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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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Now displaying: 2019

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. https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts/

Dec 19, 2019
Megan Auman is a designer and metalsmith who creates bold, wearable jewelry made from steel and recycled sterling silver sold in stores across the U.S.

She is also a focused businesswoman who has helped many artists grow their businesses through her blog, courses, e-books, and consulting at Designing an MBA. That makes her a writer/author, instructor, and entrepreneur as well.

In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, you’ll hear Megan and I talk about a manifesto she wrote back in 2012 titled Stuff Does Matter. Megan has some insight that will make you feel better about making more art.

You are not contributing to the landfills. What you do is critically important—it's the antidote to mass consumerism.

See Megan's work: http://meganauman.com

Read about her consulting: http://designinganmba.com

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganauman


In this episode, you'll hear a conversation about pricing and why it's critical to get your pricing right—especially not to undervalue your art.

If you're confused about pricing or if you'd just like to validate your price points, see my new pricing guide for artists, How to Price Your Art, at http://howtopriceyourart.com.


Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss: Wildermiss.com

Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 39).

Follow me on Instagram @AlysonStanfield

Facebook @ArtBizSuccess

#ArtBizSuccess

If you have enjoyed this or other podcasts, I would so appreciate it if you would leave a rating and comment on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps!

Dec 4, 2019
Fiona Valentine is always on the lookout for wonderful landscapes, objects that tell stories and everyday moments just waiting to be shared.

She divides her time between painting in her home studio in Melbourne and teaching. In 2019 she released her first online course explaining colour theory. Her Team Building Drawing Workshops help companies improve customer serve by increasing their team's innovation and creativity.

Fiona works in multiple mediums and  is currently a guest writer for Australian Artist Magazine.  Her facebook group The Confident Artist supports aspiring artists to build a creative habit and conquer the basics of painting, so they can make beautiful art.

In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, Alyson talks with Fiona about the Lean Methodology she adapted to keep her studio organized.

See Fiona’s art: https://fionavalentine.com
Join The Confident Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theconfidentartist
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionavalentineartist 

****

This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program, the Art Career Success System, a program I have perfected for more than 17 years working with artists. 

All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will do over and over again throughout your art business and career. That’s why it’s a SYSTEM.

In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation using my video and audio lessons, worksheets, and transcripts. And you will be part of a community of artists who are forward-thinking and forward-moving. 

Join us now and get your business in shape. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.com.

****

Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss.

Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 38).

Instagram @AlysonStanfield
Facebook @ArtBizSuccess 

#ArtBizSuccess

Nov 14, 2019
Early in her painting career, Carol A. McIntyre was surprised by the lack of easy-to-understand color theory classes. This motivated her to develop a simpler way to mix color which, in turn, would empower artists.

Her full-color book, I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want, walks you through her color-mixing methodology.

Carol has helped over 3,500 painters see and mix color differently. She is an award-winning artist who is a signature member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and holds associate memberships with the Oil Painters of America and the American Women Artists.

In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, Alyson talks with Carol about the long process of publishing her book and the expenses, many of which were surprises. 

See Carol’s art

Find her book, I Just Want to Paint.

Follow her on Instagram.

This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program, the Art Career Success System, a program I have perfected for more than 17 years working with artists. 

All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will do over and over again throughout your art business and career. That’s why it’s a SYSTEM.

In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation using my video and audio lessons, worksheets, and transcripts. And you will be part of a community of artists who are forward-thinking and forward-moving. 

Join us now and get your business in shape. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.com.

****

Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss.

Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 36)

Instagram @AlysonStanfield 
Facebook @ArtBizSuccess 

#ArtBizSuccess

 

Oct 31, 2019
Adele Sypesteyn is a New Orleans-born artist whose architecturally influenced abstract work is distinguished by multiple layers of texture, color and pattern. She draws inspiration from her surroundings, particularly the weathered walls of New Orleans and elements of nature. Her abstract art combines warm textures with aged patinas and writings, and utilizes her unique technique developed over three decades as a practicing artist.

Adele has been making a living from her art for 4 decades. But she never got too comfortable with income coming from a particular source. She paid attention to changes in the marketplace and economy. And she educated herself. 

In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, Alyson talks with Adele about the trail she blazed, including her decision to pull out of her galleries and focus on expanding her teaching practice into a major source of income.

See Adele’s art at https://AdeleSypesteynStudio.com  and watch her instructional videos on her YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJoxxdEPmXegvzMSywE-L2Q

****

This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program, the Art Career Success System, a program I have perfected for more than 17 years working with artists. 

All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will do over and over again throughout your art business and career. That’s why it’s a SYSTEM.

In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation using my video and audio lessons, worksheets, and transcripts. And you will be part of a community of artists who are forward-thinking and forward-moving. 

Join us now and get your business in shape. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.com 

****

Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss: http://wildermiss.com  

Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 36)

Instagram @AlysonStanfield 
Facebook @ArtBizSuccess 

#ArtBizSuccess

 

Oct 17, 2019
Lorraine Glessner’s love of surface, pattern, mark-making, imagem and landscape has led her to combine disparate materials and processes such as silk, wood, wax, pyrography, rust, paper, and more in her work. Lorraine is a former Assistant Professor at Tyler School of Art, Temple University, artist mentor, workshop instructor and an award-winning artist. 

She holds an MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, a BS from Philadelphia University, and an AAS in Computer Graphics from Moore College of Art & Design. She has a diverse art background with skills that include painting, sculpture, graphic design, interior design, textile design, photography, digital imaging and much more.

Since 2016, Lorraine has evolved from an assistant professor of art to running her own workshops and retreats. 

Through the process, she has learned a great deal about teaching as a significant source of her income. 

In this episode, you’ll hear Lorraine and Alyson talk about how she has set up her workshops and retreats, how she finds venues, the pros and cons of doing for-hire workshops, the tools she uses to stay organized, and how she balances teaching with her studio practice. 

See Lorraine’s art at https://LorraineGlessner.net  and find her on Instagram https://instagram.com/LorraineGlessner1 

****

This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program, the year-long Art Career Success System.

Whether your goal is to increase your income, expand your venues, become more articulate about your work, enhance your online reputation, or nurture your audience, the Art Career Success System gives you what you need. I purposely called it a System because the actions you take in the course are things that you will do repeatedly throughout your career. Your approach this year will be different from the approach you take next year or the year after. But when you follow the Art Career Success System, you can easily update it to reflect your changing needs. 

Join us and get your business in shape. See ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com.

****

Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss: Wildermiss.com 

Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 35)

Instagram @AlysonStanfield
Facebook @ArtBizSuccess 

#ArtBizSuccess

Sep 26, 2019
*~* This episode is sponsored by the Art Career Success System, a 1-year training program that gives you the time and space to build a strong and reliable business foundation for your art.  See ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com *~* 

Living the artist’s life doesn’t necessarily flow with owning a business—with gaining valuable business skills that help you earn income from your creativity.

But every so often I come across artists who are just as interested in learning about business as they are in being an artist. And I feature them in my interviews on the podcast and blog.

Miriam Schulman is one of those artists. She discovered a gift secondary to her art—a curiosity about how the art business works. Combined with the fact that she loves to talk and ask questions, Miriam found her calling in her weekly podcast, The Inspiration Place.

But it was a lot of work to start, and it’s a lot of work to keep up. If you have ever considered starting a podcast or sharing your story on a podcast, this episode of the Art Biz Podcast is for you.

In this interview you’ll hear about: 

  • Miriam’s background in engineering and corporate finance and how she found the courage to transition to a full-time artist. 
  • How she promoted her work early on and why she still believes in using a brag book. 
  • The teaching spot she created called The Inspiration Place to collaborate with other artist teachers.
  • What gave Miriam the idea to start a weekly podcast under The Inspiration Place umbrella and how she committed to making it happen a few months later.
  • The production team and systems Miriam has behind her now and the coaches and mentors that have helped her along the way. 
  • Why she feels that podcasting is the perfect platform for her to share her voice and build her influence. 
  • Miriam’s decision to focus on business lessons and translating them as they pertain to artists specifically. 
  • Her automated process for inviting and booking guests and her advice for artists who pitch to be on her show. 
  • Why Miriam plans to keep podcasting every week and how it serves her in her business. 

See Miriam's work: SchulmanArt.com

Follow her on Instagram: Instagram.com/schulmanart

Listen to the latest episode of The Inspiration Place Podcast: https://www.schulmanart.com/category/podcast/

You can leave a comment for Miriam or me along with this post at https://artbizsuccess.com/produce-podcast-schulman (episode 34).

Music is by Wildermiss.

Sep 9, 2019
In 2014, Ali Cavanaugh had 11 galleries representing her work throughout the U.S. and even overseas. It was all she could do to paint fast enough to supply these galleries with new work. What a great problem to have, right? But something wasn’t sitting right with Ali. So she asked each of the 11 galleries to return her work. One by one they sent back what few paintings remained in their inventories. She had begun to reconsider not just what her business model looked like, but the art itself. 

She decided to take control and be very deliberate about her next moves.  In episode 33, you’ll hear about:

  • Ali’s first steps as an artist and initial gallery representation.
  • Why galleries weren’t interested in work behind glass.
  • How Ali took 6 months to teach herself a new watercolor technique and why it was important to do this.
  • How Ali used her blog to attract press coverage and interest from galleries.
  • How Ali has expanded her audience using social media.
  • Ali’s philosophy of the artist’s journey and micro-evolution.
  • Why it’s critical to challenge yourself as an artist.
  • Why Instagram is the perfect platform for getting affirmation for your work.
  • The reason Ali pulled her art from galleries and what happened to those 25 pieces.
  • How Ali began raising her prices and why art fairs were the best venue for the new prices.
  • Ali’s monograph that was published by Unicorn Publishing in 2019.
  • Details of Ali’s intention to renovate a property in the small town of St. Genevieve, Missouri.
  • Ali’s upcoming plans for Patreon.

To be inspired by her work, visit AliCavanaugh.com and find her on Instagram @_alicavanaugh_ 

You can leave a comment for Ali or me along with this post at https://artbizsuccess.com/reinventing-cavanaugh-podcast (episode 33).

 

~+~+~ This episode is sponsored by the Art Career Success System, a year-long program and community that gives you a strong foundation for a sustainable art business. See https://artbizsuccess.com/acss ~+~+~

Aug 29, 2019
In this bonus episode of the Art Biz Podcast, host Alyson Stanfield explores the word Success as it pertains to your art career and business. It’s a messy journey full of twists and turns. 

Alyson talks about: 

  • Why she hasn't been feeling successful lately.
  • What makes her feel successful.
  • The 3 ways most artists define success, and what each definition overlooks.
  • Stopping the comparisons. Artists are more creative than that.
  • Why we must start embracing success in much smaller increments.
  • Jeff Haden’s view that "The happier you are, the more successful you are."
  • What it means for you that success is repeatable and predictable.

Join the conversation using #ArtBizSuccess or tagging @alysonstanfield on Instagram.

RESOURCES

The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden

The Summer Day by Mary Oliver

What makes you feel successful? Read the comments here.

How to Be More Successful and Lucky

The Art Career Success System

Aug 1, 2019
When I heard Sean VanderVliet mention the word “legacy,” I knew I had to talk with him. He thinks big and I like that. Check out episode 15 and  episode 19 for more on legacy.

Sean is the artist behind Fenway Clayworks based here in Denver, Colorado, and in just a few years he has created a brand and a buzz around his functional pottery. A number of Denver’s finest restaurants commission Sean for their signature dinnerware.

He wasn’t always a ceramic artist. For a number of years Sean worked in tech startups and even, with partners, started his own niche business for rock climbers. He has been able to translate the lessons he learned in those positions to his career as an artist.

Sean says that people work with him because they see his passion. Although 60% of his current business is from commissions, he makes work in his style. If you want something with a flower or aspen tree on it, look elsewhere. 

He enjoys immensely the collaboration with chefs and others, but he is also clear that not everyone is a customer. This is just one of the numerous business lessons in Sean’s story that are applicable regardless of the type of work you do.

After hearing his vision, you may want to start looking out for a Fenway Clayworks in your neighborhood. 

Our topics of discussion include: 

  • Sean’s background and how his childhood community influenced the work he does today.
  • Why he left his corporate job to be “part of something small” and how working at other companies has served him in his pottery business.
  • The business model he operates and the breakdown of his income streams - 60% wholesale dinnerware to restaurants in the Denver community, 20% wholesale to retailers, 20% direct retail sales.
  • How Sean’s confidence has grown, which has allowed for more success in his business. 
  • His commitment to his own design style. 
  • How Sean plans to scale his business and hire help to support his growth.
  • The role he’s assigned to social media and email (and Instagram as “the perfect platform for potters”).
  • Why he believes that people choose to work with him over other artists.
  • Sean’s dedication to educating and explaining his process and how this translates to pricing. And his realization that “not everyone is a customer, and that’s okay.” 
  • What’s next for Sean and his plan for an “experiential retail” space. 

Follow Sean on Instagram.

Music by Wildermiss

To leave a comment, see images, and read more, click here

** This episode of the podcast is sponsored by the Art Biz Mastermind Workshops. Join us live in Seattle on September 28-29, 2019. See http://artbizmastermind.com **

 

Jul 11, 2019
The fact that we are approaching the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the19th Amendment did not escape the attention of Oklahoma-based mixed media artist Marilyn Artus. For years, Marilyn had been wondering what art project she could possibly do that would be grand enough to match the significance of the occasion. She came up with one—Her Flag—and joins the show to talk about it. It includes collaborations with artists and public performances in each of the 36 states that passed the amendment. After more than a year on the road, Marilyn will complete the enormous flag.

 

Marilyn talks about what inspires her to honor this occasion. She also shares how we can get involved.

 

In this interview, you will hear about:

● The research and passion that drove Marilyn into this ambitious project.

● Why it was important to Marilyn that the project be open to anyone who wants to celebrate, regardless of race or political affiliation.

● Why Marilyn knew if she wanted this project done, she needed to do it herself and not wait for anyone else.

● How Marilyn selected the 36 women artists in each state to work with.

● Why it was important to Marilyn that she pay the artists.

● The decision to make the flag at Rainbow Pennant, a business in Oklahoma that already employs women to make American Flags.

● A glimpse into the states Marilyn will travel to throughout her epic journey. She will start in Wisconsin in June to travel the path of ratification, and end her trip in Tennessee on August 18, 2020, the anniversary of the date on which the 19th Amendment was ratified.

● The physical details of the 18 x 26 ft flag, and how Marilyn plans to sew everything while she is on the road.

● The team Marilyn has hired to help her work on Her Flag, including one very important full-time project manager.

● The systems Marilyn used to keep their internal and external communication flow organized.

● The need for artists to not be so attached to their original idea that they miss out on something better.

● The decision to feature women of color and focus on women like Ida B. Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Sojourner Truth.

● The part of the journey that is most uncomfortable for Marilyn, but why it’s important that she do it.

● Marilyn’s big dreams for the finished Her Flag.

 

 

Resources:

Blog post for notes and comments: https://artbizsuccess.com/artus-her-flag-podcast

Her Flag https://herflag.com

CaFÉ https://www.callforentry.org/

Basecamp https://basecamp.com

Book: Fresh Lipstick: Redressing Fashion and Feminism by Linda M. Scott https://www.freshlipstick.com/

Music: Wildermiss

 

Jun 20, 2019
Tampa Bay area artist Leslie Neumann had a real sweet deal going with Firebird Restaurants, until it stopped. She rose to meet the challenge and joins the show today to share her experience and provide a cautionary tale to others. Leslie talks about how she started working with Firebirds, and how she found a way to not only stay afloat but succeed when 50-60% of her income went away. She also talks about living frugally, playing to your strengths, and the planning and strategizing that went in to her one-woman show.

 

 

In this interview, you will hear about:

How Leslie got her gig with Firebirds Restaurants in the first place, and how she landed her deal with them from 2014 to2018.

Why her time with them came to an end, and a lesson when there is a change.

The role of her art consultant, and the pros and cons of them working so closely together.

What her production schedule looked like while working with Firebirds including payment, deadlines and production.

How she came to pick the 10-13 same paintings that were used and replicated over the past 4 years.

How she survived Firebirds ending although it was on average 50-60 % of her income.

The importance of living frugally and debt free.

The one person show that Leslie put on in June of 2018, which made her a half of a year’s earnings in just one night.

The mistake that Leslie made, and why she doesn’t want you to make it — stay in touch with your base no matter how busy you are.

What she re-established that had gotten pushed aside and how she uses her newsletter and social media to stay in touch using a voice authentic to her own.

Leslie’s strategy in the next year.

Playing to her strengths of interfacing with people rather than doing business over the computer screen.

 

Resources:

Leslie Neumann http://leslieneumann.com
Leslie’s Instagram https://instagram.com/leslieneumann

Firebirds restaurant locations https://firebirdsrestaurants.com/find-a-location/

Show notes and comments https://artbizsuccess.com/neumann-commissions-podcast

 

Quotes:

“The production was like a puzzle, and I like that kind of stuff.”

“What was appealing for me is that I got to paint every day.”

“It always works out.”

“Stay in touch with your base.”

“Make the very best art you can and start planning for whatever it is that will provide income next.”

 

This episode is sponsored by the 10th anniversary edition of I’d Rather Be in the Studio: The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion. Get your copy at artbizsuccess.com/irbits

 

May 30, 2019
What would it be like to pack up your art supplies and live in an entirely new country? Today’s guest, Marcus McAllister, left the United States over 20 years ago to live in Paris, and has been making a living as an artist there for the past 17 years. In this episode, Marcus talks about his decision to live abroad, his sketchbooks, the sources of his income, and the importance of relationships.

 

In this interview, you will hear about:

  • How Marcus has been scrappy yet intentional about his business and career.

  • His sketchbooks (and why he doesn’t even walk the dog without taking one with him).

  • Marcus’s first memories of living on an Army base in Little Rock, Arkansas.

  • How Marcus ended up in Paris and transitioned to a full time artist, and the transition within his career to getting there.

  • The way Marcus overcame the language barrier and presented himself as an artist to find work.

  • Why Marcus thinks it’s hard for artists to call themselves artists, and why it’s important for artists to own that title.

  • The dedication Marcus has to always having a sketchbook on him, with over 100 now in his possession.

  • The different sources of income Marcus has including original work, mentoring, and hosting workshops.

  • How Marcus keeps his expenses minimal, and is open to be vulnerable and authentic when times are financially tough.

  • The connection between creativity, struggle, and doubt.

  • Marcus’s go-to marketing methods and how he promotes his shows.

  • The important connections Marcus has made through his relationships over the years, and why he thinks all artists would benefit from spending more time cultivating relationships.

  • How Marcus makes the initial contact when networking, and how he follows up and stays in touch.

  • His tradition of Sunday teas in the studio and the importance of listening to your gut and knowing when it’s time to evolve and shift into something new.

  • How working as an artist can involve a lot of solitude, and Marcus’s advice to artists who aren’t as gregarious as he is.

  • Etiquette for networking at events as an artist, and why you shouldn’t be afraid to let those business cards fly.

 

Resources:

 

May 9, 2019
Jill Powers is a sculptor, installation artist and educator who creates art related to ecological issues. Jill discusses how her events educate, delight and challenge the viewer, and how she came to seek out unique collaborations with area businesses, organizations and experts. Jill also describes the many programs she has organized, and how she did it while balancing her own artistic commitments. You’ll hear about how she worked with dancers, scientists, and restaurants beyond gallery walls.

 

In this interview, you will hear about:

  • Jill’s background both in art and education, and her passion to create and teach in different settings.

  • Two Colorado exhibitions: Plants and Insects in a Time of Change at the Firehouse Art Center in 2013 and Hold Fast: Seaweeds in a Time of Oceanic Change at the Dairy Art Center in 2016.

  • The curatorial thesis of experiencing art that opens doors to the message.

  • The actual work that was on view for each exhibit.

  • The benefits of becoming involved in your community and collaboration beyond what seems possible.

  • The clever way Jill’s exhibitions included everyone from dancers, to chefs and scientists.

  • The film night she organized as part of a public program.

  • The funding that took place in order to successfully run the exhibits.

  • The obstacles she faced in pulling off both events with over 3 years of planning.

  • Her way of using volunteers and organizing systems to help her stay focused and on track.

  • What led her to recognize the value in involving others and making the art more meaningful.

  • The immersive aspect of her exhibits including live samples of seaweed at a tasting station and using music to set the mood.

  • Her advice for artists who may consider becoming more involved in their community, and why enthusiasm and personal connection is so impactful.

  • A glimpse into what’s next for her in the future, including a book based on her teaching and life experiences.

 

Resources:

 

 

Apr 18, 2019
Chicago painter, public artist, and creative placemaker Lynn Basa joins the show today. She discusses making the art you want to make and the varied ways that artists are intersecting with public life. Lynn, author of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art, also talks about the legacy she is creating with The Corner Project and how public art has changed over the years.

 

 

In this interview, you will hear Lynn talk about:

  • Her background as a studio artist and how it led to her interest in public art.

  • Her time at the Seattle Arts Commission.

  • The big jump of having her tapestries fabricated as rugs in Nepal, to then selling art to private collections, to finally teaching herself the business of finding customers.

  • How the accessibility of art and availability of selling it online has changed the industry over recent years.

  • What creative placemaking is, why it has gotten a bad rap, and how it is different from public art.

  • Why she felt the need to go back to school in 2016 and get an MFA.

  • What The Corner Project is, who funds it, the main mission of the space, and why she was inspired to start it.

  • Some of the obstacles Lynn faced to build a coalition and organize a community in The Corner Project.

  • What a typical meeting at The Corner Project looks like, her biggest challenges in running it, and what she wishes she would have known before starting it.

  • Why an artist would be interested in creative placemaking, and who isn’t cut out for it.

  • How her personal art has developed over time.

  • The Chicago art scene and the way her community supports other artists.

  • Her upcoming book, the second edition of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art.

  • Getting better results by truly listening rather than by imposing your ideas — especially in local politics.

  • How she learned how to pace herself and manage her time more effectively.

  • Inspiration for artists on how they can be catalysts in their communities.

 

Resources:

The Artists Guide to Public Art

Lynn Basa

The Corner Project

Id Rather Be in the Studio

 

Quotes:

“Art is a billion dollar business, and someone has to do it.”

“There is so much demand for art of all kinds.”

“Buying art isn’t a rich person’s hobby anymore.”

“I do think artists have a holistic way of looking at the world, and we need to recognize that.”

“Look around you, there are more resources than you think. “

 

*** This episode of the Art Biz Podcast is sponsored by our Art Career Success System, a year-long business training program for committed artists. See http://ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com ***

Mar 14, 2019
Missy Graff Ballone, artist and founder of Wellness for Makers, joins the show to discuss the importance of taking care of your most precious asset for making art: your body. She shares her own background as an artist, massage therapist and yoga instructor, and why she saw a need to provide resources that help artists take care of their bodies so they can make more art, and in turn, run their businesses. She also gives tools artists can use to get started in their new journey towards better health.

 

In this interview, you will Missy hear talk about:

  • Her background as an artist, massage therapist, and yoga instructor, and how all three are instrumental in her career today.

  • How she blended her artistry and love of the body to motivate and empower artists through education, mindful living, and movement.

  • Why she felt it important to teach artists accessible self-care to improve the longevity of their bodies, and ultimately their career.

  • How it’s never too late to invest in yourself and focus on the key assets — your body and health!

  • The importance of creating extra variety in your movements in the studio.

  • How we can become more consciously aware of the patterns we create within our body, and the most common ailments artists typically endure.

  • Some gentle techniques and tools that she finds important and effective.

  • The theme of resilience and how it relates to wellness for artists.

 

Resources:

Wellness for Makers

Complete Wellness Kit

4 Weeks of Resilience

 

Quotes:

  • “We can’t make art without a healthy body.”

  • “An artist’s number one asset in their business isn’t their mailing list, it’s their body.”

  • “Our body is our most important tool.”

  • “Learning about the body is really empowering.”

  • “I love the idea of resilience in the body.”

 

 

*** This episode of the Art Biz Podcast is sponsored by our Art Biz Mastermind Workshops, where we can accomplish more in two days than if you spent 6 months trying to figure it out yourself. See http://ArtBizMastermind.com***

Feb 14, 2019
Gwen Fox, a professional artist, instructor, and coach, joins the show to talk about building confidence. We discuss the difference between a belief and a truth, silencing our inner critic, how to overcome setbacks and deal gracefully with unwanted commentary. Gwen shares some of her own affirmations and gives specific ways in which we can use goal setting and visualization to create a life we may have never even dreamt was possible.

 

In this interview, you will Gwen hear talk about:

  • What you can do when your confidence is dashed, and how perfectionism and negative self-talk doesn’t help.

  • Why some people appear more confident than others, and where confidence doesn’t come from.

  • Why it’s crucial to surround yourself with those that give you confidence.

  • Gwen’s personal experience of an authority figure questioning her intellectual capabilities, and how she finally shed the belief of not being “smart enough” that plagued her for years.

  • The difference between beliefs and truths, and how to acknowledge and then silence your inner critic.

  • Why so many artists suffer from the imposter syndrome, and how to combat it.

  • How the words you choose to describe yourself shape the entire creative process.

  • Examples of affirmations that Gwen herself uses for success and confidence.

  • How Gwen looks at failure and mistakes as learning lessons and highways to success.

  • The two best words you could ever ask yourself: “what if”.

  • The importance of using visualization, affirmations, and goal setting as tools to shape confidence and release your artistic voice into the world.

  • Why Gwen fully believes we produce better art when we are kind to ourselves.

 

Resources:

Gwen Fox

 

Quotes:

  • “Confidence is a mindset.”

  • “Creating comes from your soul, and it’s where you reveal the deep, intimate side of yourself.”

  • “Your creativity is what is so important. No one has your voice.”

  • “What we feed ourselves mentally is what we bring about.”

  • “The most important real estate in the world is the 6 inches between your ears.”

  • “Know that failure is an event, it is not personal.”

 

 

*** This episode is brought to you by the Art Biz Inner Circle. This is a group of unapologetically ambitious artists that my team and I worked with for a year. We help our members with goals, mindset, business strategies, and focus. See – http://artbizinnercircle.com ***

Jan 24, 2019
One artist’s journey is never the same as another’s. Not only do you have to be creative in what you make, but also in how you get it out there, connect with the right people and situations, and create a sustainable living. There is no perfect blueprint on how to make money or create a sustainable career, but for Jan R. Carson, the focus is on the quality of the work. In this episode, she talks about her own journey from a production artist since 1999 making over 7,000 silk and stainless steel wire mobiles, to her decision to leave behind what had been a safe income to go after the art and life she wants for herself. She discusses the balance of both worlds and how she has made it work successfully over the years, the selection process for the shows she enters, the vulnerable side of transitioning to a fine artist, and advice for artists looking to take a risk and leave what is safe.

 

In this interview, you will hear Jan talk about:

 

  • The non-linear career path of professional artists, and why determination and vulnerability are two key characteristics.

  • Her personal transition from a production artist to a fine artist over the last 10 years.

  • More about Jan’s Moon-Lily Silk Mobiles, and what is involved with production and filling orders.

  • The many hats she wears in navigating the construction of the mobiles, along with marketing, accounting, etc.

  • Why she found it easier to retain and train people as employees rather than interns.

  • What led her into production work and the retail business, and how it showed her that it was possible to make a living as a fine artist.

  • Why she feels as though production art is tough for artists that want to explore and grow the different facets of their art.

  • The point at which Jan knew she needed to begin shifting towards making her own art, and the steps she is taking towards balancing both production work and creation.

  • Her commitment to letting her body make the work, and keeping her mind out of it.

  • How she got the confidence in herself and her artwork to exhibit it, and what it felt like to put it out into the world.

  • The important question artists need to ask themselves: What do I need to make? Not: How do I sell my art?

  • The challenges of textile art, and connecting with the right people that will lead to sustainable income.

  • The social component of being an artist, and how Jan navigates the world as a self-proclaimed shy homebody, to integrate her personal confidence more into her art.

  • The importance of listening, connection, and staying open and present as an artist.

 

Resources:

Moon-Lily Mobiles

Five Years Out

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

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