Remove Barriers to Buying Your Art (237)
The Art Biz
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...
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Clean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236)
The Art Biz
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...
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When the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235)
The Art Biz
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...
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Discerning Your Direction as an Artist with Marianne Lettieri (234)
The Art Biz
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...
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It's Not Your Job to Worry About Adding to the Noise (233)
The Art Biz
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...
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Strategic Growth, Collector Relationships, and Costly Lessons with James Corwin (232)
The Art Biz
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...
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What You're Not Doing: 7 Mistakes Artists Make (231)
The Art Biz
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...
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Creating Artist-Centered Opportunities with Jennifer Steck (230)
The Art Biz
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...
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The Awesome Responsibility of Titling Your Art with Fran Gardner (229)
The Art Biz
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...
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22 Tactics to Thoughtfully Invite People to Visit Your Art Website (228)
The Art Biz
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...
info_outlinehost: 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
04:48 Core Belief 2: Your Art Doesn't Speak for Itself—You Must Learn to Communicate Clearly
10:02 Core Belief 3: Your Network is Your #1 Marketing Asset
13:48 Core Belief 4: Business Systems Help You Grow Faster and Elevate Your Professionalism
17:59 Apply to Your Art Biz
🎧 RELATED EPISODES
Guidelines for Your Artist Statement (ep. 50)
Being Seen—Networking for Artists (ep. 148)
How to Squeeze More Time from Your Busy Calendar (ep. 152)
How to Guarantee that People Remember You with Skip Hill (ep. 187)
📖 To read more find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/4-beliefs
🔶 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/ Because we are still committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.