Lea K. Tawd did some of my favorite kind of cleaning out last year. She cleaned out obligations and associations that were taking her away from the work she was meant to do in this world, and the payoffs increase as her income streams multiply. She unlocked the secrets to a more abundant money mindset.
In our conversation Lea and I talked about what she eliminated in 2020 that allowed her to dive deeper into her creativity and step into her art business more fully. We discuss the book she wrote, how she structures her days as a mom with a 6-year-old who has to show up for the virtual classroom, and how she quickly replaced the income from an outside source she had been holding onto out of fear.
Highlights
Lea K. Tawd shares her journey in art, motherhood, and self-care. (1:57)
Getting back on track when you’re feeling off-centered. (6:02)
Lea recounts the various income streams of her pre-pandemic artwork. (11:10)
What happens when you stop doing the work that you are afraid to let go of? (14:40)
How to clean out old obligations in order to turn your ideas into an income stream. (17:44)
Creating spaces, rituals and schedules that will increase your energy. (21:19)
Lea shares the ways that increasing her focus has also increased her income. (23:50)
Advice for letting go of an income stream that you don’t love. (27:58)
How to overcome a big, scary thing so that you can do the work you want to do most. (29:26)
Cultivating the relationships that will support you through the hardest times. (33:17)
Lea shares what is currently holding her attention in the studio. (34:27)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Lea K. Tawd is an author, mixed media artist and Reiki master teacher. She seeks out the beauty in every woman and uses that vision to create mixed media art that inspires and heals. The finished pieces are a Utopian vision of inner beauty manifested that serve as a reminder to take care of yourself, to find moments of peace, kindness, and self-love. Lea often paints directly on wood, so the wood grains help to inform the finished piece. As a Reiki Master Lea uses Reiki in the creation of her art and combines the two to help others find deep inner healing and recover their creativity in private sessions, workshops, and retreats.
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/money-breakthrough-tawd-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
Kelly and I scheduled our conversation to discuss her "life edit," which involved getting rid of what no longer served her. It quickly became apparent that ridding herself of stuff when she had to downsize her studio is something she had been preparing herself for in the many years leading up to that moment.
This conversation is about coming out on the other side of a long struggle stronger than you were previously. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of one artist's positive spirit, discover the tools she used to facilitate the process, and hear about the people she relied on along the way.
Highlights
Kelly Milukas reflects on her journey from athletics to music and to art. (1:57)
Kelly works with scientists and starts researching stem cells for a commission for a biopharmaceutical company. (8:30)
A shift in health can create a shift in focus for any artist. (12:15)
Embracing the tools that are available to you can help you get through anything. (16:52)
Forging through the messy middle to come out stronger on the other side. (21:26)
Can 17 seconds or a deeper breath change your mindset? (25:23)
How to know when to power through and when to pull back. (28:55)
The power of giving yourself permission to feel your biggest emotions. (32:48)
Cleaning out physical objects to move your art business forward. (34:50)
Creating an organized studio that works for you on any budget. (41:10)
A look inside all that is keeping Kelly busy in her new studio. (45:00)
Mentioned
Resources
Full show notes including photos and listener comments
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/stronger-milukas-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
If you are ready to deep clean your art business, to release what isn’t serving you and banish all that is getting in the way of your productivity and creativity, then you won’t want to miss the insights and inspiration from these successful artists.
Highlights
April is the month to focus on cleaning out your art business. (0:01)
Is there one single best way to get organized? Heather Powers says no. (2:23)
Tips to help you get started on cleaning out and organizing your spaces. (6:09)
Redefining your relationship with things so that you can let go. (10:41)
How to prepare your studio for a big move. (14:50)
Take control of your business so that it works for you, even if it means emptying out your galleries. (19:16)
Control your income by controlling your inventory. (23:29)
Connecting with buyers outside of the galleries. (27:02)
Releasing old work so you can focus on what is most meaningful. (28:21)
Increasing your creativity begins with cleaning out the cobwebs. (34:32)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Today’s solo episode focuses on the secret weapon of a successful art business — your art biz handbook. An art biz handbook is the number one way to organize every aspect of your business. If you’re looking for ways to stay on top of the never-ending tasks that every artist faces, this episode is for you. You’ll hear the step-by-step process that will keep you in control of every aspect of your schedule, how I have evolved systems that weren’t working for me, and the satisfaction, productivity, and control that you can come to expect from an art biz handbook that is working for you.
Highlights
An overview of the value of a high-quality, clearly defined art business system. (0:01)
Documenting your systems — why you need an art biz handbook. (2:07)
Your system doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. (4:56)
Steps that will make your systems more reliable. (6:12)
Practical examples of systems that have simplified processes in my art business. (9:01)
How to prioritize the process of capturing your procedures. (10:11)
Why your art biz handbook will never be finished. (12:35)
Mentioned
Episode 68 — Procedures for Art Commissions with Sema Martin
Episode 78 — How to Increase Your Productivity and Creativity with Art Business Systems
Episode 79 — Tools to Shape Up Your Art Business with Jennifer Printz
Episode 80 — Systems to Effectively Managed a Dizzying Increase in Your Art Business with Betty Franks
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/art-biz-procedures-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
At the time of this recording, Betty has over 120,000 Instagram followers and sells paintings almost as fast as she makes them. In this episode, we discuss the digital and analog systems that she depends on to support her growth. She generously shares her real numbers, the new postage system she just started using, her daily and weekly routines, and how she organizes all of the digital images of her paintings.
Highlights
Betty Franks shares the moment she fell in love with mixed media and decided to start her art career. (2:20)
How to find your own style and way of making art. (7:20)
Staying organized through the process of handling a personal and business name change. (12:25)
Betty shares her business goals that resulted in a 400% increase in sales. (18:20)
A breakdown of Betty’s income streams and marketing tools. (21:03)
How to know when it’s time to hire help for your art business. (28:13)
Developing routines that stabilize your creative and practical routines. (31:10)
Simple systems to help manage your inventory. (35:25)
Building an email list that works for your business. (42:55)
How to know when it’s time to make process changes for the better. (47:37)
A look at what is keeping Betty’s attention in the studio. (52:24)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Betty Franks was born in Toronto, Canada and raised in San Jose, California. She is a self-taught abstract artist who started painting when she turned 50. Although it seems late in life to take up painting, the timing was just right for her. After a long career in customer service management, Franks was ready to unleash her creative side. Today her work focuses on her love of fields of flowers and flowers in general. She aims to share the emotion she feels about her subject.
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/managing-growth-franks-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
Not only is Jennifer Printz a practicing artist with an enviable record of exhibitions, but she's also an assistant professor at Florida International University in Miami. She has two full-time jobs. I've watched Jennifer whip her business into shape by getting organized and creating reliable systems.
In this episode, I talk with her about how she compartmentalizes her two jobs. We also discuss the planning process she uses, the digital and paper tools she relies on to stay organized, and why writing by hand is critical for her and her students.
Highlights
Jennifer Printz reflects on the wide variety of her artwork and her work as a professor. (2:02)
The importance of modeling art for Jennifer’s students and the lessons they are learning as a result. (5:53)
Practical tips for separating your day job from your art business. (8:40)
The value of taking time for an artist’s day, connecting with artists virtually, and creating physical space for your creativity. (11:33)
Taking your art business beyond the plateau to the next level with coaching and positive feedback. (16:50)
Planning out a quarter at a time to free up your mental space for creativity. (22:30)
Day-to-day systems that will help you get and stay organized and productive. (27:21)
Jennifer’s process around keeping an updated inventory of her pieces. (33:42)
Strategic organization of all the moving parts of an exhibition. (38:29)
Playing into your personality strengths to maximize your art business systems. (42:35)
What is the first step to take when your systems are breaking down? (45:04)
A look inside the works that are currently holding Jennifer’s studio attention. (47:12)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Quotes
“When I hit a certain level of success I felt the need to get a more objective viewpoint to help me move to a new level of success.” — Jennifer Printz
“If we’re always doing what we’ve always done and the results are what we always got, then it’s time to reevaluate.” — Jennifer Printz
“It made sense to shift to a new system so I could put more effort into my creative practice.” — Jennifer Printz
“In order to build strong relationships, in order to have a successful exhibition, I need to access other parts of me and not let the part of me that’s against organization get in the way.” — Jennifer Printz
About My Guest
Jennifer Printz unifies photography and drawing to make poetic works that reflect the unseen structures of the universe. In 2004 she was awarded a Puffin Foundation Grant, followed by a Dendo Fellowship in 2016. She has participated in regular residencies in the US, at the Frans Masereel Centre/Flemish Center for the Graphic Arts in Kasterlee, Belgium, St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, Valletta, Malta, and La Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris, France.
Jennifer is also an educator, teaching a wide range of two-dimensional media at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as courses on public art and professional practices. Currently, she is on the faculty of Florida International University in Miami.
First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/biz-tools-printz-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
Creating a streamlined art business system isn’t hard, it just takes dedicated time.
In this solo episode, I want to help you get started. I’m sharing three powerful benefits to implementing solid systems into your art business and five questions that you need to ask yourself when creating that better system. And to help you see that systems work, I’ll tell you about a few artists who have created systems that work. It worked for them, and I can promise the time you spend on your systems will be worth it as your creativity and productivity in your art business continue to increase.
Highlights
The why behind effective art business systems. (0:01)
Understanding the ecosystem and metasystems within your art business. (2:10)
Three clear benefits of installing systems in your art business. (3:35)
Five questions to ask yourself when implementing a new system. (5:50)
How to clearly define what you want to see happen. (6:38)
Clear timelines create clear results (7:01)
What tools and technology do you need to acquire to create your system? (7:26)
Who can assist you in meeting your goals? (8:13)
What are the exact steps needed to make your system hum? (8:34)
Upcoming podcast guest artists who have successfully implemented systems into their art business. (9:11)
A homework assignment to get you started with your new system. (9:51)
All that the Art Career Success System can offer your art business. (10:58)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/organize-with-systems-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
We think we have to post more, research hashtags, invest in advertising, create a lead magnet, learn to write better copy, or forget about a restful night's sleep. It’s true that you probably do have to do some of those things in order to attract more followers and subscribers, but you might also benefit from being open to doing things a little differently to increase those numbers.
In this episode, I talk with Trudy Rice about how she has grown her Instagram and email list by cross-promoting other brands. Trudy uses a platform called Ampjar, but the underlying lesson is to find like-minded people and share each other's art, products, and services. Trudy refers to this as “shouting them out,” and in our conversation, she highlights what it takes to get set up with the service, and how it has impacted her success in a major way.
Highlights
Trudy Rice details her Australian flora and fauna art, teaching, and other current projects. (2:13)
Taking original prints and paintings to a homewares line. (4:28)
Quantifying the growth of a successful art business through a variety of income streams. (6:18)
The primary systems and marketing channels Trudy uses for her sales. (8:25)
Details about the Ampjar mailing system and the karmic aspect to shout-outs. (11:37)
The algorithms behind the Ampjar shout-out system. (13:57)
How to systematically simplify the process of promoting your business. (17:39)
Prompting other artists while promoting yourself. (21:16)
The variety of brands that Trudy promotes through Ampjar. (22:18)
How to connect with new and international audiences through shout-outs. (23:57)
Tracking the success that has come by integrating new systems. (26:08)
The importance of collaborating with other artists with any system that works. (29:23)
How to do the work once and benefit from it over and over again. (30:17)
Trudy shares her project and collaboration plans for 2021. (33:35)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
First posted: artbizsuccess.com/karma-rice-podcast
Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community
Music by https://wildermiss.com
My guest for this episode is Romy Owens, an artist and curator who makes site-specific installations, as well as smaller objects, in reaction to place, community, and transformation. Last fall I had the opportunity to visit Under Her Wing was The Universe, her enormous public sculpture that was installed in 2020 in Enid, Oklahoma.
In this episode I talk with Romy about her commitment to raising $100,000 for that outdoor public sculpture and native prairie landscape as a gift to her hometown. As it turns out, $100,000 was just the beginning, and while it all worked out in the end, it wasn’t exactly easy getting there. Not only did Romy have to raise a lot more money than originally projected, she had to stand up to the naysayers in the community.
Romy is an artist that knows how to effectively measure success. Community collaboration, fundraising, overcoming controversy and yes, using spreadsheets are just a few of the topics that you won’t want to miss in this conversation.
Highlights
Romy Owens shares the leap of faith she has taken with her art and with her community. (3:30)
Conceiving the project Under Her Wing was the Universe. (9:55)
Relationships that informed the piece and Alyson’s reaction to seeing it in person. (12:10)
Naming the piece and finding value in all that is revealed in the universe. (16:06)
Securing space for the project and making the connections that brought city approval. (20:04)
Funding from the city and how Romy planned to cover the rest. (23:50)
Launching a GoFundMe fundraiser. (26:40)
Meeting tight deadlines and overcoming obstacles along the way. (28:26)
Overcome your fear of hearing “no” when raising funds. (30:33)
Handling the controversy that comes with creating interesting art. (33:02)
Key collaborators and supporters in creating a piece of this scale. (36:27)
Keeping track of your progress with a system that actually works. (41:09)
Measuring success and setting goals in specific and meaningful ways. (43:24)
Ideas for generating interest in your art. (49:32)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Romy Owens is an artist and curator living in Enid, Oklahoma. She makes site-specific installations, as well as smaller objects, in reaction to place, community, and transformation. Her curatorial work attends to a similar focus. Both Owens' artistic and curatorial practices are presently centered around community art designed to impact social change, using art as a method to broaden our understanding of specific issues.
This week, my guest is Simonne Roy, a contemporary American impressionist painter grounded in the plein air painting tradition. For years, Simonne has been inviting VIPs into her home, which she had transformed into a gallery, for a one-night party. The money and effort she invested in the event resulted in good sales and relationships. Each year's success built on that of previous years.
When Covid struck, her hopes for a successful home gallery show in 2020 were dashed, until, like many scrappy entrepreneurs, Simonne found a different way to make it happen. She decided to hold the VIP appreciation without the party.
In this episode, you'll hear how Simonne gave people a private experience that few people get to have with art, which she calls the Quiet Gallery Experience. If she measured its success by the amount of sales only, she could have counted it a success. But sales were almost secondary because Simonne measures her success by the goodwill she created with her subscribers and collectors.
Listen closely to hear what she did to set the stage and make it special, what she would do differently next time, and how she netted the same amount of money from the participation of fewer people.
Highlights
Simonne Roy shares the journey that led to her art business and her current income sources. (2:28)
Transforming a house into an intimate, personalized home gallery. (7:10)
The inspiration that saved Simonne’s gallery experience during Covid. (13:42)
How can greater vulnerability result in more meaningful connections? (20:05)
Scheduling a full day of showings and Simonne’s goal for each visitor. (21:51)
Preparing any space for a full gallery experience. (25:22)
Results from the gallery included sales, a teaching offer and increased connections. (29:29)
Reducing overhead for an event can still result in positive net sales. (34:10)
Marketing an event and creating a thoughtful gift for your customers. (36:14)
Simonne shares the lessons she learned for next time. (38:11)
A peek at what is holding Simonne’s attention in the studio now. (38:34)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Simonne Roy describes herself as a contemporary American impressionist painter grounded in the plein air landscape painting tradition. She is also a Francophile, and has lived in France for extended periods over the years—adding quintessential French subjects such as pastries, breads, and cheeses to her nature-inspired paintings.
A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, Roy lives in Lewisburg, where she maintains her studio and home gallery.
Confronting numbers can be intimidating, but it is an essential step to growing both yourself and your business. It forces you to be realistic about where you are, including your weaknesses, and it challenges you to make up for any lost ground.
This month we are looking into measuring success and today I want to share with you the tracking procedure that has helped grow my business by up to 40% every single year. I’ll share ideas to help get you started on your own monthly business report, highlight some of the fun and surprising areas you need to track (beyond just the sales) and tell you how to download a copy of a monthly report for your art business.
The numbers definitely won’t tell the whole story, but if you’re looking for an effective and telling way to measure your efforts, your satisfaction, and your success, this is the place to start.
Highlights
What numbers should you use to measure your success? (0:01)
How I learned the true value of being authentic in my business. (1:26)
The importance of confronting numbers when you’re ready to grow yourself and your business. (3:37)
The number one thing to include in your monthly business report. (5:12)
Report the monthly numbers and then find insights in them. (5:38)
The value of making cool connections every month. (6:53)
The most productive and enjoyable approaches to promoting and sharing your art each month. (8:30)
Upcoming interviews that will elaborate on the theme of measuring success. (10:22)
How to download and customize your own monthly art report. (11:58)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
My guest is Lisa Goren, an artist whose work took a surprise U-turn when the pandemic hit last year, and she went for it.
Lisa Goren works in watercolor to show an unfamiliar landscape in a new light. By using vibrant colors and taking risks with different surfaces, she makes the viewer reevaluate their understanding of both the landscapes and their beliefs in the potential of the medium. Her works create questions about the nature of abstraction and our planet as many of her pieces are representations of unfamiliar, threatened terrains. More recently, Lisa has begun painting animals who had started showing up in unusual places during the pandemic.
In our conversation, Lisa shares the artist residencies and serious work reflecting climate change that she was making before Covid hit. But when she was no longer able to travel to photograph and paint the wildlife and melting ice around Antarctica she turned her attention to the delightful animals that were visiting museums, aquariums and towns. Lisa shares her success dilemman: the new work was taking off and taking over. Her new journey is to regain control over where the work is headed while being open to whatever the future holds.
Highlights
Lisa Goren details the path — and thick skin — that led to her successful art business. (2:25)
Painting ice, bones, and deep blue colors in Antarctica, Alaska, and Iceland. (6:04)
The importance of creating artist support groups in your art business journey. (9:07)
Lisa reflects on the plans she had for 2020, how the pandemic changed it all, and the pivoting point that led to a new success. (12:17)
Inspiration can come from anywhere, including free roaming penguins in museums. (17:47)
Creating and pricing high-demand art that you didn’t intend to sell. (19:45)
Responding to a call for art during the pandemic created additional interest in Lisa’s work from The Washington Post. (22:16)
Handling the “problem” of success and why you might consider selling low-priced originals instead of prints. (26:45)
Making connections with buyers and offering hope through art. (31:24)
How to adjust your pricing to better control your schedule. (33:33)
Lisa details the assignment that led to her return to painting penguins. (34:41)
Transitioning from the artist you may be known as to the artist that you currently are. (36:54)
Lisa details her marketing channels, how she connects with the photographers that inspire her work, and whether she replaced her lost income in 2020. (40:31)
If the pandemic ended tomorrow, would Lisa continue painting animals? (45:24)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Lisa Goren was born in California and raised in NYC, and yet she has dreamed of Polar landscapes since she was in her teens. Her first trip took her to Antarctica where she was inspired and captivated by the landscape. Her watercolors show an unfamiliar landscape in a new light. By using vibrant colors and taking risks with different surfaces, she makes the viewer reevaluate their understanding of both these landscapes and their beliefs in the potential of the medium.
Dawn Williams Boyd makes figurative textile paintings that reveal stories—not always pretty ones—about the American experience. Dawn’s work has an unapologetic socially activist message that speaks volumes about the Black experience and this country’s politics.
In today’s social and political climate, there aren’t enough hours in the day for Dawn to convey all of the messages she wants to share in her art. She has to carefully plan the body of work she is going to make throughout the year. She takes charge of her production for the entire year.
In our conversation, Dawn and I discuss her process for plotting out which pieces she will make each year. We also talk about why now is not the time to make art that matches the couch, conversations she wants people to have around her work, and how she makes the valuable connections that are helping her reach her most ambitious goals.
Highlights
Dawn Williams Boyd responds to her daughter’s statement that she is a righteous badass. (3:45)
Art that represents the effect of the history of the United States on the African American community, created by an African American woman. (6:14)
What interested Dawn most in her Art History class is reflected in her own work. (9:30)
Dawn reflects on the big plans that she had for exhibiting her work in 2020. (12:47)
The good things that can happen when you have nowhere to go and no one to see your work. (16:06)
“The List” and how it influences Dawn’s productivity and creativity every year. (18:02)
Now is not the time to make art that matches the couch. Dawn explains the opportunity of artists to use their voice to influence others. (21:32)
A look inside Dawn’s notebook, including the details, fabrics, facts and titles that drive her work. (26:15)
Questions that Dawn asks herself in the planning stage of each new piece. (31:10)
The criteria that guides Dawn’s ability to set goals and plan her work out a year in advance. (34:10)
Dawn reflects on her 2020 goals, the pieces that she actually created and how she is constantly preparing for what is coming next. (36:50)
What kind of conversations does Dawn want people to have around her work? (43:50)
Understanding the worldwide problems that are depicted in the imagery in Dawn’s piece, All Through the Night: America’s Homeless. (48:03)
The overarching business and career goals that guide Dawn’s work every single day. (53:10)
How can an ambitious artist ensure that their art is being viewed by the right people? (57:08)
A peek into all that is in store for Dawn in 2021. (59:00)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
About My Guest
Artist Dawn Williams Boyd makes figurative textile paintings that reveal stories—not always pretty ones—about the American experience. Her latest series, The Trump Era, specifically focuses on xenophobia and immigration, but her work has also explored feminine sexuality, the Black American experience, as well as forgotten moments from American history.
2020 was a year of great loss of so many aspects of the art business. Venues were closed, live workshops were canceled, and many businesses suffered major losses. Regardless of these disappointments, so much of these results were never in your control in the first place.
Today I want to focus on what IS in your control. You have control over your art. You get to choose how you will spend the next 24 hours. You can choose how you will invest in your business and you are in control of so much more.
As you enter this new year I want you to consider setting a new kind of goal that may just be smarter than any goal you’ve set before. And it all starts with taking total responsibility for all of the things that are in your control.
Highlights
New year, new goals. But what is really in your control? (0:01)
The best goals for your art business may not be all that SMART after all. (1:24)
A new approach to setting goals for your art business. (2:48)
You can’t control outcomes, but you can still take charge. (4:21)
Empower yourself by taking total responsibility in these areas. (8:06)
How to connect with others to increase motivation, creativity, and support. (8:24)
The importance of owning your life, your decisions and your career. (9:30)
The value of project-centred planning rather than goal-centred planning. (10:39)
A peek inside all of the offerings of the Art Biz Community. (11:12)
Mentioned
Resources
Chris turns feathers into intricate art. Working with delicate tools, he carves into feathers to create images of the very creatures that shed them. His unique feather sculptures are recognized by art collectors, bird lovers, and a variety of people from around the world.
In this episode, I talked with Chris about finding balance in life as well as in making and marketing art. He shares the secret behind his seemingly successful quest for balance, how he approaches requests for commissioned pieces, and the systems that he uses to stay on top of it all.
Balance may seem elusive, and, yet, we all need it in order to be our most creative and successful selves. Whether you’re currently searching for balance in your work or have already homed in on what the perfect balance means to you, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Highlights
Mentioned
Resources
About My Guest
Oregon artist Chris Maynard combines his strong backgrounds in biology and ecology to pay homage to nature through the plumage of birds — using feathers acquired from legal sources such as zoos and private aviaries all naturally shed by birds. Working with delicate tools, he carves into feathers to create images of the very creatures that shed them, inventing poetic and playful compositions of birds in flight. His unique feather sculptures are recognized by art collectors, bird lovers, and a wide and interesting variety of people from around the world.
Ashley Lucas (aka Lady Lucas) is an artist whose work features smartly dressed animals and other sweet anthropomorphic characters. She has illustrated numerous children’s books, coloring books, and other cute projects. By placing her characters in the local townscape Ashley has increased the appeal of her work to a specific audience that continues to grow.
In today’s conversation, I talked with Ashley about how she came up with the idea to tap into people’s love of a specific location and how she leverages it for her prints, products, and commissioned work.
We also discuss how she connected with a community even before moving there, how she juggles her life as an artist with that as a mother of a two-year-old, and which social media platform offers the greatest return for her work (it's not Instagram).
Even if you don't "do" cute or illustrations or location-specific art, you'll want to listen to ideas for connecting to new communities.
Highlights
Ashley Lucas describes the inspiration behind her characters. (2:22)
How COVID-19 and motherhood have affected Ashley’s income streams. (6:22)
Juggling a growing art business and a busy two-year-old. (9:18)
The value that community connections bring to your art business. (13:18)
Distinguishing between prints and commissioned pieces and how to price each. (19:01)
Customizing standard city pieces without redrawing each one. (21:41)
How Ashley connected with her new community before moving there. (25:25)
How the pandemic has made a strong online presence more important than ever. (28:21)
Marketing through TikTok and exploring current culture. (31:20)
Curating email lists for artists and for promoting products. (34:13)
Which social media platform generates the most work for Ashley? (35:25)
Ashley’s strategy for promoting her web stores. (37:14)
The key to making your art appealing to buyers. (40:28)
A look at Ashley’s next project and the future of Lady Lucas. (43:00)
Mentioned
Resources
Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Sema Martin is a full-time artist living in the French Riviera. She currently has a four-month waiting list for her pet portraits, which is due in part to the flawless 8-step system that she has developed that keeps her organized and keeps her customers satisfied.
In our conversation, Sema shares the system that she has in place for her commission-based business. We walk through the eight stages of commissioning work from her, which are clearly outlined on her website. We discuss how she standardized her sizes, how she makes it easy for clients to buy from her by offering multiple currencies, and how social media serves a dual purpose to both promote her work and to share her progress with clients. You’ll hear how she stays organized and at the end of this episode you can find out how to get a copy of her system spreadsheet.
Highlights
Sema shares the journey that led her to becoming a full-time commissioned artist. (2:11)
Income streams and the percentages of Sema’s income that comes from commissions. (5:50)
Developing the stages of the commission process, starting with sizing the art. (7:32)
What should be included in your pricing? (12:15)
A comparison of Squarespace and MailChimp. (14:18)
Contact forms and how to make sure you have proper communication with clients. (16:03)
The importance of collecting money before you start drawing. (20:46)
Handling a waiting list and details of a payment plan. (22:09)
Guidance for helping customers choose the details of the piece. (26:54)
Sema’s workflow and how she works in the drawing zone. (30:03)
How many social media posts should highlight your current piece? (34:24)
Final approval ensures that the customer is happy before the piece is shipped. (37:00)
Mounting, packing and delivery of the final piece and how each step ensures you will have happy customers. (37:56)
The bonus stage and how many customers take advantage of it. (42:08)
How do people find Sema? She maintains a focus on SEO that really pays off. (43:52)
Staying organized and implementing the systems that will keep you straight. (46:11)
A glimpse inside Sema’s current project. (49:06)
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Jeanne paints seascapes and landscapes with pastels and works with the abstract underlying designs beneath the realistic images she paints, seeing just how far she needs to go in order to maintain realism while still leaving something to the imagination. She loves pastel because the rich, pure pigments allow vibrations of color and visual mixing impossible to capture with any other medium.
In our conversation, Jeanne shares the strategies that she has used for the past three years to build a following of more than 37,000 and reach the six-figure mark in sales for each of those three years. She shares how she maintains good relationships with her eight galleries, even while selling on Instagram, and why she doesn’t schedule posts in advance.
Highlights
Jeanne shares her personal art history and passion for pastels. (2:08)
The instant feedback and fun factor that has made an Instagram strategy the right choice for Jeanne. (5:48)
Steps that will take your Instagram account to the next level. (7:45)
Connecting with collectors starts with sharing your inspiration. (11:56)
The frequency of your posts needs to reflect your growth goals. (14:15)
Which content results in the greatest connection, followers, and sales? (15:49)
Is the ROI worth the effort of maintaining an Instagram account? (20:41)
Maintaining a good relationship with galleries while growing on Instagram. (25:22)
Marketing opportunities that will result in sales. (28:42)
A look inside Jeanne’s personal collection. (33:45)
Do your posts need to be scheduled in advance?? (34:45)
A successful hashtag strategy starts with thinking like a collector. (40:09)
Is there a best time of day to post on Instagram? (44:46)
A peek at what Jeanne is currently working on. (45:51)
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Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
Lisa makes textile-based art and uses hand dyed fabric to create large abstract compositions. She uses her blog not for marketing her work but as a place where she can share her opinions about art and learn more about herself and her work. In fact, Lisa credits her blog as the single greatest factor in her success as an artist.
In our conversation, she shares the benefits of blogging and why she decided to revive her blog after all those posts disappeared. We also go over some of the steps she’s taking to republish old posts and how her blog has led her to opportunities that she otherwise never would have imagined. Of course, blogging isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy writing and sharing insights about your life as an artist, this is an episode you are going to want to listen to.
Highlights
Lisa shares the evolution of her textile-based abstract compositions. (2:21)
Why blog? Lisa offers insights into the value of blogging as a way to unite the artist community, share opinions and increase marketing. (4:08)
Structuring blog posts in a meaningful way. (8:40)
Recovering a broken website, republising missing posts, and discovering yourself along the way. (10:10)
Lisa’s method for categorizing her current blog posts. (19:00)
Defining your purpose in blogging and setting boundaries within your posts. (24:53)
Details of the Make Big Art blog and juggling the ins and outs of SEO for two blogs. (27:25)
The benefits and accountability that come with blogging about art. (33:50)
How to find the balance between blogging, Facebook posts and email lists. (35:30)
Lisa’s advice for successfully blogging about your art. (40:06)
A glimpse inside Lisa’s current project. (44:32)
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Intro and outro music by Wildermiss
But what I’ve learned in the years since working in the museum bubble is that it isn’t always that easy to say “I’m an artist”. Then, when the words finally do come out, what do you say after that? If you’ve found yourself struggling to confidently introduce yourself as an artist, know that you are not alone. A well-crafted introduction should seem effortless but it also has the potential to change the course of a conversation and connect you with people who can have a great impact on your work.
Let’s examine why introducing yourself as an artist can be such a struggle, why you should care about confidently introducing yourself as an artist, and what you can do today to master the art of introducing yourself as an artist.
Highlights
Why is introducing yourself as an artist so difficult? (1:34)
Why you should care about introducing yourself as an artist. (4:38)
Take advantage of introductions as a starting point (6:26)
Tips for refining your informal introduction. (7:37)
What your informal introduction isn’t going to do for you. (10:17)
Where to go next — preparing powerful yet natural follow-up statements. (11:35)
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Resources
Intro and outro music provided by Wildermiss
Kicking off in early 2020, Knit Democracy Together combines interested organizations, knitting circles, and conversation about election finance reform. The result will be a 5 foot by 3 foot knitted sculpture of a state capitol building that Eve hopes to exhibit in multiple venues.
The pandemic has certainly had an effect on Eve’s plans, but it hasn’t stopped her. In our conversation, she shares details about reimagining in-person knitting circles, funding and exhibiting the project, and the art of knitting as a daring act of social activism. Eve explains the stereotypes that she has to push against when using a domestic handcraft to increase social activism and the goals she has for this unique and powerful project.
Highlights
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Quotes
About My Guest
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan makes knitted sculpture. Using the comforting qualities of knitting she explores human interactions with nature, democracy, and society.
Eve’s work has been exhibited throughout the United States, receiving regional and national awards. Her work appears in Lela Nargi’s survey of knitted art, Astounding Knits! 101 Spectacular Knitted Creations and Daring Feats. She loves the notion of knitting as a daring act. When not engaged in such audacious pursuits, she can be found digging in her garden or cross-country skiing through the woods. Both activities put her in touch with the plants and birds that appear in her sculptures.
Eve majored in history at Swarthmore College, and knit several sweaters along the way. While earning a law degree at the University of Chicago she could often be found taking a study break at the Art Institute of Chicago. She lives in Vermont.
I'm more likely to pay attention to your art if you have a compelling story than if you ask me to buy, buy, buy.
What I share in this special bonus episode will not only help you get on the Art Biz Podcast, but will also serve you when you pitch to other podcasts, bloggers, writers, and publications.
The more interviews you do and the more experience you get, the better you become at telling your story. You will also grow your audience and maybe even sell some art or attract new students and social media followers. You never know who is listening.
5 STEPS FOR PITCHING YOUR STORY TO THIS PODCAST
This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program for artists, the Art Career Success System.
All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will address repeatedly throughout your art business and career—like rewriting your artist statement, submitting exhibition proposals, developing content, and nurturing your connections.
In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation that will last throughout your career.
Please join our community of ambitious artists. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.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 63).
CONNECT WITH ALYSON
Follow me on Instagram @AlysonStanfield
Facebook @ArtBizSuccess
#ArtBizSuccess #ArtBizNow
When lockdown started, Brooke Harker threw her fears about doing live video out the window and created Saturday Night Live Art Shows—because she thought it would be fun. It started with just her, but quickly grew to a core of regular artists, with new ones added each week.
I wanted to talk with her about it because these weekly events are open to any artist who wants to show off their art or, perhaps, the art that you collect. In fact, as you'll learn, the rules are, well, ... What rules? This could be a great way for you to connect, practice your video (because imperfections are encouraged), and maybe even sell some art.
Brooke Harker is a contemporary artist based in Los Angeles, California. Her lively paintings of cities and coastal scenes are characterized by energetic brushstrokes in ink and thick oil paint applied with palette knives. These vibrant depictions of daily life capture a sense of motion and highlight moments of synchronicity.
Harker calls herself a historian of the ordinary. Her paintings are a collaboration with all of the people who’ve contributed to a place over time: architects, engineers, city workers who’ve placed street signs and pedestrians whose colorful fashion landed in view at the perfect moment. All of their individual actions brought together one moment, fated to be captured on canvas. Follow Brooke on Instagram: @brookeharker.
Read more about the Saturday Night Live Art Shows and how you can participate. Find them on Facebook and Instagram.
This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program for artists, the Art Career Success System.
All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will address repeatedly throughout your art business and career—like rewriting your artist statement, submitting exhibition proposals, developing content, and nurturing your connections.
In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation that will last throughout your career.
Please join our community of ambitious artists. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.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 62).
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!
Artists who have been part of formal and ongoing critique groups find them invaluable to their creative development.
In the latest episode of the podcast, I talk with Patricia Miranda, founder of The Crit Lab. She's been leading 7 separate critique groups in 3 states and has recently taken them online.
We discussed:
Why artists need critical feedback and at one point they should ask for it.
The format of a day-long critique session.
Patricia's contention that art is a verb, not an object.
Artists would benefit from thinking about engagement more than intent.
This is a deep and philosophical discussion that is different from my other episodes. I encourage you to listen more than once.
See Patricia's art: https://patriciamiranda.com
Read about The Crit Lab: https://thecritlab.com
Follow Patricia on Instagram: https://instagram.com/patriciasuzannemiranda
This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program for artists, the Art Career Success System.
All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will address repeatedly throughout your art business and career—like rewriting your artist statement, submitting exhibition proposals, developing content, and nurturing your connections.
In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation that will last throughout your career.
Please join our community of ambitious artists. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.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 61).
Follow me on Instagram @AlysonStanfield
Facebook @ArtBizSuccess
#ArtBizNow #ArtBizSuccess
If you have enjoyed this or other podcasts, I would so appreciate it if you would leave a rating and comment wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps!
Thank you for listening.
This is one of the special episodes I'm adding since Covid hit—a topic that will help you stay in control of your art business.
In talking with my students and clients, I realize how devastating this year has been. Truth be told, I didn't really have to talk with them to know that their plans had been dashed, but it helps to understand the extent.
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on everyone's plans. Canceled shows and travel. Shuttered studios and exhibition spaces. And the kids! Suddenly the kids are at home and you are tasked with the awesome responsibility of their education. You're on Zoom all of the time, so that brief sigh of relief you felt for not having to get dressed and put on makeup was short-lived.
In the early days of the outbreak, I encouraged my clients and students to plan just 1 week at a time. We didn't know what was going to happen. How long things would be closed. I wanted them, again, to control what they could and not worry about months into the future.
We now know that Covid is going to be with us for the foreseeable future. The planner in me said, Okay! Time for a new plan!
So I developed a short program to help you do this. Read about Reclaim Your Year at
This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program for artists, the Art Career Success System.
All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will address repeatedly throughout your art business and career—like rewriting your artist statement, submitting exhibition proposals, developing content, and nurturing your connections.
In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation that will last throughout your career.
Please join our community of ambitious artists. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.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 60).
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!