The Art Biz
Alyson Stanfield helps artists become more productive, empowered, and successful. The podcast offers art career inspiration and practical advice for working in the studio or promoting art across the country.
Episodes
Sincerely, someone who cares with Heidi Fahrenbacher (280)
Ceramic artist Heidi Fahrenbacher opened her mailbox in 2021 to an anonymous letter saying she'd price herself out of business. Well, she's still in business, and her income has grown about 10% every year since. In this episode of The Art Biz, Heidi talks with host Alyson Stanfield about noticing what isn't working, doing something about it, and the discomfort that comes with the territory. Heidi
This monthly review keeps your art business honest (279)
In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield explains why she won't tell an artist how to fix slumping sales until she knows their goals and their numbers. She names the fears that keep artists from looking at their data, then lays out a simple monthly or quarterly check-in. It covers the high-level numbers worth tracking, from revenue and email to website traffic, and how to get curious
Be alert to signals you need to change course (278)
In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that comfort is the most dangerous place to be in your art business. If you keep doing things the same way, you are bound to miss out on opportunities as things in how we show and sell art are changing so rapidly. She walks through three signals worth paying attention to: The results signal :: that something familiar has stopped
Will you be ready if your art goes viral? with Jenny McCarty (277)
When the redesign of the 2026 national parks pass became a flashpoint, watercolor artist and ecologist Jenny McCarty noticed the uproar in her community — and used her art to do something about it. What happened next landed her on Last Week Tonight, raised nearly $30,000 for parks conservation, and added thousands of names to her email list. On this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield ta
Even when life is heavy, your art business still needs you (276)
Artists are a sensitive lot, and that sensitivity is what makes the work possible. It also makes everything else land harder. It's easier to get tripped up by news headlines, family illness, and travel. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield argues that it's more important than ever to keep making art. She also talks about what to do when you must keep the business humming so t
Stop complicating your art marketing plan (275)
In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that a marketing plan doesn't have to be a spreadsheet full of self-imposed deadlines. She argues for routines over rigid plans, walks through three distinct ways she sees artists approach their marketing, and reframes marketing as something bigger than self-promotion. If you've ever built a plan and abandoned it by week two, thi
The third path for artists that we aren't talking about (274)
In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield names three paths a serious artist can take — and makes the case for the one no one talks about. After more than two decades of teaching online, she's changing how she works with artists, shifting from multi-month courses to coaching groups and private consulting. She also announces The Third Path, a new group for artists staying in the work on
You know what to do but you're not doing it: ADHD and your art business with Georgie Coote (273)
Many artists know exactly what they need to do to move their careers forward. They just aren't doing it. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Georgie Coote, a National Board certified health and wellness coach who specializes in ADHD in adults, about what's often underneath that gap and why standard productivity advice tends to fail the people who need it most. Georgie
Only listen to this if you're an ambitious artist (272)
In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that waiting isn't ambition — it's longing. She unpacks why so many artists organize their careers around a big break that rarely comes, names the three kinds of openings available to every artist, and offers a simple five-step cycle for building real momentum on your own terms. She covers: Why waiting has no relationship with a
Why nobody came to your art show (271)
You worked hard to get your art on those walls. So when only a handful of people show up to the opening, it stings. In this episode, Alyson Stanfield looks at the most common reasons your supporters stayed home — and what you can do differently before your next show. In this episode: Why the 5-10 days before a show are too late to fix most attendance problems How a cold list can cost you the peop
The obvious salespeople you're not using (270)
Host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that your best salespeople are already in your life, just waiting to be asked to help. This episode isn't just for artists with collectors. If anyone has ever responded enthusiastically to your work, it applies to you. Alyson reveals: Who counts as a potential advocate Why these people genuinely want to help Why the relationship has to come first How to make i
Do you have too many income sources in your art business? (269)
There are many ways for artists to make money, but more income sources don't always lead to more income. In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield looks at the difference between an income source and an income stream—and why that distinction matters when you're deciding what belongs in your art business. You'll also hear about: Why adding a new income source can mean building a separate business The
How curiosity and research deepen your studio practice (268)
In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that research is not an academic exercise. And it's not separate from your art practice, but part of it. She encourages you to think of it as leading with curiosity, which strengthens the work and builds confidence. Alyson draws on her background as an art historian and her own current investigation into timelines to show what th
How much time will your art career take? (267)
Every artist wants to know "how much time?" How much time on the business side, how much time making the work, and how long before any of it pays off. In this episode of The Art Biz host Alyson Stanfield gives straight answers to the two questions that matter — including a number you might not want to hear — and offer a better question to ask yourself instead. She covers: Why "how much time?" is
Making a living from your art (266)
Making a living from your art takes more than passion and talent. In this solo episode, Alyson Stanfield walks through the real considerations — from committing to your studio practice to making friends with marketing — for artists who are serious about turning their practice into a livelihood. It starts with a question worth considering: is this really for you? In this episode, Alyson covers: Wh
Use the attraction method for art venues before you make the ask (265)
Venues aren't looking for artists who need them, they're looking for artists who are ready. Host Alyson Stanfield introduces the attraction method: a way of building genuine relationships with venues long before you ever make an ask. For alternative venues, the timeline from first contact to a yes can be weeks instead of years. In this episode, Alyson covers: Why readiness is more than finished w
The artists who don't wait to be chosen (264)
You don't need a gallery to put your work in front of people. You don't need to wait for the next juried show application just for the promise to compete with a hoard of other artists. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that waiting for gallery representation — or cycling through the same juried shows — keeps artists from the kind of visibility they could be creat
Why the Lone Artist Mindset Keeps You Small (263)
In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield explores why collaboration is often the missing piece in an artist's growth. While working alone feels easier, it can quietly limit what's possible. This episode makes the case for thinking bigger by asking a simple but powerful question: Who else belongs in your work? Alyson shares: Two powerful examples of artist collaborations and how
This Artist Turned Six Partnerships Into a Sold-Out Gallery Show with Meredith Nemirov (262)
Artist Meredith Nemirov joins host Alyson Stanfield to walk through how she built a rare sold-out show — not by luck, but by design. Starting with a short proposal to a national nonprofit before she ever approached her gallery, Meredith assembled six collaborators, two opening nights, and a donation structure that gave everyone a reason to say yes. Meredith reveals: Why she approached a national
What are you waiting for? The real costs of postponing strategic work in your art business (261)
The daily work of running an art business always feels urgent. The strategic work doesn't. So it waits. But postponing that deeper evaluation isn't okay. In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield names five specific costs that accumulate when the strategic work keeps getting pushed to next month, next quarter, next year. In this episode: Why tactical delays and strategic delays are two differen
The Art Business Self-Assessment Every Artist Should Do (260)
My Art Business Assessment — Used with Every Client 50% In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield introduces the 3-zone framework she uses with every private client to assess where an art business actually stands. It's the same structure at the heart of the Art Business Reset workshop, and this episode is your chance to walk through it on your own. Alyson covers: The question she
Do You Have the Art Business You Actually Want? (259)
Most artists didn't design their art business — they drifted into it. In this solo episode, Art Biz host Alyson Stanfield invites you to slow down long enough to ask a question most artists never take time to ask: if you were starting fresh today, would you build it this way? In this episode, Alyson covers: Why most artists are running a business they drifted into rather than designed — and why t
Stop Being Busy, Start Being Strategic (258)
Being busy is boring. In episode 258 of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield makes the case that most artists are so deep in execution mode that they never step back to evaluate, redirect, or ask whether any of it is actually working. This episode draws a clear line between working IN your art business and working ON it, and explains why both matter, but one gets almost all of the attention. IN THIS
When You Want to Sell More Original Art (257)
Selling products — giclées, pillows, aprons, notebooks — made sense when you started. But if you've been asking how to sell more original art and not getting traction, something may need to shift. Host Alyson Stanfield draws on her background as a museum curator and educator to explore what actually gets in the way and what to do about it. In this episode: Why the pivot to products is understanda
Healing Your Money Allergy with Hannah Cole (256)
Artist and tax advisor Hannah Cole knows firsthand how shame can poison an artist's relationship with money. When her dad's accountant asked "When are you gonna get a real job?" instead of helping her understand quarterly taxes, she experienced the dismissal that makes so many artists avoid financial conversations altogether. In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield and Hannah explore why artists de
Building Community Through Art: The Lights Out Model (255)
Daniel Sipe and Karlë Woods didn't set out to start an arts organization. They just wanted to talk to artists during the pandemic. Four years later, Lights Out has produced 95 artist documentaries, thrown 18 popup exhibitions across Maine, and built a funding model that includes everything from $10 monthly donors to six-figure state contracts. Their story, shared with host Alyson Stanfield, offers
Art World Gatekeeping Forces Artists to Compete with Damien Davis (254)
Damien Davis is a visual artist and writer who questions the art world's power structures from an artist's perspective. In this conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, he exposes the gatekeeping mechanisms—from application fees to institutional approval—that keep artists competing for artificially scarce opportunities instead of recognizing the abundance they could create together. Damien reveals
Practicing Steady Confidence as an Artist (253)
Host Alyson Stanfield reveals an uncomfortable truth in this solo episode: the problem isn't that you don't know enough. The real challenge is building the confidence to act on what you already know. After 23 years of teaching artists, Alyson has realized she's been contributing to information overwhelm when what artists actually need are practices that build steady confidence. In this episode, yo
Stop Waiting for Opportunities and Start Shaping Them with Ebony Iman Dallas (252)
host: Alyson Stanfield In this coaching-style episode, host Alyson Stanfield coaches Ebony Iman Dallas through the challenges of building a sustainable public art career while navigating motherhood, a regional market, and the fear of rejection. Ebony makes 90% of her income from public art but struggles with systems, marketing that highlights events instead of her work, and waiting for opportuniti
Beyond Information: Why Artists Need Frameworks (251)
What happens when you realize the way you've been working isn't sustainable? When you've built something successful but it's costing you sleep, peace of mind, and the very things you set out to protect? In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield gets really vulnerable with a question most artists face at some point: Who am I if I change the way I've always done things? It's about the pressure to
From Relief to Revenue: 5 Years into Her Art Business with Dawn Trimble (250)
host: Alyson Stanfield In 2020, Dawn Trimble was laid off from her interior design job during the pandemic while navigating a divorce—and she felt relief. That moment became a turning point. Within months of painting full-time, she launched her first collection, which sold out in days and matched her corporate paycheck. Dawn talks about the practical steps she took to build momentum, what she brou
Artist Friendships that Lead to Collaborative Exhibitions and Opportunities (249)
host: Alyson Stanfield Alicia Bailey and Melinda Laz are part of a four-artist collaborative group in Denver that's been working together for years because it's made them better artists. In this conversation, they share the practical realities of collaboration: the systems that keep things organized, the communication that prevents problems, and the trust that makes it all possible. If you've ever
Being the Artist I Want My Son to See with Stephanie Brown (248)
In part one of this conversation (episode 247), Stephanie Brown shared how she strategically funded her education and built her early career foundation. Now it's time to talk about what happens next: the messy, real, day-to-day work of sustaining an art practice. Stephanie breaks down her actual income streams with host Alyson Stanfield—sharing her five-year vision for gallery representation and e
The Strategic Artist: Zero Debt Art Degrees with Stephanie Brown (247)
Too many artists graduate from art school with crushing debt and then spend years figuring out how to make money while trying to maintain a studio practice. Stephanie Brown did the opposite. She graduated from a private art school debt-free, secured a fully funded MFA, and has been treating her art career like a business from day one. In this conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Stephanie brea
Are You Undermining Your Art's Value? (246)
Your art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Where and how you show your work shapes how people perceive its value before they even look closely at the piece itself. The venue, the lighting, the labels, the other work nearby—all of it sends signals about whether your art should be taken seriously. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield explores what falls within your control and what doesn't
Strategic Networking and Visibility Beyond Art World Centers with La Vaughn Belle (245)
host: Alyson Stanfield La Vaughn Belle is a visual artist based in St. Croix whose interdisciplinary practice explores colonial histories and Caribbean identity. Host Alyson Stanfield talks with La Vaughn about building a thriving art career outside traditional art centers through strategic networking, intentional collaboration, and the bold decision to hire a publicist for her monument project I
Mutual Respect Between Artists and Galleries with Katherine Hébert (244)
Working with a gallery means putting your art, reputation, and trust in someone else's hands. That relationship can be transformative (or tense) depending on how it's managed on either side. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Katherine Hébert, founder of Gallery Fuel, which helps small and mid-size galleries strengthen their businesses. Katherine has seen both sides o
What to Do With 400 Paintings: Artist Legacy and Economic Reality with Alissa Quart (243)
When Alissa Quart's 90-year-old mother received a terminal diagnosis, she faced a daunting question: what to do with 400 paintings created over three decades. Her solution was unconventional, distributing the work directly to neighbors, friends, and anyone who wanted to live with her mother's art. The story she shares with host Alyson Stanfield touches on something much larger: what artists actual
Community, Kinship, and Career Stability with Malene Barnett (242)
host: Alyson Stanfield Artist and activist Malene Barnett joins host Alyson Stanfield to unpack how she balances a multidisciplinary practice while designing work that "holds memory" in space. Malene shares the planning, community, and process-sharing that keep a long, installation-driven practice moving, and she offers a resonant lens on clay as a tool for liberation grounded in Caribbean and Wes
Maybe It's Time to Rethink Pinterest with Hayley Price (241)
host: Alyson Stanfield Pinterest isn't just for recipes and home décor—it's one of the most underutilized marketing tools for artists. In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield talks with artist coach Hayley Price about how she's still getting traffic from pins created years ago and why Pinterest should be part of your long-term strategy. Discover how to turn your existing content into evergreen visi
Entrepreneurial Fatigue, Market Uncertainty, and the Case for Slowing Down with Katie Hunt (240)
Host Alyson Stanfield talks with Katie Hunt about the findings from her 2025 State of the Product Industry survey. While Katie's audience includes product-based artists and makers, many of the themes—pricing pressures, burnout, and the need for stronger systems—apply across the creative sector. They explore what's really happening behind the scenes of creative businesses right now: why some are th
Why Every Artist Needs a Brand Kit (239)
host: Alyson Stanfield Artists thrive on creative expression, but that same impulse can scatter your marketing. Without consistency, collectors are left confused about who you are and what you stand for. In this solo episode, I share why identity comes before design, what goes into a brand kit, and how it saves time while building trust. Your next collector is just one connection away. Make it a m
You Don't Need a Gallery, You Need Conscious Connections (238)
host: Alyson Stanfield Waiting to be discovered isn't a strategy. A gallery might help, but it won't solve everything. What you really need to build a thriving art career are conscious connections. These are intentional relationships that open doors, create opportunities, and sustain you for the long run. In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield explains what conscious connections are, why they
Remove Barriers to Buying Your Art (237)
host: Alyson Stanfield When someone is ready to buy your art, the last thing you want to do is make them go on a treasure hunt. Every extra click, unanswered question, or missing price is a barrier that can cost you the sale. In this solo episode, I talk about how you can take charge of the buying process—because while you can't control the economy or trends, you can control how
Clean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236)
Most artists focus on growing their email list—but what if the real power comes from trimming it? In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through why and how to clean your email list. This isn't just about numbers—it's about improving deliverability rates, boosting engagement, and building trust with the people who are actually listening. If you want to email with more
When the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235)
You've shown up. You've posted, emailed, exhibited, maybe even launched something. And yet... the sales aren't coming. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through six insight areas to investigate when your art isn't selling like it used to—or like you believe it should. These aren't quick fixes, but reflective prompts that can lead to real clarity and intentional n
Discerning Your Direction as an Artist with Marianne Lettieri (234)
Sculptor and installation artist Marianne Lettieri creates intricate, meditative work from salvaged and domestic materials. In this episode, she shares her journey from marketing to art, and how she has centered her practice around intention, discernment, and clarity—rather than urgency or trends. She talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how she defines success, the importance of showing up in t
It's Not Your Job to Worry About Adding to the Noise (233)
Thoughtful artists often hesitate to share their work publicly—not because they're lazy or unclear, but because they don't want to contribute to the "noise" online. In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield unpacks that fear and explain why it's often a mask for perfectionism. You'll hear why your content doesn't need to be perfect, polished, or viral—it just needs to be true. She also shares mi
Strategic Growth, Collector Relationships, and Costly Lessons with James Corwin (232)
Wildlife artist James Corwin has built a thriving art business by putting his originals first—and building everything else around them. In this episode of The Art Biz, he talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how he strategically developed multiple income streams through prints, commissions, and galleries, all while prioritizing his painting time. James shares the mindset shift that helped him fo
What You're Not Doing: 7 Mistakes Artists Make (231)
The biggest mistakes artists make aren't about doing the wrong things—they're about doing nothing at all. Avoidance. Waiting. Hoping something will change on its own. In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield revisits and reframes one of her most popular articles, updated with a decade of insight and experience. These are not dramatic failures, but subtle patterns of inaction that can quietly ke
Creating Artist-Centered Opportunities with Jennifer Steck (230)
A retired police captain turned artist, Jennifer Steck realized she didn't have to wait for opportunities to come to her—she could create them. Seeing a gap in what was available for artists to sell their work, Jennifer founded Artburst Studios, an online gallery that's part pop-up show and part community hub for artists. She had zero experience running a gallery, but that didn't stop her. Armed w
The Awesome Responsibility of Titling Your Art with Fran Gardner (229)
What if titling your art is actually part of your creative practice? One that helps you better understand your work, connect with your audience, and prepare your art for life beyond the studio? That's the beautiful perspective offered by artist and writing consultant Fran Gardner. In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Fran to explore the idea that titles aren't just labels—they're brid
22 Tactics to Thoughtfully Invite People to Visit Your Art Website (228)
It's easy to assume that people will visit your artist website once it's built. But websites don't always attract attention on their own. You have to give people reasons to show up. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield shares 11 simple, low-effort strategies to guide more people to your site—plus a way to download the full list of 22 ideas. These are real, artist-friendly act
Married to a Single Art Project Forever with Michelle Fung (227)
What does it take to stick with one creative project for more than a decade—and still feel inspired by it? Michelle Fung has been immersed in The World of 2084 since 2015. What began as a vivid dream in a coffee shop became a sprawling, interdisciplinary art project imagining five futuristic nations and their cultural, ecological, and political identities. In this conversation with host Alyson Sta
What Galleries Want: Preparing Your Art and Yourself (226)
Getting gallery representation isn't just about having great work—it's about preparation, professionalism, and relationships. At Gabba Gallery in Los Angeles, those values are at the heart of how things run. For more than a decade, owner and director Jason Ostro has led the gallery's mission to elevate emerging and mid-career artists, while curator and manager Elena Jacobson makes sure every show
What a Commitment to Audience Building Means to Noelle Phares (225)
Building a sustainable art business requires more than just making good work. It requires showing up consistently, connecting with the right people, and staying true to a long-term vision—even when that means setting difficult boundaries. In this conversation, Noelle Phares returns to talk with host Alyson Stanfield about the structures she's put in place to support her thriving art career. From s
Beauty, Rigorous Research, and Purpose with Noelle Phares (224)
Building an art career with intention doesn't always start with a plan. Sometimes it starts with a gut feeling that something isn't working. That was true for Noelle Phares, who left behind a structured science career to follow her creative instincts—eventually leading to a solo museum exhibition and a thriving, self-directed art business. In this episode (part 1 of 2), host Alyson Stanfield talks
The Investing Artist: Art, Real Estate, and Legacy with Mary Erickson (223)
host: Alyson Stanfield It's easy to think that being a full-time artist means struggling financially. But painter Mary Erickson is proof that with discipline, long-term thinking, and a deep love of both art and business, it's possible to build a creative life that's both fulfilling and financially secure. In this conversation, recorded several years ago and lightly edited for re-release, Mary shar
What Artists Need to Know About SEO with Meg Casebolt (222)
You work hard on your art. You want people to discover it. But if you're relying entirely on social media to be found, you're building on shaky ground. Search engines like Google, YouTube, and even Pinterest remain powerful tools for helping people find you and your art—but only if you're strategic about how you show up there. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with her go
Comprehensive Guide for Writing an Effective Artist Statement (221)
Writing about your art isn't easy—but it's one of the most important things you can do to clarify your vision and connect with others. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through a comprehensive guide to writing an effective artist statement that truly reflects your work. You'll hear why artist statements still matter, how to approach the writing process without ge
Safeguarding Your Art Career with Ruby Lopez Harper of CERF+ (220)
Guest: Ruby Lopez Harper, Executive Director of CERF+ In this episode of The Art Biz, Ruby Lopez Harper, executive director for CERF+ (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund) joins host Alyson Stanfield to discuss the vital work CERF+ does to support artists before, during, and after emergencies. As CERF+ celebrates its 40th anniversary, Ruby shares the history of the organization, its spirit of mutual a
The Artist's Guide to Confident Decision-Making (219)
As an artist, you have the freedom to shape your career—but with that freedom comes the challenge of making decisions that align with your goals and values. Decision-making can feel overwhelming, especially when every opportunity seems promising. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield breaks down the Artist's Decision-Making Framework to help you prioritize what truly matters.
From Two Years of Zero Sales to a Thriving Art Business with the Two Faced Twins (218)
Building an art business takes more than just talent—it takes determination, adaptability, and a willingness to keep going, even when success feels out of reach. Stella and Gemma Stevens, the artists behind Two Faced Twins, know this firsthand. Their work—bold, colorful, and joyful—now has a dedicated following, but their path wasn't always easy. For two years, the Stevens twins struggled to sell
Community Liaison, Translator, and Glass Painter with Samra Bashir (217)
Art has a unique ability to transcend language, evoke emotion, and bring people together across cultural divides. This idea is embodied in the work of Samra Bashir, whose glass paintings celebrate the rich traditions of South Asian and Islamic art while inviting a broader audience into their intricate beauty. Samra's journey as an artist began as a personal escape—something she turned to during ch
The 4 Core Beliefs That Lead to Art Business Success (ep. 216)
host: Alyson Stanfield If you've followed my work, you've likely noticed some recurring themes—guiding principles that shape the way I advise artists. These aren't just casual suggestions; they are the foundation of everything I do. In this episode of The Art Biz, I'm sharing the four core beliefs that define my approach and help artists build sustainable, thriving careers. You'll hear why your ar
Enoughness, Astrology, and the Artist's Path with Bonnie Gillespie (215)
Every artist's journey is unique—what works for one won't necessarily work for another. Personal preferences, life circumstances, and individual personalities all shape how artists navigate their creative careers. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield welcomes astrologer and coach Bonnie Gillespie to explore how artists can work with their natural wiring instead of against it. They
You'll Regret What You Don't Take Action on Today (ep. 214)
This episode of The Art Biz with host Alyson Stanfield focuses on the power of commitment and taking action toward your goals. Explore how to align your schedule with your values, overcome hesitation, and stop waiting for the "perfect time." With practical strategies like inquiry-based reflection and small, intentional steps, you'll discover how to move forward confidently. Whether it's honing you
Relying on Intermittent Daily Practices for Creative Progress with Helen Hiebert (ep. 213)
Host Alyson Stanfield discusses the benefits and strategies of a daily creative practice with Helen Hiebert, who constructs installations, sculptures, films, artists' books, and works in paper using handmade paper as her primary medium. This conversation acknowledges the value of a daily practice, but Helen is a strong advocate for what she calls "intermittent daily practices." If sticking to a da
Bravery, Luck, and Persistence with Debbie Mueller (ep. 212)
Debbie Mueller talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how she has cultivated resilience and bravery as an artist, from finding her community to embracing opportunities that might initially feel intimidating. She also discusses how she's navigated challenges like rejection and the balancing act of art and life. Debbie credits her successes not just to hard work and persistence but to a little bit o
Fostering Clarity and Confidence Through Writing with Samantha Clark (ep. 211)
From sketchbook notes and letters, to authoring her own exhibition catalogues and eventually publishing a memoir, to her thoughtful weekly Substack newsletter, The Lifeboat, Samantha Clark reflects on how writing fosters clarity and confidence for herself and the artists she mentors. In a conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Samantha discusses how writing can deepen one's creative practice, th
Writing on Substack Can Be Integral to Your Creative Process with Ann Miller (ep. 210)
This episode is for you if you enjoy writing or aspire to do more of it. Host Alyson Stanfield interviews Ann Miller, who has found a powerful way to merge her creative passions with her love for writing while growing her audience. Using Substack, she refines ideas for books, shares insights into calligraphy and design, and engages her audience with educational content. Substack has become integra
The Art Biz Unfiltered: Dealer Michael Findlay on Collectors, Curiosity, and Changes (ep. 209)
Peek inside the elite art world. Host Alyson Stanfield speaks with Michael Findlay, a long-time art dealer and author of the new memoir, Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man: New York in the Sixties. They discuss his extensive career, insights into the evolving art market, and memorable stories, including an amusing anecdote about Andy Warhol. Findlay emphasizes the importance of immersive, i
Advice for Anyone Who Wants to Help the Artist in Their Life (ep. 208)
This is a letter I wrote in 2017 to help a concerned father support his introverted artist son. I wanted to help him—and anyone else who wants to help an artist—understand the struggles of artists and how they can be most helpful. My 7 pieces of advice (outlined in the timestamps below) isn't given lightly and is based on decades of experience working with artists. host: Alyson Stanfield 00:44 Dea
Artist Contracts, Studio Loans, and Collaboration with Virginia Broersma (ep. 207)
host: Alyson Stanfield Artist and advocate Virginia Broersma talks with me about her efforts to support fellow artists through practical resources. Virginia shares how she founded The Artist's Office to help artists manage administrative tasks and created The Artist's Contract, a free tool for artist protections. We also explore her Studio Loan program, which connects artists needing temporary stu
Creating Demand for Your Art: Why It Matters and How to Start (ep. 206)
Host Alyson Stanfield delves into the necessity of creating demand for your artwork in order to achieve a certain level of success. She discusses the balance between ambition and practicality in the art market and offers five essential tips to assess and cultivate demand effectively. Alyson stresses the importance of setting realistic expectations, refining your unique artistic voice, and nurturin
The Internet Might Be Ruining Artists' Livelihoods with William Deresiewicz
A deep discussion about the significant impact of the internet on the arts economy and the evolving role of artists in today's market that is ruled by the internet. Host Alyson Stanfield talks with William Deresiewicz, author of The Death of the Artist: How Creators are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech. Bill discuss the challenges of discoverability and financial insta
Establishing Yourself in a New Art Community with Joan Chamberlain (ep. 204)
Host Alyson Stanfield talks with artist Joan Chamberlain, whose creative journey has taken many twists and turns. Joan shares her story, from her early days as a botanical artist and licensed illustrator to her time as a product developer and dentist. Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Joan reflects on how moving has impacted her art, her lifestyle, and her happiness. Joan discusses: How attending Aly
Technology Is Your Colleague in the Studio with Iris Scott (ep. 203)
Host Alyson Stanfield talks with Iris Scott, a talented artist who has had tremendous success on social media. A large portion of the discussion was driven by questions from her dedicated followers. Iris shares how the social media landscape has evolved since the early days of her art career and how she adapts to those changes today, including her approach to TikTok and paid advertising. The insig
Adapting through Curiosity and Connection with Debra Disman (ep. 202)
host: Alyson Stanfield In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Debra about her dynamic journey as an artist and entrepreneur. Debra reflects on her career that spans teaching, studio work, decorative painting, and involvement with various communities. She shares the challenges she faced navigating the competitive art world, her time running Artifactory decorative painting
Finding Your Artist Voice through Mentorship with Julie deBoer (ep. 201)
In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield chats with artist Julie deBoer, founder of Mastrius, a mentorship platform for artists. Julie shares her journey of discovering her unique style with the help of a mentor, and how she resisted what was coming out of her until she began understanding where it came from. She discusses the challenges of working with galleries, transitioning to sol
