The Art Biz

There is no single success formula that works for every artist, but every artist needs some sense of order in their business and life so that they're ready to respond to opportunities that come along. My guest for this episode is Maria Brito, award-winning New York-based contemporary art advisor, curator and the bestselling author of How Creativity Rules The World. A Harvard graduate, originally from Venezuela, Brito has been selected by Complex Magazine as one of the 20 Power Players in the Art World. She has also been named by ARTnews as one of the visionaries who gets to shape the art world. Maria has worked to demystify the art world for people who might be otherwise intimidated to enter a gallery, and is an advocate for democratizing the art world for artists and collectors who might be interested in buying art but are not ready to spend tens of thousands of dollars. Maria shares how she works with artists, galleries, and collectors and why she thinks there has never been a better time to be an artist. You won't want to miss her tips about Instagram and why you can't afford to ignore this valuable platform. Highlights Maria's career was born from what is missing in the art world. (2:35) Democratizing and demystifying the art world. (6:29) Making your own rules when using the free marketing tools of Instagram. (12:32) There is more than one right way to be an artist. (16:06) Maria's daily interactions with artists. (19:20) How does Maria decide which artist offerings to pursue? (24:22) The role that a curated Instagram feed plays in discovering artists. (30:24) Additional online details that attract Maria to an artist. (35:27) A look into Maria's new book How Creativity Rules the World. (40:15) Curiosity and the original artist's mind. (46:36) Mentioned Alma Woodsey Thomas Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2022 SPRING/BREAK Art Show MariaBrito.com @MariaBrito_NY on Instagram The Art Biz Connection The Wildly Productive Get Organized Challenge for Your Art Biz Resources Show notes, images, and listener comments How to Price Your Art free report Art Biz Connection artist membership Quotes "One of the things that helped me succeed was that I was so interested in portraying artists in a different light." — Maria Brito "We have to acknowledge that, for the most part, these buckets of technology have definitely helped us democratize and streamline and find clients and find collectors that otherwise would be impossible." — Maria Brito "There hasn't been a better time in history to be an artist." — Maria Brito Being able to have control over how you present your message is just a gift." — Maria Brito "Artists have to treat their Instagram account as their own gallery." — Maria Brito "The point of being curious is to find more opportunities." — Maria Brito Guest Bio Maria Brito is an award-winning New York-based contemporary art advisor, curator and the bestselling author of How Creativity Rules The World. A Harvard graduate, originally from Venezuela, Brito has been selected by Complex Magazine as one of the 20 Power Players in the Art World she was named by ARTnews as one of the visionaries who gets to shape the art world. She has written for publications such as Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Elle, Forbes, Artnet, Cultured Magazine, Departures, and more. In 2019, she launched "Jumpstart", an online program on creativity that has been taken by over 1000 people ranging from artists to entrepreneurs.

There's always plenty to be learned from artists who have been making a go of it for decades. Just think about how much has changed in 30 years! In this episode of The Art Biz, my guest is Willie Cole, a self-described perceptual engineer with an impressive list of collaborations under his belt and even more in the works. Together we talk about the faith he has in his work as a result of being consistent throughout the years. And why he says work is a bad word and prefers to approach his studio in the spirit of play. We discussed his art and why he challenges people to perceive recognizable objects, like shoes and musical instruments, in new ways. You'll hear how one of his Instagram posts — where he mocked up his art as if to appear on the cover of Vogue — led to collaborations with major fashion brands. Such opportunities continue coming his way, which might be the result of his faith in his practice. Spoiler: Visualizing success plays a role. Highlights Willie calls himself a perceptual engineer, but what exactly does that mean? (3:12) The importance (if any) of showing the materials Willie uses to create his work, including 75 cut-up guitars. (5:35) "Planning makes it feel too much like a job." How Willie approaches his work instead. (11:02) A peek inside Willie's studio. (13:58) Work is a bad word, but play can make your business better every day. (15:55) Staying in a playful mindset in every stage of production. (19:15) The value of improvisation and the value of not knowing everything. (21:08) Willie feels like the luckiest business person in America. (23:40) The business-minded people that makeup Willie's team and insights into his collaborations. (25:36) Propelling yourself forward in spite of your fears. (35:24) The difference between fashion industry collaborations and gallery relationships. (37:51) The music on Willie's current playlist and what is coming up next in his work. (40:28) Mentioned Willie's collaboration with Tod's Willie's collaboration with Comme des Garçons Armando Cabral Money Good by Megan Thee Stallion Joan Armatrading concert on YouTube Vogue covers by Black artists The Art Biz Connection The Wildly Productive Get Organized Challenge for Your Art Biz Resources Show notes, images, and listener comments How to Price Your Art free report Art Biz Connection artist membership Quotes "Play is play, and the opposite of play, I guess, would be work." — Willie Cole "It becomes work rather than play when it becomes a money-making business." — Willie Cole "Knowing has limitations because once you find something, you only see it as that." — Willie Cole "I feel like the luckiest business person in America." — Willie Cole "When passion marries intention and it can be monetized, it's work but it's also just joy." — Willie Cole "To proceed with confidence and fearlessness, I have to believe that opportunities connect." — Willie Cole "Connections open up so many doors, they keep the fear way behind me." — Willie Cole Guest Bio Willie Cole calls himself a perceptual engineer. Whether he is using the symbolism of a steam iron or the shapes of high fashion shoes and recognizable musical instruments, he challenges how we look at things. While he has had solo exhibitions at esteemed institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, Miami Art Museum, and Montclair Art Museum, Willie embraces nontraditional avenues for his work, such as collaborations with major fashion brands. He is represented by Alexander and Bonin Gallery in New York, Maus Contemporary Gallery (Alabama), Gavlak Gallery (Los Angeles/Florida), and Kavi Gupta Gallery (Chicago). Willie lives and works in New Jersey.

I can't resist legal cases about art, from thefts and forgeries to copyright infringement to gallery dealers and so-called experts who end up in front of a judge for defrauding collectors. While most artists will never see the inside of a courtroom, you might be concerned with copyright infringement or receive unsettling news that someone is using your creative work without your permission. Every artist (you) should know the basics for protecting their art. In this episode of The Art Biz, I am joined by Kathryn Goldman, an intellectual property and internet law attorney who helps creative professionals protect their work so they can profit from it. She is the founder of The Creative Law Center website and membership program, which offers understandable information, actionable strategies, and easy to use tools for the development of creative businesses. Our conversation focuses around Kathryn's Four Step Framework to help you identify, protect, monitor, and enforce your creative rights. Highlights Kathryn is an intellectual property attorney who helps creative professionals protect their copyrights, trademarks and brilliant business ideas. (2:45) The four step framework that helps artists know what, when and how to take action. (4:45) Copyright 101- identify the rights that a copyright protects and what is not covered. (7:13) Protect your artwork with a copyright registration. (12:25) Filing in small claims court for infringement can result in $15,000 payout. (15:33) Trademarks are source identifiers that protect against consumer confusion. (18:31) Keith Haring, Banksy, and other famous artist trademarks. (21:00) Does an artist need to register a copyright for every single thing they make? (30:35) Protection is the combination of copyright, trademark, and contract. (33:05) FARE contracts keep the right to control a piece in the hands of the artist. (35:09) Artists with a secondary market stand to benefit greatly from a FARE contract. (39:10) Monitoring your work to determine if it's been stolen is up to you (and your tribe). (41:30) How I handled copyright infringement of my writing. (46:24) The ladder of enforcement offers options for reaction when someone is stealing your work. (49:55) The recipe for registering your most valuable work is essential. (57:07) Kathryn's upcoming programs and workshops. (59:05) Mentioned Copyright Claims Board Google Alerts FARE Contract Kathryn Goldman's Creative Law Center The Art Biz Connection Grow Your List Resources Show notes, images, and listener comments How to Price Your Art free report Art Biz Connection artist membership Quotes "I like it when artists understand when they need to take action, what action they need to take, and how to do it effectively and efficiently." — Kathryn Goldman "The right to control those kinds of changes to the art comes from the copyright." — Kathryn Goldman "A lot of working artists have trademarks, especially those who are building a business on licensing their art." — Kathryn Goldman "Copyright is not as strong as trademark, and trademark is not as strong as a good contract." — Kathryn Goldman "With this combination of tools, I think we really are going to start seeing some interesting things happen with contracts in the art world." — Kathryn Goldman "The best infringement protection is going to be your tribe." — Kathryn Goldman Guest Bio Kathryn Goldman is an intellectual property and internet law attorney who helps creative professionals protect their work so they can profit from it. She believes sustainable businesses are built on properly protected creative assets. Kathryn runs the Creative Law Center website and membership program. The Creative Law Center provides innovative creatives with the affordable business and legal resources they need when evolving from artist to entrepreneur. The Creative Law Center offers understandable information, actionable strategies, and easy to use tools for the development of creative businesses. Kathryn practices law in Baltimore, Maryland.

An artist's best resource is another artist. And to really know what a real artist's life looks like on a daily basis, you have to study and talk to those artists. You can read their biographies, watch their videos, and listen to them on podcasts, including this one. In this episode of The Art Biz, I talk with Geoffrey Gorman about what it's like to be a working artist, an identity he came to later in life and has sustained for nearly two decades. Geoffrey and I discuss his background as a furniture maker, gallery dealer, and artist consultant and how each role has contributed to his life as an artist. He also reveals how he approaches his work, where he finds inspiration, his take on how the art world is changing, and his advice to artists in the rapidly-evolving market. Highlights "You can make something from anything." The evolution of Geoffrey's process. (2:35) Journeying back into the arts after a 30-year break. (8:45) Geoffrey's timeline from furniture maker to gallery dealer, artist coach to full-time artist. (11:08) What does being an artist look like in Geoffrey's material-driven world? (16:02) Carving a whale and honoring the passing of time. (23:21) Tactics for increasing your credibility as an artist. (28:02) Evolving with the demands of a constantly changing art world. (31:16) Navigating your relationships with dealers. (36:02) Feedback worth soliciting as an artist. (38:55) The importance of connections as a small business owner. (43:00) How can artists utilize social media to find collectors and curators? (48:00) A look at where Geoffrey is putting his efforts next. (50:22) Mentioned Geoffrey Gorman Geoffrey on Instagram Lewallen Galleries Allan Houser Estate Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, Italy The Art Biz Connection Optimize Your Online Marketing Resources Show notes, images, and listener comments How to Price Your Art free report Art Biz Connection artist membership Quotes "I realized I had to create this world that I was producing." — Geoffrey Gorman "You are the number one expert about your work in the world." — Geoffrey Gorman "A lot of old benchmarks are now gone for artists." — Geoffrey Gorman "There are so many opportunities for us as artists out there." — Geoffrey Gorman "Your best resource is another artist." — Geoffrey Gorman Guest Bio Geoffrey Gorman was born in Paris, France, but eventually moved to and grew up on an old horse farm in the countryside near Baltimore, Maryland. The dilapidated architecture and abandoned quarries of his childhood influence and inspire the found material sculptures the artist creates today. Gorman has worked as a contemporary furniture designer, gallery dealer, curator, and art consultant before becoming a full-time professional artist. He has exhibited nationally and internationally, including in China and South Korea. Gorman's work is in public and private collections, including the Racine Art Museum and the University of Colorado.

If you have ever wanted to shoot the breeze with a gallerist, you will want to pay close attention to this episode of The Art Biz. I'm joined today by Jeremy Tessmer, the gallery director at Sullivan Goss Gallery in Santa Barbara, California. In our conversation, Jeremy shares his views of artist's professionalism, what he thinks of online platforms, and how he taught himself art history (and why that was important to him). Jeremy describes Sullivan Goss as an on-ramp for collectors and artists—one that connects their roster of local, regional, national, and international artists. You'll hear him discuss 3 qualities that he looks for in artists, two of which are non-negotiable, and how he views the artists in his gallery as a family. He says that "dealers should have some sense of responsibility for the well-being of their artists," and, as you listen to our conversation, you'll understand why that has become so important to him. Highlights The niche that the Sullivan Goss Gallery fills and Jeremy's role within it. (2:37) Sullivan Goss is an on-ramp gallery with the aim of expanding the art world. (7:49) The different art world need to become more aware of each other. (10:05) Jeremy's journey from writer and tech specialist to art gallerist. (14:04) Is it important for artists to be steeped in art history? (23:34) Overcoming the anxiety of influence to connect with other artists. (26:21) The 3 qualities Jeremy looks for in the artists he represents. (33:30) The responsibility a gallery has for nurturing its artists' careers. (36:10) The value of understanding the long game and defining your real interest in an artist's career. (41:11) Things an artist should never say or do to gain the attention of a gallerist. (46:18) Mentioned Sullivan Goss Gallery Alfred Stieglitz's Gallery- An American Place Milton Avery exhibition at The Wadsworth Atheneum David Zwirner's Platform Harold Bloom's Anxiety of Influence Susan McDonnell Art Sullivan Goss on Instagram @sullivangoss Jeremy Tessmer Arts on Instagram @jeremyarts The Art Biz Connection Optimize Your Online Marketing Resources Show notes, images, and listener comments How to Price Your Art free report Art Biz Connection artist membership Guest Bio Jeremy Tessmer is the Gallery Director and Curator of vintage American art at Sullivan Goss. He has been with the firm almost 20 years, working in every area of the business, including: curation, sales, marketing, and design of everything from exhibition spaces to internal databases and processes. He has special knowledge of the American Modern movement, especially as it occurred on the West Coast. He has also been heavily involved with the gallery's publication program, helping to produce nineteen books and numerous catalogs, including those on local artists Ray Strong and Hank Pitcher.

The resources you have for art business and career development are endless. In that respect, you are incredibly fortunate compared to artists of the past who had so little to help them make a go of it. And there is a downside. There are so many choices to grow as a professional artist that it's difficult to decide where to spend your time and money. How do you decide? How do you know when to invest, and when to save your money? Let's pretend you are my coaching client and you're debating adding something to your calendar. I caution all students and clients to be judicious about adding more to their already full schedules. This episode is focused on the questions I'd ask to help you decide whether or not a program is right for you. These include ... What do you want to get from this program? Is this program a shiny distraction? Are you in a place to receive the guidance? Do you respect the presenters, teachers, or leaders? How is this program different? Are you willing to devote the time to the lessons and homework? See featured artists, read, and leave a comment >> TRANSCRIPT+POST MENTIONED Optimize Your Online Marketing The Art Biz Connection membership community Tom Kuegler's LinkedIn Sprint

We usually start a long-term project with a specific goal or set of expectations in mind. Rarely does the project turn out the way we thought it would. More often than not, it's better than we had imagined. But before we can get to that point of admitting that the change might have actually led to an improvement in the original plan, we have to struggle, to question our assumptions or to ask for more help or more money. We recognize we can't continue working in the same fashion as before, and often we are forced to adjust to outside forces, like a worldwide pandemic. In this episode of The Art Biz, I'm joined again by Eve Jacobs-Carnahan. She was a podcast guest over a year ago and has come back to offer an update on her project, Knit Democracy Together, which was developed to discuss the U.S. electoral system within the context of knitting circles. Today Eve is sharing a look at how such a long-term project evolves. She outlines the 5 indicators she is using to measure effectiveness, and even if you don't have an art project focused on making a social impact, these indicators will be useful for appraising the successful reach of your exhibition, event, program, or teaching. Highlights "It all took on a new significance." Eve's project changed after the 2020 election. (4:27) The reasons behind improvements in the knitting circle. (8:11) The mindset shift that created positive changes to the project format. (10:02) Eve's preparation helped secure her fellowship. (11:41) Collaboration changes and letting go of tight control over the project. (13:28) The topics that the project covers now are not the same as the initial intended ones. (19:25) 5 indicators to measure effectiveness in any project. (24:44) Applying these tools to measure other areas of success. (31:40) A look at what's coming next for Eve. (36:40) The evolution of Eve's expanded exhibition. (39:11) Mentioned The Art Biz ep. 64: Knit Democracy Together (first interview with Eve) Priya Parker's The Art of Gathering book National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellows New England Foundation for the Arts Public Art Grants LBJ speech introducing Voting Rights Act in 1965 Eve Jacobs-Carnahan Knit Democracy Together The Art Biz Connection Join Optimize Your Online Marketing starting May 26, 2022 Resources Show notes, images, and listener comments How to Price Your Art free report Art Biz Connection artist membership Quotes "I have definitely let go of some control, and that's been good." — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan "I realized that I wasn't going to be as effective by myself." — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan "I'm talking about what people can do to help strengthen the system so we don't have chaos, all while knitting." — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan "Change can happen step by step, stitch by stitch and with many people working together." — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan "Artists who want to do social impact work definitely can be using these tools." — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan "Think about the people you know, think about your relationships with them, and be willing to ask for help." — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan Guest Bio Eve Jacobs-Carnahan makes mixed media knitted sculpture exploring democracy. She uses the comforting quality of yarn and the charming attraction of birds to tell allegorical stories. Eve's work appears in Astounding Knits! 101 Spectacular Knitted Creations and Daring Feats by Lela Nargi and garnered First Place in National Fiber Directions 2015 at the Wichita Center for the Arts. She was named a Creative Community Fellow: New England by National Arts Strategies in 2021. Eve knit away stress while earning a B.A. in History with Honors from Swarthmore College and a J.D. from the University of Chicago. She lives in Vermont. First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/effective-projects-carnahan-podcast

Some artists just know what they want, and some know what they don't want. My guest for this episode has a lot of clarity about both. On this episode of The Art Biz, I'm talking with Alicia Goodwin, who worked as a jewelry designer for a number of individuals and companies before transitioning to her own full time jewelry business, Lingua Nigra. As an encourager, Alicia wants artists to go for it. She doesn't believe in even considering a plan B in case the art thing doesn't work out. She encourages artists to "find your people" because she knows what it's like to be an artist and misunderstood by those closest to you. She found support in an online community filled with people who were making things and talking about business. Even if you're not a jewelry artist, I know you will be inspired by Alicia's desire to continually improve her circumstances and grow her business. You especially won't want to miss her insights into finding the right balance in your online presence. As she says, "You don't need a lot of followers to make a lot of sales." Highlights "I was always plotting for the next thing." (2:44) Alicia's transition from FIT to in-demand jewelry artist. (10:56) Finding the people who share your passion. (19:05) The origin story of Lingua Nigra (24:48) Alicia's forgiving etching and molding processes. (28:50) What is considered costume jewelry? (33:31) Alicia encourages ambitious artists to just get started. (37:30) Taking the first step toward your next big thing. (42:05) Finding a mentor, a support group, and the right sales outlets for your business. (48:50) Growing your studio and your team to match your big ideas. (52:30) A look at what's coming up next for Alicia. (57:36) Mentioned Lingua Nigra Fashion Institute of Technology Roxanne Assoulin (was Lee Angel) Stella & Dot Housing Works National Museum of African American History & Culture Sign up for the next Artist Planning Sessions May 10-13, 2022 Join Optimize Your Online Marketing starting May 26, 2022 Resources Show notes, images, and listener comments How to Price Your Art free report Art Biz Connection artist membership Guest Bio Alicia Goodwin is a Chicago based jeweler who specializes in adding unique textures to her sculptural jewelry. A graduate of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology., Alicia applies her knowledge of ancient techniques like reticulation and acid etching to her more contemporary designs. Her love of complex ancient ceremonial jewelry created with minimal tools such as fire, sand and beeswax led her to truly admire the work produced throughout Mesoamerica and the African diaspora—influencing her own brand, Lingua Nigra. First posted: artbizsuccess.com/next-opp-goodwin-podcast

Sara Schroeder, an Instagram artist with unexpected growth, talks about overcoming fear of selling, the value of dedicated art space, the difference between her art styles, and the overwhelming demands of Instagram. She explains the evolution of her work after stepping back from Instagram, discovering new approaches to marketing, and the process of self-discovery. The chapter descriptions include exploration of themes, defining collections, continuation of an art project, and the importance of structure and planning.

You are not alone. It may seem like you are at times because you do so much work by yourself in the studio, but the art ecosystem is enormous and you are not alone. There are so many good people who are advocating on behalf of and supporting artists in their businesses and careers. I want you to know about these resources so that you can tap into them. They're waiting for you. In this episode of The Art Biz, I'm talking with Louise Martorano, the Executive Director at RedLine Contemporary Art Center in Denver, Colorado. RedLine is a nonprofit whose mission is to foster "education and engagement between artists and communities to create positive social change." In many ways, RedLine behaves like a traditional arts council. But they're far from it. Louise and I discuss their artist-in-residence program, affordable studio space, and how they collaborate with other art organizations in the U.S. and beyond. Highlights The history and mission of RedLine Contemporary Art Center. (1:45) The local and global need for artist career support. (7:46) Visual arts coalitions fill in the gaps of an artist's career. (11:23) The staff, budget, and $22 million re-granting programs at RedLine. (19:15) Details on residencies, applications, and juried interviews. (25:18) Open studio doors increase opportunities for artists. (32:03) Commission opportunities, stipends, and other program benefits. (33:58) How to find artist support programs in your community. (37:19) Group meetings and other expectations of artist residents. (41:01) Auditing relationships and leveraging your community. (45:45) Mentioned RedLine Contemporary Art Redline Art on Instagram Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Kansas City Artists Coalition Chicago Artists Coalition Resources Show notes, images, and listener comments How to Price Your Art free report Art Biz Connection artist membership First posted: artbizsuccess.com/advocate-martorano-podcast Quotes "Artists are really expected to be all the departments in their career." — Louise Martorano "Artists' careers can live and die on the relationships they build and the opportunities they have." — Louise Martorano "We're trying to link arms with each other in Colorado to see if we can create a more seamless journey for artists as they gain traction and opportunity in their careers." — Louise Martorano "Talking about your work is like exercising a muscle. The more you do it, the more refined your language is." — Louise Martorano "Artists need to reevaluate who they know and who they're connected to and see how they can use those arteries of opportunity." — Louise Martorano Guest Bio Louise Martorano is the Executive Director of RedLine, a non-profit contemporary art center and residency located in Denver, Colorado. RedLine's mission is to foster education and engagement between artists and communities to create positive social change. Under Martorano's leadership, RedLine has received the Denver Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts (2014 and 2015), the Greenway Foundation's "Partner in Change" award, acknowledged by Denver Public Schools for excellence in community engagement, and has presented and organized over 100 exhibitions over the past 10 years. Martorano holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an M.H. from the University of Colorado, Denver with a focus in Contemporary Art History & Music. In 2017, she was awarded a Livingston Fellowship from the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation for promising nonprofit leaders who hold significant leadership roles in Colorado.