The Art Biz

Sometimes you just need to throw out the old models for doing business and try something totally new. Maybe you're bored with business as usual. Maybe the results aren't as profitable as they were in the past. Or maybe you are no longer enjoying the same old way of doing business. It's okay to go off-script. In this episode, I talk with ceramic artist Patricia Griffin. If you visit her website during certain times of the year, you won't see anything for sale because she has sold out. Zero inventory. What you will see are items she has sold and an opportunity to get on her list so you don't miss a chance to purchase the next time her shop opens. Patricia and I discuss what she refers to as events — the 3- or 4-times a year sales of her ceramics that sell out within hours and have led to a dramatic increase in income. She'll describe the philosophy behind them, the promotional timeline, the collaborations to help raise money for nonprofits, and how the events are a valuable tool for her to cultivate relationships with buyers and potential buyers. Highlights The book that changed the course of Patricia's artistic life. (2:04) Patricia's cautious first step into selling her art. (6:35) A visual description of Patricia's functional stoneware. (8:52) An overview of Patricia's sales philosophy and the online sales events that bring in more orders than she can quickly fill. (11:20) The learning curve that comes with selling art in a non-traditional way. (15:46) Cultivating a studio friends list allows Patricia to connect with interested buyers. (17:47) Timing sales events and refining the sales process. (21:50) How many pieces does Patricia have ready to go when her events go live? (26:25) The benefit of connecting your Instagram feed to your sales website. (27:14) Marketing for sales events and what launch day looks like for Patricia. (28:53) Collaborating with a non-profit does not have to mean donating your work for free. (33:05) Hosting online events, for Patricia, has resulted in a dramatic increase in sales and skills. (34:43) Stories of creating connections and increasing loyalty with buyers. (36:20) How to create the deadlines that will result in increased sales. (39:16) The success of Patricia's most recent online event — by the numbers. (41:04) Which social media platform brings in the greatest number of customers? (43:18) How does Patricia balance the need to produce art for her soul and the need to produce art for her business? (46:07) Mentioned Patricia Griffin Ceramics Patricia on Instagram The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron The Artist's Way Ayumi Horie Shopify Resources Complete transcript featured artists and listener comments Artist Planning Sessions Free e-course: 31 People Who Can Help Sell Your Art Intro and outro music by Wildermiss Quotes "I like the association with the people who are buying my art through online sales. I don't know that doing it another way would cultivate the same kind of relationships that I have now." — Patricia Griffin "Some of these people had been on my email list for years and maybe just purchased something for the first time." — Patricia Griffin "Hosting online events has been really beneficial, not only to my business but also to my skills." — Patricia Griffin "I don't think I would have had those commissions if it wasn't for the online events." — Patricia Griffin "I've really felt the pull to do something else and get back to some of the experimenting that I like to do." — Patricia Griffin "I'm continually walking that tight line between the need to produce art in my soul and the need to produce art in my business hat." — Patricia Griffin About My Guest Patricia Griffin is a potter-artist in the seaside community of Cambria on California's central coast. She makes functional ceramics that are hand-thrown and hand-built and etched with designs that look like woodcuts. Griffin's work is sold primarily through shopping events held three to four times a year on her website. First posted: artbizsuccess.com/online-events-griffin-podcast Let's do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com

You're most likely listening to this podcast because you are in the art business. It's more than a hobby to you. It's your professional line of work. In this episode I want to talk about profitability—what it takes not just to make and sell art, but to also make money and to ensure that you have a positive net income in your art business. As the CEO of your art business there are things you—and only you—need to be doing to make sure that you are running your business in the most profitable and productive way possible. From running the numbers in your books to delegating the menial tasks that someone else can do so that you can focus on making art, I offer six different ways that you can ensure profitability in your art business. Highlights Getting serious about making money out of your art business—not your art hobby. (0:01) Yes, you really are the CEO of your art business. What exactly does that mean? (1:42) Art business CEOs know when and how to ask for help. (3:53) CEOs do what they do best and they delegate the rest. (4:43) Do you know exactly how you are spending money in your art business? (5:30) What you will learn from analyzing your profit and loss statements. (6:37) 3 evolving art business trends you need to be aware of. (9:23) A look at the upcoming and inspiring episodes on the Art Biz Podcast. (12:02) Mentioned IRS Hobby Loss Rules 31 People Who Can Help You Sell Your Art What Is Your Art Business Costing You? (links to Liz Crane post) Ripping Through the Veils of Illusion Around Online Art Marketplaces by Liz Crane Art Biz Podcast Episode 18 with Helen Hebert Resources Complete transcript, featured artists, and listener comments Art Career Success System Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/ceo Let's do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com

Failure. We all fear it, especially in our art businesses. But failure is necessary for growth. If you are succeeding at everything, there is no way you're learning and growing. My guest today is ambitious and knows what she wants, and she is not afraid to fail. In our interview, you'll hear about Laura Petrovich-Cheney's philosophy that failure is the result of not listening to your instinct and not doing your best. Laura talks about a few failures she has learned from, why it's helpful to have a little bit of time and space between examining failures, and the shame that gets in the way of sharing failures with other artists. We also discuss the inevitable comparisons with other artists that arise when you fail and see only their successes. Highlights Laura Petrovich-Cheney shares the artist journey that led her to embrace failure. (1:40) Defining failure as a lack of listening to your intuition and not trying your best. (4:30) The difference between failures and mistakes. (6:14) The most productive timeline for examining your failures so you can learn from them. (11:45) Success comes from learning to do something better. (15:05) Compare rejection and failure — which one comes from within? (16:49) At what point should you define an experience as a failure? (19:47) Throw yourself a pity party, then let go and move on. (22:23) Should you share your failures with other artists? (25:42) Trying again, and again, and again, and knowing what to do better next time. (29:17) Laura shares the lessons she has learned from failing so successfully. (32:43) The benefit of asking others for help. (37:58) What is currently holding Laura's attention in her studio? (39:05) Mentioned MacDowell Fellowships Bemis Center Artist Residencies Wolf Kahn Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Fellowships Laura Petrovich-Cheney Laura's 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 "Failure is primarily a lack of listening to your intuition." — Laura Petrovich-Cheney "If you really tried your best and you were only capable of a mediocre performance, that's still your best." — Laura Petrovich-Cheney "Failing to learn from an experience is another failure." — Alyson Stanfield "In the failure, you learn how to do something better. And that sometimes is a bigger success." — Laura Petrovich-Cheney "Listening to your intuition and honoring who you are is so important to being successful." — Laura Petrovich-Cheney About My Guest Laura Petrovich-Cheney's work is a profound assessment of contemporary issues merging with traditional folk art practices, quilting, woodworking and her repurposed materials with environmental issues of climate change. In all of the artist's recent sculpture, a dialogue exists between environmental and individual concerns. Much of Laura's work is feminist in nature, incorporating traditional women's arts such as needlework and quilting, which are then transformed through found materials. Laura's work has been published in several national and international publications including television, books, magazines, podcasts and NPR. Laura was born in Philadelphia and raised in Haddonfield, New Jersey. For twenty years, she has lived in Asbury Park, New Jersey. She earned her BA in Fine Arts and English Literature at Dickinson College. Laura also has an MS degree in Fashion Design from Drexel University and an MFA in Studio Arts from Moore College of Art and Design. First posted: artbizsuccess.com/failure-cheney-podcast Build your well-greased art biz machine: https://artbizsystem.com Music by https://wildermiss.com

There is no such thing as the artist's path. Look at the careers of 50 artists side-by-side and you'll see 50 different paths. And probably none of them happened exactly as planned. In this episode I talk with Leah Smithson about her path, which kicked into gear after her father suffered a massive stroke and she began researching how creativity works in the brain. Leah's interest in learning has led to her untraditional portrait paintings, line of jewelry, public art, and murals. You'll also hear about how she embraces technology and has been teaching herself augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR). Leah and I discuss how she decides which risks to take on and which projects to get involved with, how she schedules her week, and how her well-meaning husband cajoled her into co-hosting a podcast with him. Leah has taken many risks in her art career, and I love her point of view — you'll never know until you try. You can decide to take a risk because even if it doesn't turn out as you'd hope — even if it's a disaster — you'll be glad you did it anyway, it's something that fits with your goals. If you've ever considered which step to take next or which opportunities are right for your art business, you need to listen to this advice from an artist who has failed and continues to experience success. Highlights Leah Smithson shares her art and the family experience that led her to focus more on her own creativity. (1:19) Unpacking the effects of art and creativity on the brain. (5:05) The evolution of Leah's art in the face of emotion and self-expression. (6:46) Income streams and impact that Covid-19 had on Leah's work. (10:55) Taking calculated risks in art and tuning in to what you want for your art business. (14:52) Learning from Leah's failures. (17:10) How to identify the right opportunities for your art business. (22:08) The role of research in Leah's art. (27:55) Creating digital art experiences with AR and VR. (31:43) Leah's typical work week balances studio work, social media, podcasting and community projects. (36:37) Mentioned Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards Vessel: Art as a Doorway Podcast Leah Smithson Leah Smithson 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 "The faster you get it out there, the quicker you can make progress." — Leah Smithson "I try to balance an educated decision with being tuned in to what I really want to do, so even if it doesn't go well at least it was because it was something I wanted to do." — Leah Smithson "Even when I fail I can still be happy with the decision I made." — Leah Smithson "I've learned that the next time I take a risk, it needs to be something that I really want to do. And even if it's a disaster, I'm happy I did it anyway." — Leah Smithson About My Guest Having moved around as a kid, Leah Smithson's style comes from a patchwork of influences from classical painting to cyberpunk. Through her murals, painting, NFT CryptoArt, and sculpture she often uses nature and portraiture to express the complexities of being human. She's not afraid to take up new technology. Leah was born in Tennessee. She has lived in Atlanta, the Bay Area of Northern California, and now calls L.A. home. She co-hosts the Vessel: Art as a Doorway podcast with her husband.

Many artists take risks in their businesses and in their art without even thinking about it. They are hard-wired to experiment and stretch the boundaries of what is possible. Artists are innate problem solvers. My guest for this episode is one of those artists. The list of what Michael Gadlin has done (legally) to earn a living as a working artist for more than 20 years is impressive. He sells originals, consults, teaches, designs, builds websites, and even hosted a show on public television. He has also sat on boards and committees in his local Denver art community. Michael was gifted with what seems to be an endless supply of energy. I came at him with one topic and his mind connects it to numerous other experiences. The result is a wide-ranging interview. Michael waxes philosophically about the life of an artist, and you won't want to miss his take on the lessons he learned from other working artists, the artist's collaboration with viewers, gallery representation, why it's important to be part of a community, and much more. Highlights Michael Gadlin reflects on his journey as an artist and the key role of mentors along the way. (1:32) The lessons Michael learned from reaching his first major studio goal. (6:28) The payoff that comes with showing interest in every opportunity that crosses your path. (9:34) Michael describes his approach to both figurative and non-representational art. (12:23) Experimenting, problem solving creatively, and collaborating with the art community. (18:55) You cannot be a one-person band and succeed in your art business. (27:00) Figuring out who you are as an artist (beyond the art that you make). (29:20) What does it mean to be an integral part of the art community? (31:24) Positioning yourself in the places that will allow you to shape the decisions that are being made in your community. (37:28) When can you truly consider yourself an artist? (43:18) Creating a legacy with your art and with your life. (46:01) Constant hustling — Micheal shares his multiple income streams. (47:36) Staying organized and getting things done starts with finding the right tools. (52:13) Mentioned Pratt Institute Art Students League of Denver Blue Silo Studios Darrell Anderson Aliki McCain Michael Gadlin Contemporary Vision 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 About My Guest Michael Gadlin began his art education at the Art Students League of Denver, followed by Metropolitan State University, Denver, and New York's prestigious Pratt Institute of Art & Design in Brooklyn. He was awarded a residency at La Napoule Art Foundation in France. Gadlin sits on the board of directors at both Denver's MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) and PlatteForum, an artist's residency in the city. He has won numerous awards throughout his career as an artist, including the youngest artist ever to win Best of Show at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Gadlin's work now hangs in the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art's permanent collection among other city and government collections. First posted: artbizsuccess.com/problem-solver-gadlin-podcast Let's do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community Music by https://wildermiss.com

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