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.

Writing on Substack Can Be Integral to Your Creative Process with Ann Miller (ep. 210) 11/21/2024

The Art Biz Unfiltered: Dealer Michael Findlay on Collectors, Curiosity, and Changes (ep. 209) 10/31/2024

Advice for Anyone Who Wants to Help the Artist in Their Life (ep. 208) 10/17/2024

Artist Contracts, Studio Loans, and Collaboration with Virginia Broersma (ep. 207) 10/10/2024

Artist Contracts, Studio Loans, and Collaboration with Virginia Broersma (ep. 207) 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 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (ep. 125) (ep. 93) (ep. 114) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Virginia and see more of her art: 🟪 I have a short webinar that would be a great resource for helping you to increase the perceived value of your work. It’s called . It's only $20. And the reason that I make it so affordable is because it's fundamental. I created How to Ask for More Money for Your Art because I noticed so many artists were sabotaging their work. If you need to increase the perceived value of your art, check it out. ⛰️ 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/33380427

Creating Demand for Your Art: Why It Matters and How to Start (ep. 206) 10/03/2024

The Internet Might Be Ruining Artists' Livelihoods with William Deresiewicz 09/26/2024

The Internet Might Be Ruining Artists' Livelihoods with William Deresiewicz 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 33:55 The Role of Cities in Supporting Artists 38:07 Defining What It Means to Be an Artist 42:43 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (ep. 162) (ep. 157) (ep. 171) 📖 To read more, see images, visit ⭐️ Connect with William Deresiewicz and read his articles and books: 🔶 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/33218182

Establishing Yourself in a New Art Community with Joan Chamberlain (ep. 204) 09/19/2024

Establishing Yourself in a New Art Community with Joan Chamberlain (ep. 204) Host Alyson Stanfield talks with artist Joan Chamberlain, whose creative journey has taken many twists and turns. Joan shares her story, from her early days as a botanical artist and licensed illustrator to her time as a product developer and dentist. Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Joan reflects on how moving has impacted her art, her lifestyle, and her happiness. Joan discusses: How attending Alyson’s first live workshop in 2003 shaped her dedication to her art business. The positive impact the move has had on Joan’s art practice and why she insists that location matters for an artist. The challenges and benefits of transitioning to a new art community, and how volunteering helped her make key connections in Eugene. How Joan found her niche and is excited to develop more work in that direction. Her informal audience research to find the best market for her work, including the potential for reproductions. Whether you're thinking of moving, looking for a fresh perspective, or simply searching for joy in your art practice, this episode offers plenty of inspiration. 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ✅ While you’re there, click on the graphic to download a copy of my Comprehensive Exhibitions Checklist + Timeline—totally free with opt in. 🍷 Connect with Joan and see more of her art: 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes touch on what it’s like to reestablish your art business in a new location. (ep. 202) (ep. 196) (ep. 160) 🔸 STRENGTHEN YOUR ART BUSINESS FOUNDATION See my art-marketing intensive, full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. ⛰️ 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/33093262

Technology Is Your Colleague in the Studio with Iris Scott (ep. 203) 09/12/2024

Adapting through Curiosity and Connection with Debra Disman (ep. 202) 09/05/2024

Finding Your Artist Voice through Mentorship with Julie deBoer (ep. 201) 08/29/2024

What it means to be fulfilled as an artist (ep. 200) 08/22/2024

What it means to be fulfilled as an artist (ep. 200) host: Alyson Stanfield In the 200th episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield explores the deeper motivations behind artists' desires for more recognition and sales. She emphasizes the importance of pursuing true fulfillment in art, beyond external validation and social media metrics. Alyson shares her personal journey of prioritizing happiness over career stability and discusses various forms of fulfillment for artists, such as making their best work, gaining gallery representation, and receiving positive feedback. She encourages artists to exhibit their work in public more frequently and to engage with their audience to find deeper meaning and joy. 00:00 Our Desire for MORE 01:23 Personal Journey: Finding Happiness 02:16 Milestone Reflection: 200th Episode 02:39 True Fulfillment as an Artist 04:53 The Importance of External Validation 05:49 The Role of Exhibitions and Shows 07:38 Art as Communication and Connection 08:55 Commitment to Showing Your Art 09:34 Conclusion: Celebrating the Journey 📖 To read more, see photos of me with some of my guests, and leave a comment, visit 👉 I give you a process for honoring your commitments in my planning workshops, which I lead 3x a year to help you make a plan for the upcoming season and beyond. AND to make sure that you aren’t over-committed—that you have just the right level of challenging projects and space for creativity and self-care. 🔶 The next workshop is coming up, and you can save a little when you sign up early. So you want to be sure to be on the notification list. Go to to add your name to that list or sign up now if registration is available when you visit. ⛰️ 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/32678252

Producing a Monthly Digital Magazine with Alyson Sheldrake (ep. 199) 08/08/2024

Producing a Monthly Digital Magazine with Alyson Sheldrake (ep. 199) In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with author and artist Alyson Sheldrake. Every month for ten years, Alyson Sheldrake has published Snapshot!, an extensive digital magazine that promotes her work, her husband’s photography, and local businesses. The most recent edition was 128 pages! In her words, Snapshot! covers art, photography, books, reviews, events, interviews, rescue dogs, authors, and news about the beautiful Algarve in Portugal. That’s a lot of territory, and, as you’ll see, she has plenty of story ideas for future content. Writing, designing, and publishing the magazine is not a grind for Alyson. She loves doing it, referring to it as “The newsletter that thinks it’s a magazine.” It’s a comfortable way to market for her that just so happens to reach about 17,000 people with each edition. Key takeaway: through the magazine, Alyson promotes others who, in turn, help promote the magazine and her art. 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Alyson and subscribe to her free Snapshot! magazine: 🎧 RELATED EPISODES Other artist-authors who have been my guests: (ep. 87) (ep. 37) (ep. 9) i (ep. 191) 🔶 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/32481942

Beyond Motivation: Deadlines and Accountability Drive Action (ep. 198) 08/01/2024

Beyond Motivation: Deadlines and Accountability Drive Action (ep. 198) Future plans, deadlines, and accountability are a necessary part of your success. Host Alyson Stanfield of Art Biz Success explains how artists can get stuck in cycles of procrastination without a structured calendar filled with exciting commitments. Alyson shares practical examples from her own life as well as from her experience with students and clients, and details how deadlines and accountability partners, including coaches and community groups, can help maintain momentum. Key takeaways include the importance of setting attainable milestones, self-review processes, and embracing external support systems to drive progress and achieve creative goals. 00:33 Why plans, deadlines, and accountability matter 01:56 Personal experience and motivation 04:59 The role of deadlines in achieving goals 06:43 The power of accountability 08:47 Practical steps to implement accountability 10:26 Embrace deadlines and accountability: What are your first steps? 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These artists have taken on big projects that motivated them for months and even years: (ep. 169) (ep. 30) (ep. 64) (ep. 168) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit 👉 I give you a process for honoring your commitments in my planning workshops, which I lead 3x a year to help you make a plan for the upcoming season and beyond. AND to make sure that you aren’t over-committed—that you have just the right level of challenging projects and space for creativity and self-care. 🔶 The next workshop is coming up, and you can save a little when you sign up early. So you want to be sure to be on the notification list. Go to to add your name to that list or sign up now if registration is available when you visit. ⛰️ 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/32367767

Dealing with Rejection with Megan Wimberley (ep. 197) 07/25/2024

Dealing with Rejection with Megan Wimberley (ep. 197) host: Alyson Stanfield In order for the art ecosystem to work, many rejections must be handed out. That means to have a successful art business and career, you must learn to deal with rejection. More to the point, in order to be successful in life, you have to learn to deal with rejection, regardless of your vocation. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Megan Wimberley, who wants to help you move past rejection. As both an artist and a founder of the Cowgirl Artists of America organization, she has experienced both sides of the process. The good news about rejection is that you are not alone. Every artist who wants to attain a higher level of accomplishment must deal with rejection. The bad news is … well … You’ve been rejected. And that feels awful. But you can’t let it stop you. Megan outlines a framework for dealing with rejection, including the importance of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and professionalism—all in the service of elevating and protecting your reputation. 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit . ⭐️ Connect with Megan and see more of her art: 🤠 Check out . 📆 Our planning workshop for shows and sales is coming up. I’m going to lead you through the steps that will help you make an action plan for improving your shows and venues and make more sales. Don’t leave it to fate. Don’t wait for things to happen to you. Make a plan that will give you control over your future. Depending on when you listen to this, you can either get on the wait list or sign up and prepare to make that success plan. Either way, find all of the details at 🎧 RELATED EPISODES (ep. 114) (ep. 95) (ep. 92) (ep. 91) ⛰️ 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/32245822

Using Her Superpower and Biomaterials with Kelly M O'Brien (ep. 196) 07/18/2024

Selling Directly to Collectors at Open Studios with Jeff Schaller (ep. 195) 07/11/2024

How to Be a Guest on The Art Biz (ep. 194) 06/27/2024

How to Be a Guest on The Art Biz (ep. 194) Host: Alyson Stanfield If you've ever thought about sharing your artist story on a podcast—or pitching to anyone for publicity—this episode is for you. Join host Alyson Stanfield as she dives into the value of being a guest on The Art Biz and provides solid tips for pitching your art to any podcast for maximum publicity. (This information can also be adapted for any pitch you make for any reason.) Every artist has a unique journey, and sharing it can attract more fans, followers, and collectors. Alyson provides straightforward advice on how to craft your approach to make it compelling and irresistible to podcast hosts—or at least get them to pay attention and not roll their eyes at another bumbled pitch. You'll learn these five key elements of a successful pitch. Do Your Homework: Listen to episodes of and read to understand what Alyson's looking for. (Same for anyone else you’re pitching to.) Research: Show respect for the host and their work by demonstrating your knowledge and appreciation. Focus on Your Unique Business Lesson: Highlight the business insights you can share with the audience. Prove Your Speaking Skills: Include links to any previous podcast appearances or video interviews. Submit a Strong Pitch: Alyson makes this easy by providing a fill-in-the-blanks form for your pitches. Alyson also shares examples of the variety of stories that resonate with her audience. Whether it’s your successes, struggles, or unique ways of connecting with your community, your story has the power to inspire others. Tune in to discover how to pitch your artist story effectively and increase your chances of being featured on The Art Biz or other programs. 📣 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube @ Alyson Stanfield. 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These artists submitted successful pitches to be on this show. (ep. 162) (ep. 157) (ep. 154) (ep. 110) (ep. 87) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit 🔶 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/31897512

Smart Strategies for Artist Income Growth with Monique Carr (ep. 193) 06/20/2024

Smart Strategies for Artist Income Growth with Monique Carr (ep. 193) It’s possible to make more money and find a little more peace of mind by making a few tweaks in how you approach your art business. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Monique Carr about how she has done it. When she reached out to Alyson a couple of years ago for a private coaching partnership, Monique was aiming for doing half the work, making twice the money, and having fun in whatever she did. She’s not quite at the twice the money part, but things have definitely improved—like increasing her email list by about 250% in two years. Embracing online teaching at the beginning of Covid has been a game-changer. In this conversation, Monique shares her income streams, how she uses her email list, and how she was motivated to do a Black Friday sale after working on her money plan with me and noticing that her gallery sales were down for the year. Monique takes action without complaining—figuring out what needs to be done and doing it. You’ll be inspired by her story. 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes are money-focused: (ep. 19) (ep. 162) (ep. 157) (ep. 161) (ep. 159) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit ⭐️ Connect with Monique 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/31797557

Thriving as an Artist While Remaining True to Your Rural Roots with Tracey Hewitt (ep. 192) 06/13/2024

Beyond Comparison and Jealousy with Jason Kotecki (ep. 191) 05/30/2024

The Joy in Artist Community and Paring Back Obligations with Ali Cavanaugh (ep. 190) 05/23/2024

Reinventing Your Art Career with Ali Cavanaugh (ep. 189) 05/16/2024

Proving It's Possible to be an Artist and Mother with Elizabeth LeMaster (ep. 188) 05/09/2024

How to Guarantee that People Remember You with Skip Hill (ep. 187) 05/02/2024

The Career Journey of Growth-Minded Artists (ep. 186) 04/25/2024

Leaning Into Her Roots and Community Art with Marilyn Fontaine (ep. 185) 04/18/2024

How Your Art Makes People Feel (ep. 184) 04/04/2024

A Collaboration Between 2 Artists that Led to Creative Growth (ep. 183) 03/28/2024

Rethinking Mailing Lists for Artists (ep. 182) 03/21/2024

Spotlighting Artists Who Bloom Later in Life with Janice Mason Steeves (#181) 03/14/2024

Spotlighting Artists Who Bloom Later in Life with Janice Mason Steeves (#181) Host: Alyson Stanfield, Art Biz Success My guest is Janice Mason Steeves, author of Bloom: On Becoming An Artist Later in Life. Which, as I say in our interview, is “a lovely mix of insights from a questionnaire, gentle guidance from someone who teaches and leads artist workshops all over the world, and wisdom from academics, professionals, and spiritual advisors.” Janice has been in my orbit for a long time and I have been dying to talk with her about this book, the seeds of which she mentioned to me about 4 years ago. It’s a book that needed to be written and proves that we have a lot more to talk about this topic. But let’s kick off the conversation. Janice will share her background and the realization that the students in her workshops tended to be in the 60 to 80 age groups. This piqued her curiosity about taking up art later in life. We spend the first half of our conversation talking about how the book came to be. Then we discuss the advantages, benefits and challenges of becoming an artist after age 60. I, of course, want to know about how artists over 60 approach the business of art, but that’s not Janice’s concern. (And I have some experience that perhaps will lead to a different episode.) 🎧 RELATED EPISODESThese are episodes with other artist-authors >> (ep. 87) (ep. 37) (ep. 9) Mentioned: (ep. 181) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit . ⭐️ Connect with Janice and see more of her art: If you want to learn about or improve your art marketing skills, 🔶check out my Essentials program. 🔶 It’s for beginning and emerging artists as well as artists who just need a reboot. ⛰️ 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 ~~~~> /episode/index/show/artbiz/id/30358238

The Art Biz

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