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!
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
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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
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
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
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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
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
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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
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:
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.
She decided to take control and be very deliberate about her next moves. In episode 33, you’ll hear about:
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 ~+~+~
Alyson talks about:
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.
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:
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 **
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
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
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:
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:
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 Artist’s Guide to Public Art
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 ***
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:
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***
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:
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 ***
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: