The Art Biz

So many artists have benefitted from Instagram — it's a topic that comes up frequently in these interviews, but it's been difficult to pinpoint one key lesson to devote an entire episode to, until now. Jeanne Rosier Smith made a conscious decision to focus on using Instagram to grow her following and expand her art business and it has definitely paid off. Jeanne has been focused and deliberate in her use of the platform while also allowing a great deal of flexibility in the process. Jeanne paints seascapes and landscapes with pastels and works with the abstract underlying designs beneath the realistic images she paints, seeing just how far she needs to go in order to maintain realism while still leaving something to the imagination. She loves pastel because the rich, pure pigments allow vibrations of color and visual mixing impossible to capture with any other medium. In our conversation, Jeanne shares the strategies that she has used for the past three years to build a following of more than 37,000 and reach the six-figure mark in sales for each of those three years. She shares how she maintains good relationships with her eight galleries, even while selling on Instagram, and why she doesn't schedule posts in advance. Highlights Jeanne shares her personal art history and passion for pastels. (2:08) The instant feedback and fun factor that has made an Instagram strategy the right choice for Jeanne. (5:48) Steps that will take your Instagram account to the next level. (7:45) Connecting with collectors starts with sharing your inspiration. (11:56) The frequency of your posts needs to reflect your growth goals. (14:15) Which content results in the greatest connection, followers, and sales? (15:49) Is the ROI worth the effort of maintaining an Instagram account? (20:41) Maintaining a good relationship with galleries while growing on Instagram. (25:22) Marketing opportunities that will result in sales. (28:42) A look inside Jeanne's personal collection. (33:45) Do your posts need to be scheduled in advance?? (34:45) A successful hashtag strategy starts with thinking like a collector. (40:09) Is there a best time of day to post on Instagram? (44:46) A peek at what Jeanne is currently working on. (45:51) Mentioned Jeanne Rosier Smith Jeanne Rosier Smith on Instagram Instagram for Artists Artists Helping Artists Podcast Gallery 31 Artist Support Pledge Loriann Signori Marc Hanson Resources Art Biz Success Community Intro and outro music by Wildermiss

The podcast features Lisa Call, an artist who has found great success through blogging. She discusses the benefits of blogging for artists, including personal growth and unexpected opportunities. The challenges of republishing old posts are also explored. The speakers emphasize the importance of blogging for self-discovery and connecting with others. They discuss the creation of an ArtBiz community to support artists' businesses. The podcast concludes with a gratitude for Lisa Call and a discussion on the impact of blogging on the art business.

Introducing yourself as an artist is a topic I never could have dreamed up while I was working in art museums. It wouldn't have occurred to me that artists would have a hard time introducing themselves. It seems like all you have to do is say, "I'm an artist" and the conversation opens wide. But what I've learned in the years since working in the museum bubble is that it isn't always that easy to say "I'm an artist". Then, when the words finally do come out, what do you say after that? If you've found yourself struggling to confidently introduce yourself as an artist, know that you are not alone. A well-crafted introduction should seem effortless but it also has the potential to change the course of a conversation and connect you with people who can have a great impact on your work. Let's examine why introducing yourself as an artist can be such a struggle, why you should care about confidently introducing yourself as an artist, and what you can do today to master the art of introducing yourself as an artist. Highlights Why is introducing yourself as an artist so difficult? (1:34) Why you should care about introducing yourself as an artist. (4:38) Take advantage of introductions as a starting point (6:26) Tips for refining your informal introduction. (7:37) What your informal introduction isn't going to do for you. (10:17) Where to go next — preparing powerful yet natural follow-up statements. (11:35) Mentioned ArtBizConnection.com Resources Art Biz Success Intro and outro music provided by Wildermiss

At the intersection of craftivism and the world of campaign finance is Eve Jacobs-Carnahan. Eve is taking the historical practice of knitting circles and re-envisioning them as modern craftivist assemblies. While bringing artists together to craft the building blocks of a characteristic state capitol building, she's also leading conversations about changing the role of money in election campaigns. But the impact that Eve is going to make with this work is going to extend far beyond the current election cycle, in fact, it has very little to do with it. Kicking off in early 2020, Knit Democracy Together combines interested organizations, knitting circles, and conversation about election finance reform. The result will be a 5 foot by 3 foot knitted sculpture of a state capitol building that Eve hopes to exhibit in multiple venues. The pandemic has certainly had an effect on Eve's plans, but it hasn't stopped her. In our conversation, she shares details about reimagining in-person knitting circles, funding and exhibiting the project, and the art of knitting as a daring act of social activism. Eve explains the stereotypes that she has to push against when using a domestic handcraft to increase social activism and the goals she has for this unique and powerful project. Highlights Eve shares the objectives and the vision behind Knit Democracy Together. (2:43) The effect of COVID-19 on Eve's plan for in-person knitting circles. (7:11) How Eve found people to participate in the project. (10:26) Details about the yarn and the sculpture dimensions. (14:48) The campaign funding message that Eve is working to increase awareness about. (17:26) Funding the project and what Eve learned from each declined request. (25:07) Questions surrounding the exhibition stage of the project. (27:07) Understanding knitting as a daring act of social activism. (28:37) How Eve is leading a group project while remaining politically neutral. (32:27) Collaborating in a community project just might mean letting go of total control. (34:33) Steps that will move the Knit Democracy Together project to the next level. (41:10) Mentioned Knit Democracy Together Art Biz Success Community Katharine Cobey Cat Mazza's Nike Blanket Petition Eve Jacobs-Carnahan Eve Jacobs-Carnahan on Instagram Resources Art Biz Success Intro and outro music provided by Wildermiss Quotes "People are cynical about elections, but there are ways to improve the system rather than throwing the whole thing out." "We are a community made up of all these different people, but together we can do something bigger." "The goal of all of this is to get people to care more and be able to participate in the election process more than before." "A lot of knitted art is activist art. It's a tool for social action." "You have to push against stereotypes when you use any textile art, especially with knitting." About My Guest Eve Jacobs-Carnahan makes knitted sculpture. Using the comforting qualities of knitting she explores human interactions with nature, democracy, and society. Eve's work has been exhibited throughout the United States, receiving regional and national awards. Her work appears in Lela Nargi's survey of knitted art, Astounding Knits! 101 Spectacular Knitted Creations and Daring Feats. She loves the notion of knitting as a daring act. When not engaged in such audacious pursuits, she can be found digging in her garden or cross-country skiing through the woods. Both activities put her in touch with the plants and birds that appear in her sculptures. Eve majored in history at Swarthmore College, and knit several sweaters along the way. While earning a law degree at the University of Chicago she could often be found taking a study break at the Art Institute of Chicago. She lives in Vermont.

I'm not crazy about the word "pitch" but I'm going with it. I use it in the sense that you are making an argument for something. You're making an argument that I should pay attention to who you are and the art you make. I'm more likely to pay attention to your art if you have a compelling story than if you ask me to buy, buy, buy. What I share in this special bonus episode will not only help you get on the Art Biz Podcast, but will also serve you when you pitch to other podcasts, bloggers, writers, and publications. The more interviews you do and the more experience you get, the better you become at telling your story. You will also grow your audience and maybe even sell some art or attract new students and social media followers. You never know who is listening. 5 STEPS FOR PITCHING YOUR STORY TO THIS PODCAST Listen to the podcast. Remember I am looking for visual artists who have a dedicated studio practice and a business lesson to share. Research. Show me that you know who I am and what I'm trying to do here. Get clear on the business lesson you have to share with my listeners. Make it easy for me to envision the story and say Yes. If you have been a guest on other podcasts or shared your story in a video, share that link with me. I've made it easy for you. There's a form to complete on this page. https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/ This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program for artists, the Art Career Success System. All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will address repeatedly throughout your art business and career—like rewriting your artist statement, submitting exhibition proposals, developing content, and nurturing your connections. In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation that will last throughout your career. Please join our community of ambitious artists. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.com Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss: Wildermiss.com Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 63). CONNECT WITH ALYSON Follow me on Instagram @AlysonStanfield Facebook @ArtBizSuccess #ArtBizSuccess #ArtBizNow

Fun isn't a word used very often when we think of marketing or business tasks. Still, it's one of the criteria I suggest considering when you're thinking about whether to add something to your busy schedule. When lockdown started, Brooke Harker threw her fears about doing live video out the window and created Saturday Night Live Art Shows—because she thought it would be fun. It started with just her, but quickly grew to a core of regular artists, with new ones added each week. I wanted to talk with her about it because these weekly events are open to any artist who wants to show off their art or, perhaps, the art that you collect. In fact, as you'll learn, the rules are, well, ... What rules? This could be a great way for you to connect, practice your video (because imperfections are encouraged), and maybe even sell some art. Brooke Harker is a contemporary artist based in Los Angeles, California. Her lively paintings of cities and coastal scenes are characterized by energetic brushstrokes in ink and thick oil paint applied with palette knives. These vibrant depictions of daily life capture a sense of motion and highlight moments of synchronicity. Harker calls herself a historian of the ordinary. Her paintings are a collaboration with all of the people who've contributed to a place over time: architects, engineers, city workers who've placed street signs and pedestrians whose colorful fashion landed in view at the perfect moment. All of their individual actions brought together one moment, fated to be captured on canvas. Follow Brooke on Instagram: @brookeharker. Read more about the Saturday Night Live Art Shows and how you can participate. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program for artists, the Art Career Success System. All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will address repeatedly throughout your art business and career—like rewriting your artist statement, submitting exhibition proposals, developing content, and nurturing your connections. In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation that will last throughout your career. Please join our community of ambitious artists. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.com Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss: Wildermiss.com Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 62). Follow me on Instagram @AlysonStanfield Facebook @ArtBizSuccess #ArtBizSuccess If you have enjoyed this or other podcasts, I would so appreciate it if you would leave a rating and comment on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps!

Patricia Miranda, founder of The Crit Lab, discusses the value of critique groups for artists and the format of day-long critique sessions. She emphasizes that art is a verb, not an object, and that artists should focus on engagement more than intent. The podcast also explores the transformative nature of critique groups, the importance of empathy in art, and the impact of the pandemic on these groups.

I'm a planner, and I like helping artists plan. I'm good at it! If you've taken any of my courses, or even read my book, you anticipate that there will be at least one plan involved. This is one of the special episodes I'm adding since Covid hit—a topic that will help you stay in control of your art business. In talking with my students and clients, I realize how devastating this year has been. Truth be told, I didn't really have to talk with them to know that their plans had been dashed, but it helps to understand the extent. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on everyone's plans. Canceled shows and travel. Shuttered studios and exhibition spaces. And the kids! Suddenly the kids are at home and you are tasked with the awesome responsibility of their education. You're on Zoom all of the time, so that brief sigh of relief you felt for not having to get dressed and put on makeup was short-lived. In the early days of the outbreak, I encouraged my clients and students to plan just 1 week at a time. We didn't know what was going to happen. How long things would be closed. I wanted them, again, to control what they could and not worry about months into the future. We now know that Covid is going to be with us for the foreseeable future. The planner in me said, Okay! Time for a new plan! So I developed a short program to help you do this. Read about Reclaim Your Year at ArtBizNow.com. This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program for artists, the Art Career Success System. All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will address repeatedly throughout your art business and career—like rewriting your artist statement, submitting exhibition proposals, developing content, and nurturing your connections. In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation that will last throughout your career. Please join our community of ambitious artists. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.com Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss: Wildermiss.com Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 60). Follow me on Instagram @AlysonStanfield Facebook @ArtBizSuccess #ArtBizSuccess If you have enjoyed this or other podcasts, I would so appreciate it if you would leave a rating and comment on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps!

Four and a half years ago I hired the best assistant I have ever had at Art Biz Success. She has been loyal, prompt, and 200% dependable. She was 21 years old at the time—about to turn 22—and had just graduated early from college. After making many hiring mistakes in the past, I was determined to do it right this time And I did. I hit the jackpot. Mesa is moving on to new professional opportunities, but I wanted to give her a little surprise send-off. (Any typos are on me this week!) In episode #59 of the Art Biz Podcast I tell you exactly how I hired the perfect person for my business at the time. I also give you the steps I put in place to make sure that we maintained a good relationship and that, above all, she enjoyed her position. I touch on the hiring process, setting up an assistant for success, working together, and keeping her happy. I also share my mistakes. I'm sure there are more that I'm unaware of, but I can tell you about those I know. I get a little vulnerable and a lot sentimental. I'm sharing the story because I don't know of a single artist who wouldn't like a little more help with their business. Perhaps you'll benefit from my experience. I'm grateful that Mesa and I have dedicated so much energy to greasing our systems. All tasks are properly documented in our Notion app, and we've spent three weeks poring over them to make sure that someone else could take over the tasks. THAT's why I love systems so much--because they help my business run (almost) on autopilot. If your systems are broken or, worse, non-existent, I invite you to take a look at the Art Career Success System, an intensive program that guides you through the systems you need for a successful art business. Whether you need to create an income plan, find new venues, write an artist statement, or improve your marketing, I've got you covered in the ACSS. See the individual courses, calls, and download a suggested syllabus at http://artcareersuccesssystem.com . Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss: Wildermiss.com Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 59). Follow me on Instagram @AlysonStanfield Facebook @ArtBizSuccess #ArtBizSuccess If you have enjoyed this or other podcasts, I would so appreciate it if you would leave a rating and comment on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps!

Why wouldn't you make it easier for people to buy art directly from you? That's what Lynn Goldstein thought. She built a shopping cart for her website earlier this year. And the sales rolled in immediately after the March launch. To date, Lynn has sold 18 original paintings and about a dozen reproductions directly from her site, and I wanted to find out how. It must be said that neither Lynn nor I are not experts in all of the options you have for shopping carts. I wanted to share Lynn's experience and, above all, her results. Listen in if you're curious about how she did it. See Lynn's art: https://lynngoldstein.com. Follow her on Instagram: @lynngoldstein_art. This episode is sponsored my signature business-building program for artists, the Art Career Success System. All of the lessons you learn in the Art Career Success System are tasks you will address repeatedly throughout your art business and career—like rewriting your artist statement, submitting exhibition proposals, developing content, and nurturing your connections. In the ACSS you will build a strong foundation that will last throughout your career. Please join our community of ambitious artists. See http://artcareersuccesssystem.com. Music for the podcast is by Wildermiss: Wildermiss.com. Read the show notes, see photos, and leave a comment at https://ArtBizSuccess.com/podcasts (episode 58). Follow me on Instagram @AlysonStanfield. Facebook @ArtBizSuccess #ArtBizSuccess If you have enjoyed this or other podcasts, I would so appreciate it if you would leave a rating and comment on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps!