The Art Biz

Getting gallery representation isn't just about having great work—it's about preparation, professionalism, and relationships. At Gabba Gallery in Los Angeles, those values are at the heart of how things run. For more than a decade, owner and director Jason Ostro has led the gallery's mission to elevate emerging and mid-career artists, while curator and manager Elena Jacobson makes sure every show runs smoothly. Together, they bring a practical and deeply human perspective to the artist-gallery partnership. In this conversation, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Jason and Elena about: How they collaborate and divide responsibilities at Gabba Gallery. The qualities they look for in artists and what makes someone a strong fit. Common mistakes artists make when submitting or working with galleries. Why proper preparation makes a big difference in working with an artist (or not). How Gabba's 50/50 commission model works and what artists should know about gallery finances. Why relationships, networking, and trust are just as important as talent. Whether you're actively seeking gallery representation or want to better understand the dynamics behind the scenes, this episode offers honest insight into what it takes to succeed. Takeaway: Showing your work in a gallery isn't a handoff—it's a partnership. The more you understand the gallery's role, the stronger your relationship (and opportunities) will be. 🎧 RELATED EPISODES and POSTS Qualities Galleries Are Looking For in Their Artists with Jeremy Tessmer (ep. 123) Why Artists Should Embrace Galleries (article for some perspective) The Investing Artist: Art, Real Estate, and Legacy with Mary Erickson (ep. 19) — how she juggles 7 or 8 galleries The Art Biz Unfiltered: Dealer Michael Findlay on Collectors, Curiosity, and Changes (ep. 209) — longtime NY gallerist on his memoir Why I Want Partnerships with Art Galleries with Evita Tezeno (ep. 175) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/gabba-gallery ⭐️ Connect with Elena and Jason and read about the artists they represent at https://gabbagallery.com 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Building a sustainable art business requires more than just making good work. It requires showing up consistently, connecting with the right people, and staying true to a long-term vision—even when that means setting difficult boundaries. In this conversation, Noelle Phares returns to talk with host Alyson Stanfield about the structures she's put in place to support her thriving art career. From smart use of assistants and art festivals to strategic decisions around galleries and commissions, Noelle has built her success by staying fiercely committed to audience building. Here's what's ahead: How Noelle balances artistic independence with professional growth. Why she made audience-building a priority early on—and how she continues to nurture it. The systems and support team she's built to stay focused on creating. Setting boundaries with galleries and protecting her studio sales. The importance of maintaining multiple price points and income streams. Noelle's approach is a masterclass in running an art business with vision, strategy, and heart. 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes highlight business systems for artists: Tools to Shape Up Your Art Business with Jennifer Printz (ep. 79) Systems to Effectively Manage a Dizzying Increase in Your Art Business with Betty Franks (ep. 80) How to Squeeze More Time from Your Busy Calendar (ep. 152) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/phares-parttwo ⭐️ Connect with Noelle and see more of her art: https://noellephares.com 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Building an art career with intention doesn't always start with a plan. Sometimes it starts with a gut feeling that something isn't working. That was true for Noelle Phares, who left behind a structured science career to follow her creative instincts—eventually leading to a solo museum exhibition and a thriving, self-directed art business. In this episode (part 1 of 2), host Alyson Stanfield talks to Noelle about how she transitioned from environmental data science into full-time painting, and how her rigorous research background continues to shape her studio practice. The conversation centers around 2024 solo show Tracking Time at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art—how it came together, what she learned from the proposal process, and why she approaches every exhibition as a fully developed project. She also shares her mindset around selling art, connecting with collectors, and painting for impact. This conversation is rich with insight about: Leaving a traditional career to follow a creative calling. The research process behind Tracking Time and why Noelle selected 7 distinct locations along the Colorado River. Working with museums and curators while maintaining your artistic voice. Designing exhibitions that tell cohesive, layered stories. Balancing environmental messaging with visual beauty to draw people in. Creating work that connects with buyers and retains meaning. Noelle's blend of structure, vision, and heart makes this an inspiring listen for any artist seeking to step into a more intentional, expansive chapter. Stay tuned for part 2, where we'll dive into how she structures her business, manages a team, markets her work, and approaches gallery relationships. 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes feature artists discussing their museum shows: Portrait Project and Museum Exhibition with Lisa Kovvuri (ep. 11) Series, Catalogs, and Museum Shows with Susan Abbott (ep. 176) Overcoming Anxiety about Making Art World Connections with Heather Beardsley (ep. 160) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/ ⭐️ Connect with Noelle and see more of her art: https://noellephares.com 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

host: Alyson Stanfield It's easy to think that being a full-time artist means struggling financially. But painter Mary Erickson is proof that with discipline, long-term thinking, and a deep love of both art and business, it's possible to build a creative life that's both fulfilling and financially secure. In this conversation, recorded several years ago and lightly edited for re-release, Mary shares how she transitioned from painting before and after work at a frame shop to selling 500 watercolors, managing 8 gallery relationships, and investing in real estate—all while keeping her commitment to living simply and giving back. In this episode, Mary and I discuss: Why she says she paints to buy real estate so she can collect art How she used her job at a frame shop as a launchpad for her career What it took to sell her first 500 watercolors Her entry into the print market (and her rules for doing it smartly) Why she sees her galleries as partners, not just sales channels How she built a bird sanctuary and artist retreat through her art income The financial discipline and mindset that has served her all along the way This episode is a must-listen if you're an artist who wants to make smart business moves without sacrificing your creative soul. 🎧 RELATED EPISODES Check out these episodes that also focus on galleries or working with galleries: Leaving Gallery Representation to Reach More Art Buyers with Adele Sypesteyn (ep. 163) Qualities Galleries Are Looking For in Their Artists with Jeremy Tessmer (ep. 123) The Art Biz Unfiltered: Dealer Michael Findlay on Collectors, Curiosity, and Changes (ep. 209) Why I Want Partnerships with Art Galleries with Evita Tezeno (ep. 175) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/investing-artist-podcast/ ⭐️ Connect with Mary and see more of her art: https://maryericksonart.com 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

You work hard on your art. You want people to discover it. But if you're relying entirely on social media to be found, you're building on shaky ground. Search engines like Google, YouTube, and even Pinterest remain powerful tools for helping people find you and your art—but only if you're strategic about how you show up there. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with her go-to SEO coach, Meg Casebolt, about what artists need to know about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and how to take ownership of your content online. Meg helped Alyson make sense of 20+ years of blog content and gave her the confidence to be more intentional moving forward. She breaks SEO down in a way that's accessible and artist-friendly—even if it's not your favorite thing to think about. We discuss: The two things you must own online (spoiler: Instagram isn't one of them) How search engines work and what they're really looking for Where and how to use keywords on your site and images What alt text is (and how to write it) Whether blogging is still relevant in 2025 Analytics to pay attention to—and how often to check them Your Action Step Take just one small step to improve your online presence. Update alt text, rewrite a product description, or add relevant keywords to a page. Share your progress with me on Instagram @alysonstanfield and use #artbizsuccess. 🔶 Want help building a better content structure? 🔶 Join me inside Essentials for Artist Success, where we're about to kick off The Artist's Content Compass workshop. You'll get the tools and support to make your content work harder—without burning out. 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/casebolt-seo ⭐️ Connect with Meg, find her podcasts, and learn about Content Love Lab: https://loveatfirstsearch.com/ 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes feature stories about artists' success online: Presenting Yourself Professionally on Your Artist Website with Jessica Burko (174) The Key to Success on Social Media with Cathy Nichols (ep. 154) Stop Incessantly Feeding the Social Media Algorithms with Kamal X ****(ep. 172) Technology Is Your Colleague in the Studio with Iris Scott (ep. 203) ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Writing about your art isn't easy—but it's one of the most important things you can do to clarify your vision and connect with others. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through a comprehensive guide to writing an effective artist statement that truly reflects your work. You'll hear why artist statements still matter, how to approach the writing process without getting overwhelmed, and what to avoid in your final draft. She also shares specific journaling prompts to help you uncover what's most essential about your art—and how to put your finished statement to work for you. Listen closely for the ultimate test of an artist statement. Whether you're revisiting an old statement or writing one for the first time, this episode is packed with guidance and encouragement to help you write with confidence. 00:37 The Importance of an Artist Statement 02:08 Defining an Artist Statement 03:45 The Process is the Point 06:16 Journaling Prompts for Clarity 10:15 7 Rules Every Artist Statement Should Follow 15:00 The Ultimate Test for Your Statement 18:10 Editing Your Artist Statement 21:39 Putting Your Statement to Work for You 24:00 You've Got This 🎧 RELATED EPISODES The artists featured in these episodes discuss how writing coexists alongside their art: Fostering Clarity and Confidence Through Writing with Samantha Clark (211) Writing on Substack Can Be Integral to Your Creative Process with Ann Balaam Miller (210) Producing a Monthly Digital Magazine with Alyson Sheldrake (199) Imperfect Journaling for Artists with Cynthia Morris (51) 📖 To read the full text and see featured artists, visit: https://artbizsuccess.com/writing-your-artist-statement/ 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Guest: Ruby Lopez Harper, Executive Director of CERF+ In this episode of The Art Biz, Ruby Lopez Harper, executive director for CERF+ (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund) joins host Alyson Stanfield to discuss the vital work CERF+ does to support artists before, during, and after emergencies. As CERF+ celebrates its 40th anniversary, Ruby shares the history of the organization, its spirit of mutual aid, and how it has expanded its services over the years. Most importantly, Ruby and Alyson want to encourage artists to research, plan, and prepare in order to protect their art businesses—sharing resources to help them get started. Take Action Today Ruby encourages all artists to take one step today toward protecting their creative practice—whether it's backing up files, reviewing insurance, or creating an emergency plan. And most importantly, spread the word so that more artists know about CERF+ before they need it. 📖 To read more, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/safeguarding-cerfplus Highlights The Origins of CERF+ :: How a group of artists "passed the hat" to help their peers in times of crisis, and how that spirit continues today. Types of Emergencies CERF+ Responds To :: From studio fires, theft, and natural disasters to medical emergencies and caregiving responsibilities. Disaster Readiness for Artists :: Key steps artists can take to protect their work and livelihood, including insurance, backup plans, and security measures—by no means a complete list. Why All Artists Should Care :: You must think about these things before it's too late. Don't believe it could never happen to you. Funding and Grant Opportunities :: Immediate relief grants for disaster-stricken artists and the Get Ready Grant, which funds proactive measures to safeguard a studio practice. Advocating for Your Safety :: How artists can ask the right questions about security at festivals, galleries, and exhibitions to protect their work. CERF+ Resources You Should Know :: The Studio Protector Guide, an artist-focused insurance guide, and educational webinars to help artists prepare for unexpected challenges. How to Support CERF+ :: From spreading awareness to donating or organizing fundraising efforts, Ruby shares how artists and art supporters can contribute. Resources & Links CERF+ Studio Protector Guide CERF+ Insurance Guidebook National Coalition for Arts Preparedness & Emergency Response (NCAPER) Donate to CERF+ 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes feature artists who have overcome low points. Leaning Into Art to Battle Depression with David Sandum (ep. 169) Leaning Into Creativity in Times of Pain with Rich Simmons (ep. 112) Making Art While Grieving Loss with Jan Heaton (ep. 52) Overcoming a Major Setback: Annie Salness (ep. 16) 📖 To read more, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/safeguarding-cerfplus ⭐️ See CERF+ resources above and follow them on Instagram and YouTube. 🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention. 👉 This episode was recorded as part of the 3rd edition of Podcasthon. For one week, more than a thousand podcasts around the globe will highlight a charity of their choice. It was my pleasure to call attention to of one of my favorite organizations, CERF+ (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund), which supports artists in need. Please consider donating. You never know when you might need a hand. ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

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

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

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