The Art Biz
Looking for art career inspiration and ideas while you’re working in the studio or schlepping your art across the country? Alyson Stanfield helps you be a more productive artist, a more empowered artist, and a more successful artist.
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What are you waiting for? The real costs of postponing strategic work in your art business (261)
03/26/2026
What are you waiting for? The real costs of postponing strategic work in your art business (261)
The daily work of running an art business always feels urgent. The strategic work doesn't. So it waits. But postponing that deeper evaluation isn't okay. In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield names five specific costs that accumulate when the strategic work keeps getting pushed to next month, next quarter, next year. In this episode: Why tactical delays and strategic delays are two different problems The question Alyson asks every client when a deadline feels far away What it means to leave money on the table, and why it's such an easy cost to ignore How unresolved strategic questions become a constant tax on your attention Why execution without direction is just activity What happens psychologically every day you don't begin the work you've been putting off Resources & links (258) (259) (260) to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals. Think you’d make a good guest on The Art Biz? The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
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The Art Business Self-Assessment Every Artist Should Do (260)
03/19/2026
The Art Business Self-Assessment Every Artist Should Do (260)
My Art Business Assessment — Used with Every Client 50% In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield introduces the 3-zone framework she uses with every private client to assess where an art business actually stands. It's the same structure at the heart of the Art Business Reset workshop, and this episode is your chance to walk through it on your own. Alyson covers: The question she asks before any strategy conversation The 3 zones that account for everything you do to build your art business outside of making the work: Outreach, Presence, and Systems The breakdown of what each zone covers and questions to ask for your assessment Why you can’t neglect in-person networking and follow-up Mentioned (259) (258) to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals. Think you’d make a good guest on The Art Biz? The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
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Do You Have the Art Business You Actually Want? (259)
03/11/2026
Do You Have the Art Business You Actually Want? (259)
Most artists didn't design their art business — they drifted into it. In this solo episode, Art Biz host Alyson Stanfield invites you to slow down long enough to ask a question most artists never take time to ask: if you were starting fresh today, would you build it this way? In this episode, Alyson covers: Why most artists are running a business they drifted into rather than designed — and why that matters What a business model actually is (and why you already have one whether you designed it or not) The difference between examining your business and evaluating it, and why the order matters The foundational question she asks every new private client before anything else The six areas to examine when you're ready to take honest stock of what you've built Mentioned (258) (257) (251) to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term art career goals. Think you’d make a good guest on The Art Biz? The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
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Stop Being Busy, Start Being Strategic (258)
03/05/2026
Stop Being Busy, Start Being Strategic (258)
Being busy is boring. In episode 258 of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that most artists are so deep in execution mode that they never step back to evaluate, redirect, or ask whether any of it is actually working. This episode draws a clear line between working IN your art business and working ON it, and explains why both matter, but one gets almost all of the attention. IN THIS EPISODE Why execution without direction is just activity, and what it costs you. The side-by-side difference between IN and ON work across four common artist tasks The two failure modes: too much IN (reactive, no filter) and too much ON (perfect systems, no execution) What working ON your business actually looks like in practice, including the questions to ask Why multi-year plans have lost their usefulness, and what to hold onto instead QUESTIONS TO ASK IN YOUR “ON” TIME What is actually working — and why? Is this still where I want to go — and why? What on my to-do list no longer serves me? What has the best potential for a long-term payoff? Where am I playing it too safe? How can I enjoy my art business even more? to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals. Think you’d make a good guest on The Art Biz? The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
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When You Want to Sell More Original Art (257)
02/26/2026
When You Want to Sell More Original Art (257)
Selling products — giclées, pillows, aprons, notebooks — made sense when you started. But if you've been asking how to sell more original art and not getting traction, something may need to shift. Host Alyson Stanfield draws on her background as a museum curator and educator to explore what actually gets in the way and what to do about it. In this episode: Why the pivot to products is understandable, and when it starts working against you The fear that drives you away from leading with originals What collectors are actually buying when they choose to live with original art The screen equalization problem: why your $4,000 painting and your $40 print look identical online (and what to do about it) Two tactics for selling more original art Check out to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals. Think you’d make a good guest on The Art Biz? The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
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Healing Your Money Allergy with Hannah Cole (256)
02/12/2026
Healing Your Money Allergy with Hannah Cole (256)
Artist and tax advisor Hannah Cole knows firsthand how shame can poison an artist's relationship with money. When her dad's accountant asked "When are you gonna get a real job?" instead of helping her understand quarterly taxes, she experienced the dismissal that makes so many artists avoid financial conversations altogether. In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield and Hannah explore why artists develop allergies to money talk and what it takes to build confidence with your numbers. Hannah reveals: Why "when are you gonna get a real job?" creates a lasting money allergy How believing money corrupts prevents you from advocating for fair pay Her ritual for making bookkeeping feel like self-care instead of dread Why you must have a separate bank account for your art biz What losing 20 years of art in a hurricane revealed about capitalism and grief Connect with Hannah: to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals. Think you’d make a good guest on The Art Biz? The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
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Building Community Through Art: The Lights Out Model (255)
01/29/2026
Building Community Through Art: The Lights Out Model (255)
Daniel Sipe and Karlë Woods didn't set out to start an arts organization. They just wanted to talk to artists during the pandemic. Four years later, Lights Out has produced 95 artist documentaries, thrown 18 popup exhibitions across Maine, and built a funding model that includes everything from $10 monthly donors to six-figure state contracts. Their story, shared with host Alyson Stanfield, offers a masterclass in starting before you're ready, investing in what matters (yes, including marketing), and building something sustainable through collaboration rather than competition. They reveal: Why a power outage became the best thing that could have happened at their first art show The $800 investment that felt reckless at the time but proved essential to their credibility How they turned what could be seen as competition into their superpower The state contract that nearly bankrupted them before it saved them The simplest way artists can support arts organizations in their communities Connect with Lights Out to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals. Think you’d make a good guest on The Art Biz? The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
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Art World Gatekeeping Forces Artists to Compete with Damien Davis (254)
01/22/2026
Art World Gatekeeping Forces Artists to Compete with Damien Davis (254)
Damien Davis is a visual artist and writer who questions the art world's power structures from an artist's perspective. In this conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, he exposes the gatekeeping mechanisms—from application fees to institutional approval—that keep artists competing for artificially scarce opportunities instead of recognizing the abundance they could create together. Damien reveals: How learning business skills like grant writing and fundraising allowed him to stop waiting for gatekeepers and reclaim his studio practice Why he defines a successful artist as simply someone who keeps making art, regardless of galleries or institutional validation How barriers like application fees serve to keep artists competing for resources that should be abundant Why people at the center of the art ecosystem benefit from keeping artists in perpetual competition with each other How his writing exposes exploitation directly while his colorful sculptures draw viewers into uncomfortable conversations about erased histories Connect with Damien: to discuss strategic consulting for your long-term career goals. Think you’d make a good guest on The Art Biz? The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
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Practicing Steady Confidence as an Artist (253)
01/08/2026
Practicing Steady Confidence as an Artist (253)
Host Alyson Stanfield reveals an uncomfortable truth in this solo episode: the problem isn't that you don't know enough. The real challenge is building the confidence to act on what you already know. After 23 years of teaching artists, Alyson has realized she's been contributing to information overwhelm when what artists actually need are practices that build steady confidence. In this episode, you'll discover: The five major confidence killers that derail your plans Six practical confidence-building practices you can start today Why your January plans typically fade by February How to close the gap between planning and execution The difference between accumulating knowledge and trusting yourself HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Alyson reflects on episode 251 and her realization about information overwhelm 01:00 The real problem isn't lack of knowledge—it's information overload 02:00 What typically happens to January plans by February 03:10 Three things that kill confidence: doubt, false beliefs, and comparison 04:10 How perfectionism is actually procrastination in disguise 05:30 The inner critic voices that keep you stuck 06:30 Learning from outside critics versus harsh feedback 07:20 Six practices for building steady confidence 13:00 The gap between planning and working your plan 14:30 Practice steady confidence this season SUGGESTED ACTION This week, start one confidence-building practice. Choose the one that resonates most: begin a daily wins list, create your "loved" file, write one affirmation, or commit to one self-care practice. You don't need to do all of them at once. Pick one and practice it consistently. RELATED EPISODES (251) (96) (24) To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit 🔶 For the first time, Essentials is available as a single season option—four months focused entirely on building steady confidence. Running through April, you'll get weekly practices, community support, and access to all learning modules when you need them. The planning workshop gives you the plan. The season gives you the practices to meet your goals. Learn more: The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. HOW TO BE A GUEST Think you have a story to share with other artists here on The Art Biz. Take the first step ~~~~>
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Stop Waiting for Opportunities and Start Shaping Them with Ebony Iman Dallas (252)
12/18/2025
Stop Waiting for Opportunities and Start Shaping Them with Ebony Iman Dallas (252)
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 Eyes aims to clear her father's name and show healing is possible 30:20 The critical marketing shift: promote primarily—over events 33:10 Building a VIP list and postcard strategy to stay visible with the right people 40:50 Why fear of rejection keeps your dreams small 44:00 Weekly accountability check-ins take the emotion out and make it a numbers game 46:20 The three main takeaways: accountability structure, VIP postcard strategy, and intentional art-focused marketing ACTION Take one of these strategies and put it into action this week. Reach out to one curator or gallery director. Start your VIP list of people who should know about your work. Or schedule a weekly check-in with an accountability partner to share what you've applied for. RELATED EPISODES (237) (187) (114) To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Ebony and see more of her art: 🔶 If you heard Ebony talk about keeping everything in her head and thought "that's me," join us for Own Your Year 2026, January 13-15. This three-day planning workshop will help you get it all out of your head and onto a plan that actually supports your goals. Registration closes January 12th at . 🔶 If you're looking for more customized support beyond group workshops, I also work privately with a small number of artists each year. Learn more at . The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. HOW TO BE A GUEST Think you have a story to share with other artists here on The Art Biz. Take the first step ~~~~>
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Beyond Information: Why Artists Need Frameworks (251)
12/11/2025
Beyond Information: Why Artists Need Frameworks (251)
What happens when you realize the way you've been working isn't sustainable? When you've built something successful but it's costing you sleep, peace of mind, and the very things you set out to protect? In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield gets really vulnerable with a question most artists face at some point: Who am I if I change the way I've always done things? It's about the pressure to maintain what you've always done because that's what you identify with, the FOMO that makes you say yes when your gut says no, and the overwhelm that comes from adding more and more to your plate. Artists don't need more information—they need containers to organize it, filters to prioritize it, and boundaries to protect themselves from overwhelm. You'll hear about identity shifts, the power of asking "where can I lower the bar?" and what it looks like to evolve from consuming content to building frameworks that actually support your business. 🔦 HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The Artist's Annual Review and why reflecting is an act of courage 02:50 The truth is you don't need more information 04:10 We need to prioritize creating containers, filters, and serious boundaries 06:40 Artists keep telling me they're "so behind" and I never want you to feel that way 09:10 I'm preaching sane planning while juggling an insane schedule 13:50 This is about IDENTITY—who I am at my very core 17:20 The right question: what do I need to let go of? Where can I lower the bar? 20:20 This is about evolution, trusting that what already exists is enough 📖 To read more and find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit 🔶 FREE! Download The Artist's Annual Review and ask yourself: What do I need to let go of? Where can I lower the bar? Not just what you want to accomplish in 2026—but what you want less of, and how you want to feel as you move through your days. 🔶 🔶 OWN YOUR YEAR 2026 🔶 🔶 If you're ready to take that clarity and turn it into a plan—not a plan that adds more to your plate, but a plan that honors where you are and what you actually have the capacity for—join me for Own Your Year 2026. This planning workshop happens January 13-15, 2026. This isn't about tactics or strategies or adding more to your list. It's about alignment. It's about creating a year that feels sustainable and maybe even radiant. Learn more at ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. Think you’d make a good podcast guest? Give me your best pitch ~~~~>
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From Relief to Revenue: 5 Years into Her Art Business with Dawn Trimble (250)
12/04/2025
From Relief to Revenue: 5 Years into Her Art Business with Dawn Trimble (250)
host: Alyson Stanfield In 2020, Dawn Trimble was laid off from her interior design job during the pandemic while navigating a divorce—and she felt relief. That moment became a turning point. Within months of painting full-time, she launched her first collection, which sold out in days and matched her corporate paycheck. Dawn talks about the practical steps she took to build momentum, what she brought from her design background into her art business, how she thinks about creativity as service rather than self-expression, and why she believes the most important thing any artist can do is simply start. HIGHLIGHTS 01:40 Dawn describes her serene watercolor paintings 03:00 The relief of being laid off during the pandemic 05:40 Creating her first collection and selling out in days 08:00 The three-legged stool business approach 26:00 Wall covering licensing partnerships that surprised her with the size of the first checks 29:00 How she structures her week 32:00 Marketing through storytelling and connection 39:00 The "Memories" collection and her father's dementia 44:00 Her faith, viewing herself as conduit, not source 47:20 Her advice to other artists: just do it DAWN’S ACTION FOR YOU Dawn reminds us that everyone has insecurities and everyone is afraid. But you have to start anyway. As she mentioned, inspiration has to find us working. You can't sit around wishing—it has to be an action. So this week, get into your studio and make something. Let inspiration find you working. To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit Connect with Dawn and see more of her art: 🔶 If you've ever felt like you're doing all the things but not seeing sales, or if you're tired of people saying "I love your work" without pulling out their wallet, check out the Followers to Collectors workshop. You'll map out the full journey of how people discover your art, engage with it, build trust over time, and how you make it easy for them to buy when they're ready. Learn more at RELATED EPISODES Listen to other artists discuss their income streams: (ep. 128) (ep. 103) (ep. 191) (ep. 18) 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 ~~~~>
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Artist Friendships that Lead to Collaborative Exhibitions and Opportunities (249)
11/20/2025
Artist Friendships that Lead to Collaborative Exhibitions and Opportunities (249)
host: Alyson Stanfield Alicia Bailey and Melinda Laz are part of a four-artist collaborative group in Denver that's been working together for years because it's made them better artists. In this conversation, they share the practical realities of collaboration: the systems that keep things organized, the communication that prevents problems, and the trust that makes it all possible. If you've ever wondered whether working with other artists is worth the effort, this episode will show you what's possible when you get it right. 🔦HIGHLIGHTS 01:50 How their friendship evolved into collaboration over 25 years 04:10 The early collaborative work between Alicia and Melinda 05:30 Expanding from a duo to a four-artist collaboration with Catherine Chauvin and Sharon Strasburg 08:30 Why they choose loose collaboration over a more formalized collective 10:40 Drafting proposals together without ego 13:20 Choosing "Perseverance" as their theme to allow broad interpretation 16:10 The systems they use to stay organized and on track 18:00 Why one person serves as the point of contact with galleries 20:40 The importance of going to lunch and doing studio visits 25:40 Learning when to say no to opportunities that don't align 36:20 Communication, clear expectations, and getting everything on the table 40:20 Keeping ego in check while maintaining leadership 🏃THE ARTISTS’ ACTION FOR YOU Go to openings and talk to other artists, especially those whose work you feel a resonance with. Go view art even if it's not an opening, then dig deeper by looking at artists' websites or social media pages to learn about the community right in your backyard. Don't be afraid to reach out—send that Instagram message, ask for coffee, introduce yourself at the opening. Artists want to talk to other artists and form community. 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with the artists: and 🎧 RELATED EPISODES Interested in collaboration? Check out these episodes: (ep. 27) (ep. 64) (ep. 86) (ep. 183) 🔶 Community can support your journey in so many ways. We have that kind of community in . While there are plenty of lessons in our vault—including our current focus on The Artist's Annual Review and planning work we'll dig into in January—our real emphasis is on action and progress. We're here to help you move forward without getting bogged down in more information than you need. Find all the details at ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Being the Artist I Want My Son to See with Stephanie Brown (248)
11/13/2025
Being the Artist I Want My Son to See with Stephanie Brown (248)
In part one of this conversation (episode 247), Stephanie Brown shared how she strategically funded her education and built her early career foundation. Now it's time to talk about what happens next: the messy, real, day-to-day work of sustaining an art practice. Stephanie breaks down her actual income streams with host Alyson Stanfield—sharing her five-year vision for gallery representation and explaining how becoming a mother made her bolder and more focused rather than holding her back. 🔦 HIGHLIGHTS 03:50 Stephanie’s income percentages from consulting, speaking, art sales, workshops, and grants 07:30 When paying for a residency is worth it (and when it's not) 08:30 The mistake of saying yes to a show just to meet a quota 10:30 Why motherhood pushed Stephanie’s art practice harder instead of pausing it 12:20 What "your mom does for a living" should teach about possibility and freedom 18:30 The tools that keep multiple income streams organized 25:30 Why direct outreach finally started working after years of silence 27:30 If forced to choose only one income stream, this would be it—and why 🏃STEPHANIE’S ACTION FOR YOU Make a list of the top ten things you're most scared to do in your art career. Then do the scariest thing on that list. Maybe it's reaching out directly to a gallery you admire. Maybe it's raising your prices. Maybe it's applying to that prestigious residency you've been bookmarking for years. Maybe it's finally having an honest conversation about money with your partner or family. The scary thing is usually the thing that will move you forward the most. 🔶 ESSENTIALS If you need structure and support while you're doing the scary things, that's exactly what we provide in . We help you build a sustainable foundation for your art business with ongoing lessons, accountability, and coaching. Because taking action is always easier when you're not doing it alone. 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (ep. 128) (ep. 103) (ep. 18) (ep. 166) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Stephanie and see more of her art: ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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The Strategic Artist: Zero Debt Art Degrees with Stephanie Brown (247)
11/06/2025
The Strategic Artist: Zero Debt Art Degrees with Stephanie Brown (247)
Too many artists graduate from art school with crushing debt and then spend years figuring out how to make money while trying to maintain a studio practice. Stephanie Brown did the opposite. She graduated from a private art school debt-free, secured a fully funded MFA, and has been treating her art career like a business from day one. In this conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Stephanie breaks down exactly how she did it, and why being strategic about money doesn't make you any less of an artist. 🔦 HIGHLIGHTS 02:00 Why interactive art transforms viewers into participants and creates lasting memory points—and how Stephanie intentionally studied education theory to understand this 06:40 How she graduated from a private art school (SCAD) debt-free by maximizing scholarships and strategically taking general education classes at community college 09:40 Why she only applied to fully funded MFA programs and what made University of Michigan's program worth it 16:30 The best advice Stephanie received about graduate school: only go when you know what you want to say to the world as an artist 23:10 How watching her mother's creative side hustles shaped her belief that artists can make money from their work 24:40 The rules she set for herself (one residency, two exhibitions per year) to ensure she could always say "I'm an exhibiting artist" 31:10 Why working from home during the pandemic was the unlock that gave Stephanie energy and time for serious studio practice 33:20 The transferable skills from her art practice (managing budgets up to $50,000) that landed her higher-paying jobs in project management and business operations 🚀 YOUR ACTION Create your own non-negotiable parameters for your art practice. Stephanie’s are at least one residency and two exhibitions per year. What would your rules be? 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (162) (124) (173) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Stephanie and see more of her art: 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, 🔶 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 ~~~~>
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Are You Undermining Your Art's Value? (246)
10/30/2025
Are You Undermining Your Art's Value? (246)
Your art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Where and how you show your work shapes how people perceive its value before they even look closely at the piece itself. The venue, the lighting, the labels, the other work nearby—all of it sends signals about whether your art should be taken seriously. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield explores what falls within your control and what doesn't, and why understanding that difference can transform how collectors see you and your work. She encourages you to vet opportunities before committing, establish non-negotiables to establish for yourself, and move strategically toward increasingly prestigious venues rather than staying comfortable with familiar options. Whether you're just starting out or you've been showing for years, you'll learn how to raise your standards and make choices that honor the work you've put into your art. HIGHLIGHTS 00:30 A gallery story that reveals how presentation can undermine even the most exquisite artwork 02:50 Joshua Bell's subway experiment and what it reveals about context over content 04:20 What you can't control after committing: organizers' behavior, placement, promotion, and who else is in the show 06:00 The power of vetting opportunities before you say yes: research methods and setting non-negotiables 09:00 Moving strategically to increasingly prestigious venues rather than staying comfortable 11:40 Being selective even when starting out: choosing the best option available at your career stage 🚀 YOUR ACTION Audit your current opportunities through this lens. For each place you're showing or planning to show, ask yourself: Does this venue's reputation support my prices and goals? Will being here make collectors take me more seriously? What can I control about how my work is presented? And if you can't control key elements, is this opportunity still worth it? 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (129) (116) (109) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit 🔶 Context shapes perception. It's why galleries are selective about their roster and why collectors pay attention to provenance. If you want to command higher prices, context matters enormously. In Elevate Your Art, Alyson covers numerous strategies for increasing the perceived value of your work and being strategic about where and how you show. This is just one of them. The live session on November 18th, with on demand training available afterward. Visit for all the details. ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Strategic Networking and Visibility Beyond Art World Centers with La Vaughn Belle (245)
10/23/2025
Strategic Networking and Visibility Beyond Art World Centers with La Vaughn Belle (245)
host: Alyson Stanfield La Vaughn Belle is a visual artist based in St. Croix whose interdisciplinary practice explores colonial histories and Caribbean identity. Host Alyson Stanfield talks with La Vaughn about building a thriving art career outside traditional art centers through strategic networking, intentional collaboration, and the bold decision to hire a publicist for her monument project I Am Queen Mary. La Vaughn reveals How she built strategic networks that expanded her reach beyond her local community Why collaboration with people outside her discipline opened unexpected doors The power of consistent newsletter practice and following up with genuine curiosity How she hired a publicist for her monument project and landed coverage in The New York Times, Guardian, and Time Magazine Why separating your work (obra) from your career (carrera) requires different strategies How dedicating 20 studio hours per week transformed her practice HIGHLIGHTS 01:30 How living in the Caribbean has shaped La Vaughn's cosmopolitan perspective as an artist 06:40 How La Vaughn's work explores colonial histories through material remnants and storm metaphors 09:00 The three key practices La Vaughn built to develop her reputation outside St. Croix 10:30 What La Vaughn looks for in collaboration and how working with non-artists sharpens her practice 17:00 How people find La Vaughn for collaborations and the importance of a strong website 20:10 La Vaughn's consistent newsletter practice and how she asks permission to add people to her list 23:40 Why La Vaughn's friend insisted she hire a publicist and how she overcame her resistance 26:30 Describing the two-and-a-half-story sculpture that combined coral stones and a reimagined Huey P. Newton image 33:30 How La Vaughn dove into her practice after the media attention died down 38:40 Using affirmations and strategic positioning to attract the right gallerist 43:20 The difference between obra (work) and carrera (career) that La Vaughn learned in Cuba 46:40 Why committing to 20 studio hours per week is essential for competing at an international level 🚀 YOUR ACTION Pick one relationship you already have—maybe someone who expressed interest in your work, a curator you met once, or an artist in a different discipline—and reach out this week. Not with an ask, but with genuine curiosity. Invite them for a coffee chat or Zoom conversation and see where it takes you. 🔶 Map out your follower’s full journey from discovery to purchase: Follower —> Fan —>Buyer —> Collector. Learn how people find your art, engage with it, build trust over time, and buy when they're ready. $97 (podcast listeners can save $20 with promo code PODCAST20) Sign up now at 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with La Vaughn and see more of her art: 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (108) (109) (160) ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Mutual Respect Between Artists and Galleries with Katherine Hébert (244)
10/16/2025
Mutual Respect Between Artists and Galleries with Katherine Hébert (244)
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 Street” galleries. 07:00 What genuine trust between artists and galleries means, and how to establish it through clear communication. 11:10 How galleries can assess fit before signing artists. 13:00 The professionalism cues (or “trust signals”) artists send to galleries. 15:40 Empowering artists to ask questions and clarify expectations. 20:00 Why regular communication and quarterly check-ins matter. 28:20 Contracts as a foundation for mutual respect and protection. 34:00 How younger collectors are changing the gallery landscape. 41:40 Creative experiences galleries can offer to build connection. 46:20 Alyson’s closing thoughts: take what you’ve learned and put it into action. 🚀 YOUR ACTION Reach out to one of your professional contacts this week—whether it’s a gallerist, curator, or collector. Share a quick update, ask a question, or simply check in. Every thoughtful message builds the trust that keeps relationships strong. 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Katherine: 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (123) (19) (175) (226) 🔶 Map out your follower’s full journey from discovery to purchase: Follower —> Fan —>Buyer —> Collector. Learn how people find your art, engage with it, build trust over time, and buy when they're ready. $97 (podcast listeners can save $20 with promo code PODCAST20) Sign up now at ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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What to Do With 400 Paintings: Artist Legacy and Economic Reality with Alissa Quart (243)
10/09/2025
What to Do With 400 Paintings: Artist Legacy and Economic Reality with Alissa Quart (243)
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 01:30 Barbara Quart's journey from East Village bohemian to 30 years of daily painting 05:40 The horror story that sparked a mission to honor her mother's wishes 08:20 Looking for external validation through local gallery shows in the Berkshires 10:40 The circumstances that allowed 30 years of sustained art practice 12:50 Why artists need community, not just queen bees but worker ants too 14:40 Legal barriers that restrict housing developments for artists 17:00 How art production creates billions in economic activity 23:10 Starting with an inventory and creating a catalog system 26:30 Women who inherit their husband's art and sacrifice their own lives 29:20 The art destruction party where artists let go of their work 34:10 How one piece in the New York Times changed everything 38:10 Barbara started painting again after the article's positive response 42:00 Collective joy and questioning the myth of individualism 44:00 The promise that consciousness can persist beyond the hand that picked up the brush 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (181) (143) (15) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Alissa: Learn more about and support the Economic Hardship Reporting Project: Follow Barbara Quart’s art on Instagram: 🔶 Map out your follower’s full journey from discovery to purchase: Follower —> Fan —>Buyer —> Collector. Learn how people find your art, engage with it, build trust over time, and buy when they're ready. $97 (podcast listeners can save $20 with promo code PODCAST20) Sign up now at ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Community, Kinship, and Career Stability with Malene Barnett (242)
10/02/2025
Community, Kinship, and Career Stability with Malene Barnett (242)
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 liberation through Caribbean pottery history and markets. 13:10 Leaving bespoke rugs, after a sabbatical, to reclaim her voice and move into clay. 19:20 Tiles and architecture as ways to create a space that holds memory. 21:00 Planning around clay’s long timelines for drying, firing, and glazing. 22:20 Residencies, film, and building an archive of Caribbean potters. 26:40 Why sharing process, tools, and research sustains audience connection. 32:10 Founding the Black Artists and Designers Guild and how to start a community. 35:10 Crafted Kinship: agency, blurred lines between art, craft, and design. 41:10 Career advice: seek stability, invest, and take the long view. 43:20 What’s next: a large-scale ceramic mural in Greensboro, with installation in 2027. ACTION This week, share one piece of your process with your community: a tool you rely on, a test tile, or a research thread you’re following. 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (223) (ep. 128) (185) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Malene and see more of her art: 🔶 If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels on random marketing tasks and instead build a strong, reliable foundation for your art business, check out . Inside, you’ll find the structure, coaching, and accountability to help you turn intentions into consistent action. Learn more at . ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Maybe It's Time to Rethink Pinterest with Hayley Price (241)
09/25/2025
Maybe It's Time to Rethink Pinterest with Hayley Price (241)
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 designers and collectors use Pinterest to discover art 06:30 Doubling your SEO efforts by linking blog posts to pins 08:40 First steps: setting up a business account and connecting Instagram 12:20 Creating multiple pins from one piece of content (without extra work) 19:00 What kinds of pins perform best for artists 24:40 How to keep pins working even after artwork has sold 28:20 Success story: 40–50% of gallery traffic still coming from old pins 29:50 Why ads often perform better on Pinterest than Instagram 33:20 Pinterest as a digital mood board for artistic inspiration 37:00 Hayley’s creative routine and how she balances her multiple roles ACTION Choose one Inspired Pinterest Action: Repurpose something you’ve already shared on Instagram Start a new board for your blog posts or a collection Revive an old board with fresh pins Just one step this week can set you up for visibility long after you hit publish. 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (174) (203) (222) (228) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with and see more of her art and the artists she features: 🔶 If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels on random marketing tasks and instead build a strong, reliable foundation for your art business, check out . Inside, you’ll find the structure, coaching, and accountability to help you turn intentions into consistent action. Learn more at . ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Entrepreneurial Fatigue, Market Uncertainty, and the Case for Slowing Down with Katie Hunt (240)
09/18/2025
Entrepreneurial Fatigue, Market Uncertainty, and the Case for Slowing Down with Katie Hunt (240)
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 Social media as a visibility tool vs. a sales driver 18:30 Why community, mentorship, and education accelerate growth 21:00 Emotional tone of the industry: cautiously hopeful, but tired 24:20 Following up and closing the loop when no one responds 26:40 30% of respondents have considered closing their business 30:00 Tariffs, planning challenges, and the ripple effect on pricing 34:20 What separates those who sustain their business from those who burn out 38:00 The role of peer support and accountability 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (138) (141) (157) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Katie and listen to the Proof to Product podcast at 🔶 Ready to make real progress in your art business? Essentials for Artist Success is where you stop spinning your wheels and start taking focused, intentional action. It’s not just another course—it’s a structured system for building momentum, making better decisions, and implementing the right strategies at the right time. Designed to support you through every season of your business, Essentials gives you the clarity, accountability, and community you need to keep moving forward. Learn more >>> ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Why Every Artist Needs a Brand Kit (239)
09/04/2025
Why Every Artist Needs a Brand Kit (239)
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 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit 🎧 MENTIONED These are the other solo episodes (so far) leading up to the Followers to Collectors workshop. (235) (236) (237) (238) 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes feature guests who have clarity around who they are as artists: (227) (133) (225) 📥 RESOURCES Planning Workshop: Essentials for Artist Success: ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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You Don’t Need a Gallery, You Need Conscious Connections (238)
08/28/2025
You Don’t Need a Gallery, You Need Conscious Connections (238)
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 career 07:30 Barriers: fear, logistics, and avoidance 09:00 The importance of focusing on others, not just yourself 09:10 Four buckets of connections: supporters, sellers & venues, influencers, peripheral potential 11:20 Conscious connections aren’t optional — they are foundational 11:50 One small action to nurture a connection this week 12:30 Invitation to the Followers to Collectors workshop (Sept 9–10) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit 🎧 MENTIONED These are the other solo episodes (so far) leading up to the Followers to Collectors workshop. (235) (236) (237) 🎧 RELATED EPISODES In these episodes, guests talk about the conscious connections that have helped them succeed with a specific project. (27) (64) (86) (183) 📥 RESOURCES Planning Workshop: Essentials for Artist Success: ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Remove Barriers to Buying Your Art (237)
08/21/2025
Remove Barriers to Buying Your Art (237)
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 one barrier this week. Highlights 00:00 Someone discovers your art on Instagram—what happens next? 02:00 Barriers in the buying process and why they matter 04:00 The first key: Clarity (and why your homepage is not the best destination) 05:00 The importance of credit lines for every finished piece 06:00 Pep talk: Don’t make people work harder to give you money 06:20 The second key: Ease—payment options and professional process 07:00 Stories about payment plans gone wrong and how to protect yourself 08:00 Why seamless transactions signal professionalism and build trust 08:20 The third key: Trust—buyers need to feel safe and confident 09:00 Follow-through, transparency, and consistent post-sale communication 09:30 The bigger picture: Trust and relationships over time create collectors 09:50 Your action step—audit your own buyer’s journey 10:00 Workshop invitation and how this step fits into the larger journey 11:20 Closing reminders: You can’t control the economy, but you can control how easy it is to buy your art Mentioned (235) (236) (232) 📖 To read more and see featured artists visit 📥 RESOURCES Planning Workshop: Essentials for Artist Success: ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Clean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236)
08/14/2025
Clean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236)
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 people who aren't engaging 03:04 How deliverability is changing and why this matters now more than ever 04:47 What happens when you keep inactive contacts on your list 05:53 Garden metaphor: pruning your list is thoughtful, not ruthless 06:58 Signs it’s time to clean: analytics, hesitation, and confidence dips 07:54 Step-by-step process to clean your list (starting with segmentation) 11:12 Why a smaller list can be more energizing 11:44 How cleaning your list connects to the Followers to Collectors workshop 12:45 Your action step this week and how refreshing your list brings clarity 🎧 RELATED EPISODES The artists in these episodes discuss successful use of their email lists: (162) (171) (97) (199) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit 📥 RESOURCES MENTIONED Planning Workshop: Essentials for Artist Success: ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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When the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235)
08/07/2025
When the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235)
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: Venues, pricing visibility, and perceived value 06:36 – The Buying Experience: Is it easy to buy from you, or are you creating friction? 07:28 – How You’re Connecting: Relationships, follow-up, and trust-building 08:54 – How You’re Promoting It: Visibility, storytelling, and showing up consistently 10:10 – Reassurance and encouragement to act from insight, not overwhelm 10:52 – Three options for you 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes focus on self-sales: (ep. 162) (ep. 157) (ep. 171) (ep. 97) 📥 RESOURCES MENTIONED Free Download and Show Notes: Planning Workshop: Essentials for Artist Success: ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Discerning Your Direction as an Artist with Marianne Lettieri (234)
07/31/2025
Discerning Your Direction as an Artist with Marianne Lettieri (234)
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 32:10 – Building community through art and faith 38:45 – How location (Granbury, TX) shapes her art 46:42 – Where to find Marianne + Alyson’s closing takeaway 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (mentioned) The artists featured in these episodes discuss a very intentional path for themselves. (225) (190) (175) (134) (133) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Marianne and see more of her art: 🎯 Ready to make a plan that actually supports your art business? Join me for the Followers to Collectors planning workshop on September 9-10, where we’ll map out how your audience moves from discovering your art to feeling confident buying it. You can . Or join Essentials for Artist Success today to get access to this workshop plus ongoing support, live coaching, and two additional planning workshops throughout the year. Details at . ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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It's Not Your Job to Worry About Adding to the Noise (233)
07/24/2025
It's Not Your Job to Worry About Adding to the Noise (233)
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 looks like (hint: not polished) [09:25] You can’t control who sees it—just share [10:40] Shifting from performance to presence [11:35] Final encouragement: show up with trust [12:15] Workshop + Essentials invitation [13:00] Closing thanks + where to find more 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes also have an emphasis on mindset: (ep. 114) (ep. 95) (ep. 92) (ep. 91) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and see our featured artists, visit 🎯 Ready to make a plan that actually supports your art business? Join me for the Followers to Collectors planning workshop on September 9-10, where we’ll map out how your audience moves from discovering your art to feeling confident buying it. You can . Or join Essentials for Artist Success today to get access to this workshop plus ongoing support, live coaching, and two additional planning workshops throughout the year. Details at . ⛰️ 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 ~~~~>
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Strategic Growth, Collector Relationships, and Costly Lessons with James Corwin (232)
07/10/2025
Strategic Growth, Collector Relationships, and Costly Lessons with James Corwin (232)
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 – Strategic growth and personal planning 28:00 – How James actually plans and thinks while painting 31:00 – Major failures: financial loss and Aspen gallery stress 36:00 – Representing artists and running a gallery 39:00 – Advice on gallery representation 43:00 – Building collector relationships 48:00 – Teaching, online academy, and omnipresence 52:00 – Business books/podcasts and what’s next 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes discuss multiple income streams for the artists: (ep. 128) (ep. 103) (ep. 191) (ep. 18) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with James and see more of his art: 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, 🔶 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 ~~~~>
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