The Art Biz

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 getting overwhelmed, and what to avoid in your final draft. She also shares specific journaling prompts to help you uncover what’s most essential about your art—and how to put your finished statement to work for you. Listen closely for the ultimate test of an artist statement. Whether you’re revisiting an old statement or writing one for the first time, this episode is packed with guidance and encouragement to help you write with confidence. 00:37 The Importance of an Artist Statement 02:08 Defining an Artist Statement 03:45 The Process is the Point 06:16 Journaling Prompts for Clarity 10:15 7 Rules Every Artist Statement Should Follow 15:00 The Ultimate Test for Your Statement 18:10 Editing Your Artist Statement 21:39 Putting Your Statement to Work for You 24:00 You’ve Got This 🎧 RELATED EPISODES The artists featured in these episodes discuss how writing coexists alongside their art: Fostering Clarity and Confidence Through Writing with Samantha Clark (211) Writing on Substack Can Be Integral to Your Creative Process with Ann Balaam Miller (210) Producing a Monthly Digital Magazine with Alyson Sheldrake (199) Imperfect Journaling for Artists with Cynthia Morris (51) 📖 To read the full text and see featured artists, visit: https://artbizsuccess.com/writing-your-artist-statement/ 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

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 aid, and how it has expanded its services over the years. Most importantly, Ruby and Alyson want to encourage artists to research, plan, and prepare in order to protect their art businesses—sharing resources to help them get started. Take Action Today Ruby encourages all artists to take one step today toward protecting their creative practice—whether it's backing up files, reviewing insurance, or creating an emergency plan. And most importantly, spread the word so that more artists know about CERF+ before they need it. 📖 To read more, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/safeguarding-cerfplus Highlights The Origins of CERF+ :: How a group of artists "passed the hat" to help their peers in times of crisis, and how that spirit continues today. Types of Emergencies CERF+ Responds To :: From studio fires, theft, and natural disasters to medical emergencies and caregiving responsibilities. Disaster Readiness for Artists :: Key steps artists can take to protect their work and livelihood, including insurance, backup plans, and security measures—by no means a complete list. Why All Artists Should Care :: You must think about these things before it’s too late. Don’t believe it could never happen to you. Funding and Grant Opportunities :: Immediate relief grants for disaster-stricken artists and the Get Ready Grant, which funds proactive measures to safeguard a studio practice. Advocating for Your Safety :: How artists can ask the right questions about security at festivals, galleries, and exhibitions to protect their work. CERF+ Resources You Should Know :: The Studio Protector Guide, an artist-focused insurance guide, and educational webinars to help artists prepare for unexpected challenges. How to Support CERF+ :: From spreading awareness to donating or organizing fundraising efforts, Ruby shares how artists and art supporters can contribute. Resources & Links CERF+ Studio Protector Guide CERF+ Insurance Guidebook National Coalition for Arts Preparedness & Emergency Response (NCAPER) Donate to CERF+ 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes feature artists who have overcome low points. Leaning Into Art to Battle Depression with David Sandum (ep. 169) Leaning Into Creativity in Times of Pain with Rich Simmons (ep. 112) Making Art While Grieving Loss with Jan Heaton (ep. 52) Overcoming a Major Setback: Annie Salness (ep. 16) 📖 To read more, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/safeguarding-cerfplus ⭐️ See CERF+ resources above and follow them on Instagram and YouTube. 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. 👉 This episode was recorded as part of the 3rd edition of Podcasthon. For one week, more than a thousand podcasts around the globe will highlight a charity of their choice. It was my pleasure to call attention to of one of my favorite organizations, CERF+ (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund), which supports artists in need. Please consider donating. You never know when you might need a hand. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Navigating the art world can be daunting, especially when it comes to making decisions. This discussion highlights the challenges artists face in aligning their choices with personal goals. The Eisenhower Matrix is introduced as a tool for prioritizing tasks based on urgency. Clear business policies play a crucial role in simplifying decisions, ensuring artists protect their time and energy. A real-life example illustrates how having a pricing policy empowered an artist to confidently handle a discount request. Discover frameworks to turn decision-making into an empowering process!

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 a single piece. They faced creative differences, self-doubt, and even a gallery robbery. But instead of giving up, they leaned into their vision, their roles as artists, and their belief in what they were building. In this conversation, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Stella and Gemma about: How they transformed sibling disagreements into a creative advantage. The strategies that helped them push through early struggles and build momentum. The business mindset that keeps them going, including their marketing and expansion efforts. How they inspire the next generation of artists through school visits. One of the biggest takeaways? Determination isn’t just about working hard—it’s about believing in your work and staying the course. 00:35 Meet the Two Faced Twins: Stella and Gemma Stevens 02:20 Creative Process and Artistic Differences 03:39 Overcoming Early Struggles 06:50 Building a Business and Finding Motivation 18:08 The Birth of Two Faced Twins 20:38 Opening a Gallery During COVID 24:21 Family Involvement and Challenges 27:02 Dealing with a Gallery Robbery and the Aftermath 30:54 Income Streams Breakdown 32:38 Balancing Art and Business 34:50 Engaging with the Community 37:12 Promoting Artwork 39:46 School Visits and Their Impact 46:12 Future Plans and Expansion 48:54 The Importance of a Business Mentor 51:17 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 🎧 RELATED EPISODES Here are a few other episodes that focus on collaborations: Multiply Your Audience and Expand Your Show’s Impact with Jill Powers (ep. 27) Knit Democracy Together with Eve Jacobs-Carnahan (ep. 64) Expanding Your Skillset to Respond to Opportunities with Detour (ep. 128) A Collaboration Between 2 Artists that Led to Creative Growth (ep. 183) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/two-faced-twins ⭐️ Connect with Stella and Gemma Stevens and see their art: https://twofacedtwins.com 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

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 challenging times. But over the years, her work evolved into something much larger. Through her use of glass paint and light, she has built not just an art practice, but also a powerful means of storytelling, connection, and cultural education. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Samra about: How her creative journey started and what led her to glass painting. The role of light in her work and why it’s an essential element. How she uses art to foster community and bridge cultural gaps. The importance of stepping out from behind the screen and sharing art in real-life spaces. Samra’s story is a reminder that art doesn’t just exist in isolation—it thrives in conversation, connection, and shared experiences. 01:50 Samra's Early Inspirations 02:28 Reviving Her Art in the U.S.04:05 Samra’s Cultural Heritage and How It Shows Up in Her Work 08:42 Building an Audience and Overcoming Challenges11:37 Balancing Multiple Roles and Art 18:47 The Importance of Community and Teaching Workshops22:43 Connecting Through Art and Overcoming Barriers 26:08 Practical Tips for Artists to Engage with Community 36:50 Conclusion and Practical Applications for You 🎧 RELATED EPISODES Lessons from a Wildly Successful Pop-up Art Gallery Event with Mai Wyn Schantz (109) Leaning Into Her Roots and Community Art with Marilyn Fontaine (185) Beyond Comparison and Jealousy with Jason Kotecki (191) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/bashir-community ⭐️ Connect with Samra and see more of her art: SamraBashir.com 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Explore the four core beliefs that can transform an artist's career. Discover why focusing on your art is paramount and how clear communication can enhance your impact. Learn the value of networking as your most powerful marketing tool. Delve into how efficient business systems can streamline your process, ensuring you grow faster and maintain professionalism. Embrace these principles to navigate the art world with clarity and confidence!

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 discuss the concept of enoughness—understanding that an artist’s value isn’t determined by external validation—and how astrology can provide insights into creative rhythms, decision-making, and self-worth. Highlights: What “enoughness” is and why it’s essential for artists. How astrology can be used as a tool for self-awareness, not prediction. The role of Venus in creativity, money, and self-worth. How understanding your natal chart can help you embrace your unique creative process. Why artists should pay attention to planetary shifts and their impact on motivation. Practical ways to stay inspired and aligned with your artistic path. Whether you’re deep into astrology or a total skeptic, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into how artists can better understand themselves and their creative flow. 02:57 Understanding Enoughness 05:28 Balancing Positivity and Negativity 07:37 Self-Validation and the Loved File 14:09 Navigating Creative Spirals 15:14 Astrology and Practical Coaching 19:53 The Natal Chart Explained 30:59 Mars in Cancer: Navigating Life's Challenges 32:26 Venus: The Key to Love, Money, and Enoughness 36:10 The Power of the Moon in Your Chart 38:41 Astrological Insights for 2025 and Beyond 46:54 Staying Motivated and Inspired as an Artist 52:17 Practical Steps to Tap into the Bonnieverse 🎧 RELATED EPISODES Injecting Personal Narrative into Your Art with Sara Lee Hughes (ep. 131) Why I Want Partnerships with Art Galleries with Evita Tezeno (ep. 175) How You Want to Be Perceived as an Artist with Alexandra Squire (ep. 133) Every Artist Is Designed Differently and What It Means with Jahje Ives (ep. 178) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/enoughness-gillespie ⭐️ Connect with Bonnie and the Bonnieverse: https://bonniegillespie.com 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Discover the power of taking action and committing to your goals. Learn how to overcome hesitation and align your values with your daily schedule. The discussion highlights the dangers of inaction and encourages embracing opportunities with strategic planning. Reflective questioning is emphasized as a tool to navigate uncertainty and drive progress. Whether refining your craft or building connections, the insights shared inspire immediate action and a more intentional approach to living and creating.

Helen Hiebert, an accomplished artist specializing in installation, sculpture, and paper crafts, shares insights on creative practices. She introduces the concept of 'intermittent daily practices' as a flexible alternative to rigid routines. Helen discusses her innovative teaching methods, emphasizing the need to keep classes engaging and fresh. She reflects on the evolution of her paper weaving journey, highlighting community engagement and the balance between flexibility and consistency in creativity. Prepare to rethink your artistic approach!

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 of luck—though her version of luck is decidedly hard-earned. Whether you’re just starting out as an artist or looking for inspiration to take your next bold step, Debbie’s story is a reminder that bravery, persistence, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to extraordinary outcomes. 01:38 Discovering a Passion for Painting 06:01 Balancing Medicine and Art 08:28 The Role of Luck and Hard Work 15:46 Resources and Inspirations 21:09 The Importance of Community 28:54 Teaching and Personal Growth 30:23 Setting Goals and Looking Ahead 37:15 Conclusion and Bravery Challenge 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes touch on rejection and resilience: Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Christine Aaron (ep. 114) What Your Failures Are Teaching You with Laura Petrovich-Cheney (ep. 95) Are You Playing It Too Safe in Your Art Business? (ep. 92) Dealing with Rejection with Megan Wimberley (ep. 197) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/mueller-bravery ⭐️ Connect with Debbie Mueller and see more of her art: https://debbiemuellerart.com 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/