s story is a reminder that bravery, persistence, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to extraordinary outcomes. 01:38 Discovering a Passion for Painting 06:01 Balancing Medicine and Art 08:28 The Role of Luck and Hard Work 15:46 Resources and Inspirations 21:09 The Importance of Community 28:54 Teaching and Personal Growth 30:23 Setting Goals and Looking Ahead 37:15 Conclusion and Bravery Challenge

From sketchbook notes and letters, to authoring her own exhibition catalogues and eventually publishing a memoir, to her thoughtful weekly Substack newsletter, The Lifeboat, Samantha Clark reflects on how writing fosters clarity and confidence for herself and the artists she mentors. In a conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Samantha discusses how writing can deepen one's creative practice, the value of opening conversations, and how she maintains a writing schedule alongside her work in the studio. They also delve into the practicalities of living and working in a remote location and how artists can view marketing not as a chore but as an opportunity to build meaningful connections. 00:43 Meet Samantha Clark: Visual Artist, Writer, and Author 02:23 Samantha's Artistic Journey and Writing Integration 04:22 Living and Creating on Orkney Island 10:43 Balancing Art, Writing, and Mentoring 15:28 The Power of Writing for the Creative Practice 27:26 Weekly Writing Routine 28:39 Newsletter Content and Process 30

This episode is for you if you enjoy writing or aspire to do more of it. Host Alyson Stanfield interviews Ann Miller, who has found a powerful way to merge her creative passions with her love for writing while growing her audience. Using Substack, she refines ideas for books, shares insights into calligraphy and design, and engages her audience with educational content. Substack has become integral to her process, helping her manage projects, organize thoughts, and extend her teaching. By offering free content to build community, and exploring paid options, Ann balances creativity with income generation. 01:14 Ann's Art Journey 02:22 Diversifying Income Streams 05:31 Teaching and Workshops 07:42 Starting a Substack 13:05 Writing Process and Tools 21:59 Monetizing Substack 25:42 Advice for Artists Who Are Considering Substack  

Peek inside the elite art world. Host Alyson Stanfield speaks with Michael Findlay, a long-time art dealer and author of the new memoir, Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man: New York in the Sixties. They discuss his extensive career, insights into the evolving art market, and memorable stories, including an amusing anecdote about Andy Warhol. Findlay emphasizes the importance of immersive, in-person art experiences and the qualities that make a great art collector. He also reflects on changes in the relationship between dealers and artists over the decades and the impact of modern technology on art collecting and appreciation. 01:36 Michael's Early Art Experiences 08:07 Art Education and Its Impact 17:41 The Role of Curiosity in Art Collecting 27:14 Modern Art Collecting Challenges 29:54 Michael's Career and Gallery Work 39:45 Andy Warhol Stories 45:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

This is a letter I wrote in 2017 to help a concerned father support his introverted artist son. I wanted to help him—and anyone else who wants to help an artist—understand the struggles of artists and how they can be most helpful. My 7 pieces of advice (outlined in the timestamps below) isn’t given lightly and is based on decades of experience working with artists. host: Alyson Stanfield 00:44 Dear Loved One 01:33 Insight 1: Accept Me as I Am 02:34 Insight 2: Respect the Way I Work 03:32 Insight 3: Acknowledge the Difficulties 04:41 Insight 4: Ask About My Goals 05:32 Insight 5: Offer Help 06:48 Insight 6: Support Me 08:01 Insight 7: Just Love Me

host: Alyson Stanfield Artist and advocate Virginia Broersma talks with me about her efforts to support fellow artists through practical resources. Virginia shares how she founded The Artist's Office to help artists manage administrative tasks and created The Artist's Contract, a free tool for artist protections. We also explore her Studio Loan program, which connects artists needing temporary studio space. Virginia's work highlights the importance of collaboration, transparency, and empowering artists to navigate their careers confidently. 00:22 Meet Virginia Broersma  01:16 Virginia's Recent Projects and Initiatives 02:15 The Evolution of Virginia's Career 03:49 The Artist's Office: Supporting Artists 06:03 Navigating Opportunities and Challenges 07:36 Balancing Art and Administrative Work 08:41 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Studio Time 24:57 The Artist Contract and Studio Loan Program 34:57 Encouraging Artist Collaboration and Networking

Host Alyson Stanfield delves into the necessity of creating demand for your artwork in order to achieve a certain level of success. She discusses the balance between ambition and practicality in the art market and offers five essential tips to assess and cultivate demand effectively. Alyson stresses the importance of setting realistic expectations, refining your unique artistic voice, and nurturing genuine relationships. Through examples from past episodes and insightful advice, she aims to help artists understand and thrive in their respective markets. 00:29 Understanding the Art Market 01:46 Being Unrealistic in Your Art Marketing Strategies 02:48 Defining “Demand” in the Art World 05:20 Challenges and Realities of High Demand 08:22 Benefits of Being an In-Demand Artist 10:12 Two Key Steps to Take 14:32 Five Practical Tips for Artists to Assess Demand 17:00 Resource: How to Ask for More Money for Your Art

A deep discussion about the significant impact of the internet on the arts economy and the evolving role of artists in today's market that is ruled by the internet. Host Alyson Stanfield talks with William Deresiewicz, author of The Death of the Artist: How Creators are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech. Bill discuss the challenges of discoverability and financial instability while emphasizing the importance of community support as artists navigate this changing landscape. Bill offers valuable insights on adapting to new opportunities in the digital era, helping artists feel less alone in their journeys. 00:54 The Reality of Being an Artist Today  03:43 The Economics of Art in the Digital Age  07:04 The Challenges of Self-Promotion 18:33 The Evolution of the Artist's Role23:49 The Fourth Paradigm: Producer  25:05 The Professional vs. The Bohemian  26:19 Financial Realities and Transparency in the Arts 27:39 The Cost of Being an Artist 31:25 Community and Collaboration Among Artists