The Art Biz

Are you afraid to take risks in your art business? Do you spend your time playing it safe and sticking with what is comfortable and familiar in order to avoid facing the fear of the unknown? If so, you’re not alone. We are hard-wired for the protection that will keep us safe, but avoiding risks can also keep you small when you give up the power of decision-making. Avoiding risks can hold you back from becoming the artist you are meant to be in the world. In this solo episode, I will introduce our theme for the month — taking risks — and explore why taking risks is a critical step to growing your art business. Listen as I highlight the indicators that you are limiting yourself in your art business, the questions you need to ask yourself when facing new (and potentially risky) opportunities, and the simple steps you can take today to start moving toward the risk that just might bring the next level of success that you’ve been dreaming about. Highlights Transition from managing your mindset to taking risks in your art business. (00:07) Are you allowing your built-in sensor to impede your growth? (1:24) Challenge yourself to grow by getting a little more uncomfortable. (3:58) Growth demands risks, especially in your art business. (6:12) Simple first steps that will knock you out of your comfort zone. (7:48) Questions to ask yourself when facing a tough risk-taking decision. (10:22) Upcoming podcast episodes that will inspire you to take meaningful risks. (11:56) Mentioned Multi-State Multi-Year Multi-Artist Art Project with Marilyn Artus (#30) Knit Democracy Together with Eve Jacobs-Carnahan (#64)   Resources Full show notes including photos and listener comments Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss Quotes “You’re not likely to take risks without the proper mindset.” — Alyson Stanfield “I challenge you to get a little uncomfortable with your art, with your marketing and in your life.” — Alyson Stanfield “Growth demands risks. Don’t even think about moving up a level without being prepared to face the little risks.” — Alyson Stanfield

Who do you think you are? If that thought has ever crossed your mind, this episode is for you. My guest is corporate-world-turned-full-time-artist Christa Forrest, and our topic is one that most of us experience at some point in our art careers and businesses: Imposter Syndrome. Christa is a big advocate for "fake it til you make it," but that doesn't mean that she doesn't have doubts and insecurities. In this episode, you'll hear how Christa developed thick skin by showing her work at art festivals, why she is laser focused on building her email list, and how she overcomes feelings of inadequacy in her art practice. Highlights Christa Forrest describes the process of turning women into goddesses, and leaving her corporate job. (2:20) Building an art business while preparing to quit your full-time job. (6:05) Christa shares the income streams that allowed her to focus solely on her art. (10:56) The tipping point — pinpointing your focus and selling your work. (13:23) How to develop the thick skin that is required of serious artists. (17:29) Tips for creating an online presence that makes more money. (21:05) Imposter syndrome — what it means and where it’s most likely to appear in an artist’s world. (24:08) Tools that will help you find the courage to fake it til you make it. (30:05) Is imposter syndrome keeping you from making — and meeting — your goals? (33:42) Overcoming the moment when imposter syndrome takes over. (41:44) The support system that helps Christa stay grounded amidst her weaknesses. (44:14) A look at what is keeping Christa’s attention in the studio now. (45:51) Mentioned Creative Soul Art Christa Forrest on Instagram Resources Full show notes including photos and listener comments Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss Quotes “I had to figure out what I have to offer and what problem do I have to solve out there before I started my actual business.” — Christa Forrest   “It was really important to me at that time to be able to say ‘I’m an artist’.” — Christa Forrest   “If I can build my email list, I know I can build my income.” — Christa Forrest   “Failure is the only way we get better. We hardly ever learn from successes.” — Alyson Stanfield About My Guest Christa Forrest is an artist specializing in pastel, oil, acrylic and mixed media art. After spending 20 years in a finance career, she decided to follow her true passion and become a full-time artist. Christa spends her time sharing her passion with others, teaching others to be creative and exploring the world's landscape, recreating it onto canvas. Her work is a combination of realism, exploration, experimentation and pure fun.   First posted: artbizsuccess.com/imposter-syndrome-forrest-podcast Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com

Elitism in the art world is not an easy topic to tackle—it’s something that I even grapple with. To help make sense of these complex issues, I’ve invited Megan Auman back to the podcast. Megan and I talk about what exactly the art world is and dive into problems that occur when entire groups of people are excluded from the art world (or art worlds, I believe). Elitism in this art world, the art world that is written about in newspaper reviews and whose artists are shown in museums and sold at auction is rampant, and that can be a real problem. Or is it? In our conversation Megan and I unpack the many layers of elitism in the art world, from the traditional artist models that need to be permanently retired to the concern that too many artists are undervaluing and underpricing their work. There is a lot that needs to change, and this conversation is the perfect starting point for any artist who is interested in exploring and contributing to this difficult dialogue. Highlights Megan Auman shares the studio practice that evolved from her childhood artmaking. (2:19) ‘This is the story that we’re not paying attention to.’ Is elitism running rampant in the art world? (4:52) Megan defines the elite art world (with a capital A) and the inclusive artworld for the rest of us. (8:58) The definition of art from 50 years ago just isn’t cutting it by today’s standards. (15:29) A look at the many levels of elitism in the art world, and what exactly is wrong with all of them. (17:12) What effect does the democratization of the art world have on the monetary value of an artist’s work? (23:54) The importance of valuing what you make enough to be paid for that value. (25:54) The basis of gender inequality in the art world. (27:45) Defining elitism in the art world, why it’s worth ranting against, and what we can do about it. (28:40) Reaching the point that you can confidently call yourself an artist and make your art truly accessible (not affordable). (35:00) If anyone could be an artist, how can we differentiate the makers of the world and value what those makers make? (41:36) Mentioned Guardian interview with Robin Wall Kimmerer The Straits Times Singapore Survey Episode 39: Our Stuff Matters with Megan Auman Resources Full show notes including photos and listener comments Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss Quotes “When I talk about elitism in the art world, it’s not actually the art world that I inhabit.” — Megan Auman “There is this level of gatekeeping that happens and it’s a problem because only certain, very specific kinds of people get paid and supported in making their art.” — Megan Auman “It’s a matter of whether or not you believe that what you’re doing has enough value that you should be paid for that value.” — Megan Auman   “What I want is for more people to claim what they do as art, and for us as a culture to value that art. Meaning that we put our money where our mouth is.” — Megan Auman   “Calling yourself an artist does not preclude you from also spending money on other people’s art. — Megan Auman   About My Guest Megan Auman is an artist, metalsmith, teacher, writer, and business coach. She designs jewelry that is simultaneously bold and easy to wear. Though trained as a metalsmith, Megan draws endless inspiration from textiles and fashion, seeking to recreate the ease and fluidity of fiber and textiles in metal. She works predominantly in steel, forming each element and link by hand from wire, then torch welding each joint. Other welded metals, including silver and bronze, are sometimes used to add variety and contrast to her designs. Megan received a BFA in metals from Syracuse University and an MFA in metals and jewelry from Kent State University. While studying at Kent, she developed a love for working with steel and torch welding, which led to the development of her current line. First posted: artbizsuccess.com/elitism-auman-podcast Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com

Brooke Harker, a professional artist and expert in personal branding, shares her journey of regaining confidence and how to overcome the fear of being on camera. They discuss the significance of appearance in the art world and the importance of self-perception and self-care. Joining the art business success community and embracing opportunities for self-improvement are also highlighted.

At what point do you get to call yourself an artist? What do you need to have achieved in order to earn that title? It's not an easy question to answer, and too many of my clients think they need to be working as a full-time artist before they can officially assume the title. Until that point, they are teachers, marketing agents, engineers, and doctors. However, there is no magic point when someone else is officially going to bestow the title of artist upon you.   To help you determine what makes you an official artist, I’m joined today by abstract painter James Holmes. James is sharing three criteria that he created before he could call himself an artist, and he makes it clear that owning the title isn’t quite as complicated as it may seem.  Highlights   The horseback riding accident that set James on the artist path. (3:41)   Connections in the art world encouraged James to continue making art. (10:51)   The day job that doubles as James’s other passion. (12:10) When is the right time to start professionalizing your art and calling yourself an artist?  (14:31) James’ initial response to being called an artist. (22:16) Three criteria that James created before he would call himself an artist. (26:32) How to be true to and satisfied with the work you make, even amidst criticism. (28:25) The moment that James’s art was acknowledged by an established artist. (35:20) Selling a piece to someone who doesn’t know you beyond your art. (39:10) A look at the work that is keeping James busy now. (42:20)         Mentioned Denver Art Museum  Cherokee Ranch & Castle  Tony Ortega Lorenzo Chavez  Angel Espino    Resources Full show notes including photos and listener comments MagneticYouArtist.com Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss   Quotes “I had to figure out what being an artist means. When do I think I’ve achieved that?” — James Holmes “It was a lesson that was well learned. It turned out to take me to another level of my creativity.” — James Holmes “That night it all manifested because I believed in the art enough to exhibit it.” — James Holmes About My Guest James Holmes is a Denver-based visual artist. As an abstract painter James shared, "I paint from the inside out. I believe painting from the inside out allows me to outwardly communicate my inner life. Everything I internalize, the experiences I have, the people in my life, my hopes, dreams, and faith are all reflected from heart, mind, and soul through the prism of my intuitive lenses resulting in artistic expressions utilizing a variety of media." James maintains a studio in Denver’s Golden Triangle arts district, and exhibits at the Veterans Arts Council Gallery, Centura Health Healing Gallery, and other venues. James is a Trustee of the Denver Art Museum and Executive Director of the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation. First posted: artbizsuccess.com/artist-mindset-holmes-podcast Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com

I get tons of podcast pitches, but none have been better than the one I recently received from Lilianne Milgrom. It was right on target. Lilianne had just finished writing a book, and, while I was skeptical, her pitch was perfect. I gave her book a go and could not put it down. It contained art history, intrigue, sex, and scandal. How could it not be fascinating? But my conversation today with Lilianne isn't only about the book. It's the story of how the book came to be — which is a lesson in itself — and has its roots in her decision to be a copyist at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, copying Courbet's scandalous painting, L'Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World). She learned valuable lessons, exercised her courage muscle, and became a better artist as a result. The experience led to the writing of the book that so engrossed me. Lilianne and I talk about all of that and how she juggles her art and writing. She also shares tips for pitching to podcasts, which are equally valuable for other media pitches. Highlights   Lilianne shares the timeline of her artist journey. (3:22) The difference between a consistent studio practice and making consistent work. (5:56) The premise and genesis of Lilianne’s book L'Origine. (9:15) A full list of Lilianne’s reasons not to become a copyist of this scandalous painting. (13:08) The fascinating rules for being a copyist at the Musée d’Orsay. (16:36) Overcoming the most uncomfortable aspects of this endeavor, including the unsolicited comments from museum visitors. (20:21) Main differences between male and female reactions to the painting. (25:43) The inspiration that comes from writing about your painting. (26:55) Turning a once-in-a-lifetime artist experience — and the painting that provided it — into a novel. (29:40) What makes a piece of art timeless and relevant? (35:13) If this artwork is shocking today, imagine how it was received in the 1800s. (40:20) Lilianne explains why her copy of L'Origine du Monde is not currently on display. (42:12) Lessons learned from interacting with such famous and controversial artwork. (43:38) What does Lilianne’s studio practice look like now? (46:43) The secret to pitching your idea in a way that gets results. (48:10)   Mentioned Lilianne Milgrom Musée d’Orsay L’Origine du Monde, the painting Find out more about the book and where to order a copy at Little French Girl Press   Resources Full show notes including photos and listener comments MagneticYouArtist.com Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Planning Sessions Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss   Quotes   “Writing is like painting with words.” — Lilianne Milgrom “This painting gave me the sense of empowerment, which at the beginning felt like an embarrassment, and it turned out to be this enormous feeling of liberation and empowerment.” — Lilianne Milgrom “This certainly changed my life. As far as my art, it's made me fairly fearless.” — Lilianne Milgrom “The written word and art, they can’t be separated because you’re going to need to express yourself.” — Lilianne Milgrom   About My Guest Lilianne Milgrom was born in Paris, grew up in Australia, and currently resides in the United States. Milgrom holds two degrees from Melbourne University and an associate art degree from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. She exhibits her artwork around the world and is the recipient of multiple awards. In 2011, she became the first authorized copyist of Gustave Courbet's controversial painting L'Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World), which hangs in the Orsay Museum in Paris and draws over a million visitors a year. After rendering a near-identical copy of Courbet's masterpiece, she spent close to a decade researching and writing L'Origine.

Collaborations aren't for the faint of heart—especially for artists who are used to working alone and making decisions without having to get approval from another human being. But my guests today have figured out how to make it work. In this episode I talk with Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin about how their Cold Wax Academy got off the ground. They were my guests way back in episode 9 from 2017 when we discussed the publication of their book, Cold Wax Medium. Their collaboration has only deepened since that time, and in this interview you’ll find out what makes their combined efforts work so well. Rebecca, Jerry, and I discuss the format of Cold Wax Academy, how they make decisions together, how they find new members, and what they would do differently with the benefit of hindsight. We also talk about one of my very favorite topics—systems—and the technology they use to keep their joint venture going. Highlights Rebecca and Jerry reflect on the timeline of their collaboration. (2:37) Rebranding your business with the help of professionals. (6:18) Making the transition from live teaching to the online Cold Wax Academy. (11:04) Replacing income lost from cancelled live workshops. (12:37) The pandemic-induced “oh crap” moment that changed everything. (17:03) How to know when it’s time to hire help. (20:19) Collaborating with another person in every important aspect of your business. (24:08) Tools that maximize your communication efforts. (26:53) A high level overview of the offerings of Cold Wax Academy. (29:00) The key to making a paid membership work. (33:57) How to determine what content to offer for free and what to charge for. (37:58) Adjusting your offerings starts with knowing what your audience wants. (38:47) A look at the numbers of the Cold Wax Academy community. (43:37) Lessons learned from the timing and building of a business. (45:34) What’s coming up next for Cold Wax Academy. (49:42)   Mentioned Cold Wax Academy Rebecca Crowell Jerry McLaughlin Art Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations by Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin Episode #9: How Two Artists Self-Published and Are Promoting a Successful Book Together   Resources Full show notes including photos and listener comments Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Planning Sessions Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss   First posted: artbizsuccess.com/collaborating-coldwax-podcast Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com     Quotes “We have this great collaboration and I couldn’t have known ahead of time how exciting it would be to develop this program.” — Rebecca Crowell “Hiring a third person has given us more energy to devote to the business itself.” — Jerry McLaughlin “What we produce is infinitely better because we’re both doing it together.” — Jerry McLaughlin “As we go we’re learning more and more about how to interact with people and how to involve members.” — Rebecca Crowell   About My Guests Rebecca Crowell has been a professional artist for thirty years and is widely known for her innovative painting techniques involving cold wax medium and oils. She teaches these methods both in the US and internationally. Her work is handled by fine art galleries in Chicago, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Telluride, and Dublin, Ireland and is found in hundreds of private, public, and corporate collections. Rebecca holds an MFA in Painting and lives in rural west-central Wisconsin. Jerry McLaughlin has been a working visual artist for twenty years and has exhibited at galleries throughout the U.S. His work is in collections around the world. An expert in all things cold wax, he focuses his major energies on painting, teaching, and writing. Trained as a pediatric intensive care physician, he also holds a certificate in adult education from the University of Washington. Jerry lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.  

This month we're exploring the topic of adjusting your approach, whether it’s making little tweaks, looking at new possibilities, or even turning your art business and career upside down. My guest today proves that making these adjustments can give us better results or maybe just make us happier. Kelly M. O'Brien has been selling a lot of work since 2015, in a way that surprised her at the time. And while she has continued that work, she has added new work—what she calls emerging work— since deciding to go back to graduate school in 2017 to earn her MFA. With such great commercial success it seemed like an unusual time to return to grad school, but now that she has been out of school for over a year, Kelly is ready to talk about her decision to take that big step and what she learned in the process. Join our conversation as we talk about the ins and outs of juggling two very different art businesses, what her daily practice is like, and where her work is headed. Highlights Kelly M. O’Brien shares her art path and the works that have gone viral. (1:49) Finding more meaning and depth in your art. (5:47) Changing the focus of her work resulted in Kelly creating two different practices. (8:08) Finding the right time and the right approach to return to graduate school. (11:51) The value of intentional planning sessions to help you grow as an artist. (17:15) The biggest benefits of returning to school. (20:02) How to determine if an MFA is right for your career. (23:45) Balancing money-making ventures with your education. (24:49) How to respond to the stigma surrounding serious artists who work to make money. (26:27) Changes in Kelly’s practice as a result of earning her MFA. (28:32) A look inside Kelly’s approach to her daily practice in the studio. (31:04) Learning a visual vocabulary that will shape the statement of your work. (34:47) Kelly shares an overview of what is holding her attention in her studio. (38:18)   Mentioned Artist Support Pledge Arts Council England Chuck Close Kelly M. O’Brien’s PaperJoy Studio Kelly M. O’Brien’s emerging work   Resources Full show notes including photos and listener comments Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Planning Sessions Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss   About My Guest Kelly M. O’Brien is an American mixed-media sculptor who lives and works near Bristol, England. She completed a Master of Fine Art (Distinction) at Bath Spa University in 2019. Kelly is co-founder of A Gathering of Unasked Possibility, a collaborative project fostering active hope through creative practitioners, and runs PaperJoy Studio, offering bespoke paper art originals and hand-embellished prints for hospitality and important residential projects. First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/mfa-obrien-podcast  Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com

The idea of letting go of something that is safe but isn’t contributing to the life you want to live can be a very scary one. But my guest today has proven that cleaning out in order to follow your dreams just might be the best thing you could do for your art business. Lea K. Tawd did some of my favorite kind of cleaning out last year. She cleaned out obligations and associations that were taking her away from the work she was meant to do in this world, and the payoffs increase as her income streams multiply. She unlocked the secrets to a more abundant money mindset. In our conversation Lea and I talked about what she eliminated in 2020 that allowed her to dive deeper into her creativity and step into her art business more fully. We discuss the book she wrote, how she structures her days as a mom with a 6-year-old who has to show up for the virtual classroom, and how she quickly replaced the income from an outside source she had been holding onto out of fear. Highlights Lea K. Tawd shares her journey in art, motherhood, and self-care. (1:57) Getting back on track when you’re feeling off-centered. (6:02) Lea recounts the various income streams of her pre-pandemic artwork. (11:10) What happens when you stop doing the work that you are afraid to let go of? (14:40) How to clean out old obligations in order to turn your ideas into an income stream. (17:44) Creating spaces, rituals and schedules that will increase your energy. (21:19) Lea shares the ways that increasing her focus has also increased her income. (23:50) Advice for letting go of an income stream that you don’t love. (27:58) How to overcome a big, scary thing so that you can do the work you want to do most. (29:26) Cultivating the relationships that will support you through the hardest times. (33:17) Lea shares what is currently holding her attention in the studio. (34:27)   Mentioned Leak Arts Lea on Instagram Lea’s Reiki practice Printful Creativity Unstuck: A Toolbox for Making More Art by Lea K. Tawd Lea’s Moon Phase Calendar   Resources Full show notes including photos and listener comments Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Planning Sessions Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss   About My Guest Lea K. Tawd is an author, mixed media artist and Reiki master teacher. She seeks out the beauty in every woman and uses that vision to create mixed media art that inspires and heals. The finished pieces are a Utopian vision of inner beauty manifested that serve as a reminder to take care of yourself, to find moments of peace, kindness, and self-love. Lea often paints directly on wood, so the wood grains help to inform the finished piece. As a Reiki Master Lea uses Reiki in the creation of her art and combines the two to help others find deep inner healing and recover their creativity in private sessions, workshops, and retreats. First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/money-breakthrough-tawd-podcast Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com  

This month we’re focusing on the benefits of cleaning out — from physical clutter to organizing your lives, eliminating obligations that are no longer serving you to slowing down enough to focus on what matters most, in your art business and in your life. Kelly Milukas has been through more in the last 10 years than anyone should have to endure, and yet she never lost hope and determination. Kelly and I scheduled our conversation to discuss her "life edit," which involved getting rid of what no longer served her. It quickly became apparent that ridding herself of stuff when she had to downsize her studio is something she had been preparing herself for in the many years leading up to that moment. This conversation is about coming out on the other side of a long struggle stronger than you were previously. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of one artist's positive spirit, discover the tools she used to facilitate the process, and hear about the people she relied on along the way. Highlights Kelly Milukas reflects on her journey from athletics to music and to art. (1:57) Kelly works with scientists and starts researching stem cells for a commission for a biopharmaceutical company. (8:30) A shift in health can create a shift in focus for any artist. (12:15) Embracing the tools that are available to you can help you get through anything. (16:52) Forging through the messy middle to come out stronger on the other side. (21:26) Can 17 seconds or a deeper breath change your mindset? (25:23) How to know when to power through and when to pull back. (28:55) The power of giving yourself permission to feel your biggest emotions. (32:48) Cleaning out physical objects to move your art business forward. (34:50) Creating an organized studio that works for you on any budget. (41:10) A look inside all that is keeping Kelly busy in her new studio. (45:00)   Mentioned Kelly Milukas on Instagram Sheng Zhen with Master Li (free virtual meditations every Wednesday) Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine “Keys to Cures” installation at Intarcia Therapeutics Albert Clayton Gaulden’s Sedona Intensive Libby Caldwell, Artist, Therapeutic/artistic journaling   Resources Full show notes including photos and listener comments How to Price Your Art Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Planning Sessions Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/stronger-milukas-podcast Let’s do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com