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:
Many artists have a desire to open their own gallery, but few know how much work and thought actually goes into it. In today’s episode, artist and gallerist Tracy Miller shares her experience of running the Tracy Miller Gallery for the last 7 years. Tracy discusses the journey from Fine Artist, to working in a Gallery, then opening her own gallery in Manitou Springs, Colorado. She talks about what type of artists she chose to work with, why she chose the specific location of Manitou Springs, the style of Art of the New West, challenges she overcame when running the business, how to still paint and have time for your own art when running a business, and advice she would give to others looking to open their own gallery. Tracy also talks about her decision to close down her gallery and focus more on her own work as an artist. In this interview, you will hear Tracy talk about:
Her background as a fine artist, and how her experience with wholesale helped her later with becoming well versed in retail.
Her experience working 5 years at an art gallery in downtown Denver, and why she feels working at a gallery before opening one is crucial.
How Tracy Miller Fine Art came to be in 1994, and then evolved into Tracy Miller Gallery in 2011.
Why Tracy chose Manitou Springs, Colorado as the gallery location, and how the mix of tourists and locals was a smart choice for her business.
Why 70% of her sales ship out of state, and the importance of running a good virtual business on social media and your website.
The importance of maintaining studio hours when you are an artist-gallerist.
What Art of the New West means stylistically, and how the wildlife, landscape and Western themes are brought to life in a contemporary and colorful manner.
The vision that Tracy brought to curating a cohesive gallery that some say fits perfectly together like a jigsaw puzzle.
How Tracy chose specific artists for her gallery, and why she recommends working with artists that have tested their art before, engage with their clients and fans, and are active in their own business.
Why gallery owners should know the price points of not only the art in their region, but the city or community as a whole. Crunch the numbers, and know the numbers.
The success principles of “acting as if” and getting involved with your local community to network.
How the internet has changed the way gallerists and artists interact as a collaborative effort rather than separate entities.
Overcoming major business challenges, including two fires, floods and road construction projects around her gallery.
Why Tracy has decided to close the gallery.
Why her profit margin was at least 10% higher than a normal profit margin for retail.
The different types of galleries that artists can open, and the choice they have to feature only their work, or create a space featuring both themselves and others.
Resources:
Tracy Miller Gallery - Facebook
Tracy Miller Fine Art - Instagram
Quotes:
“I wanted to bring the finest in this genre that I could to our region.”
“Little did my artists know how long I stalked them!”
“If you want to be financially successful and sell art, I knew I would have to pick people that had a following and a track record already.”
“It’s a long term career, not a fast overnight career.”
“Do your research and know your market.”
“It comes down to a lot of organization and discipline to paint while you run a gallery.”
“Never turn down the opportunity to promote yourself and meet new people.”
*** 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 ArtBizInnerCircle.com ***
Meg’s commissioned pieces are wins for the community, as they employ local vendors, and simultaneously showcase the beauty and romance of Topsfield.
In this interview, you will hear Meg talk about:
The pivotal experience 20 years back where Meg was commissioned to do a painting for the Topsfield town library.
The story behind the special preserved and protected road that was recommended by locals to Meg as a great subject to paint. Meg called upon her “galaxy of artists” and decided to leave some of the windy road landscape to the viewer’s imagination.
How Meg’s idea of the Topsfield Town Hall addition project presented a challenge with no patron and no donor, and how she enlisted the perfect patron for this project.
The “10 Million Dollar” problem of the town hall project, and the feeling that Meg had of not wanting the beauty of the piece to become tainted by community politics.
The homework Meg did to fully understand and articulate the process of tax exemption when writing a letter to her potential donor.
The interesting release schedule Meg activated for her installation, which kept the town aware of the work but not completely in the know about who the donor was.
Meg’s dedication to seeing that the entirety of this project was kept local, including the printer, photographer, and the framer.
How the sales of the prints are divided up both in labor and earnings.
Why networking on LinkedIn is important for any artist looking for the next commercial opportunity.
What we can expect next from Meg, and a peek into the new commission she is very excited about.
Resources:
Quotes:
“I was afraid someone else would beat me to making the art. That’s what did it and got myself out there.” - Meg
“We need to speak the language of lay people, especially when we ask them for big sums of money.” - Meg
“When you find a donor for your artwork, the entity has to take care of that work and agree to take it on.” - Alyson
“I probably put about 500 hours for that painting. I was waking up at 3:30am every day.” - Meg
“Everything was in town.” - Meg
*** 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 work with for a year. We help our members with goals, mindset, business strategies, and focus. See ArtBizInnerCircle.com ***
After witnessing artist groups from the outside and within over nearly 3 decades, I’ve been thinking a lot about artist group dynamics. In this podcast, I share with you my thoughts on this topic. It’s just me talking, so it’s shorter than most of my episodes.
Here’s what I share:
Take notes because this could save you a lot of frustration when you’re trying to find your tribe.
*** 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 work with for a year. We help our members with goals, mindset, business strategies, and focus. See ArtBizInnerCircle.com ***
Mary says she paints so that she can buy real estate so that she can collect art - paintings by other artists. You’ll hear all about it in this episode. You’ll also hear about:
I hope Mary’s story inspires you to become wise with your finances.
See Mary’s art at MaryEricksonArt.com
*** This episode is brought to you by the Art Career Success System: a step-by-step system to implement for growth no matter where you are in your art business. See ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com***
In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, Helen and I discuss:
See Helen’s art at HelenHiebertStudio.com and subscribe to her podcast, Paper Talk.
See images of what was discussed on the podcast and leave a comment at https://artbizblog.com/hh-income-streams-podcast.
*** This episode is brought to you by Art Biz Coach mastermind workshops that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com***
In this episode, Alyson talks with Dianna about the steps she took to make sure that her first year back as a full-time artist was going to be a successful one. She reveals:
See Dianna’s art at DFritzlerArt.com
*** This episode is brought to you by the Art Career Success System: a step-by-step system to implement for growth no matter where you are in your art business. See ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com***
While many artists would have given up when faced with the trials Annie had, she met the challenge and continues to challenge herself.
This is the story of a true artist - an artist who has something to say and is committed to making sure her voice is heard … her art seen.
See Annie’s art at AnnieSalness.com
*** This episode is brought to you by Art Biz Coach mastermind workshops that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com***
See David’s work at DavidPaulBayles.com
*** This episode is brought to you by Big Table Art Retreats - exclusive artist mastermind retreats that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com***
See Elaine’s art at ElaineKehew.com.
*** This episode is brought to you by Big Table Art Retreats - exclusive artist mastermind retreats that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com ***
Kiffanie, who owns theartistsjd.com has developed the Creative Business Model Canvas to help you home in on legal priorities. Find it here: