Art Biz 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