The Art Biz

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/

Explore the four core beliefs that can transform an artist's career. Discover why focusing on your art is paramount and how clear communication can enhance your impact. Learn the value of networking as your most powerful marketing tool. Delve into how efficient business systems can streamline your process, ensuring you grow faster and maintain professionalism. Embrace these principles to navigate the art world with clarity and confidence!

Every artist’s journey is unique—what works for one won’t necessarily work for another. Personal preferences, life circumstances, and individual personalities all shape how artists navigate their creative careers. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield welcomes astrologer and coach Bonnie Gillespie to explore how artists can work with their natural wiring instead of against it. They discuss the concept of enoughness—understanding that an artist’s value isn’t determined by external validation—and how astrology can provide insights into creative rhythms, decision-making, and self-worth. Highlights: What “enoughness” is and why it’s essential for artists. How astrology can be used as a tool for self-awareness, not prediction. The role of Venus in creativity, money, and self-worth. How understanding your natal chart can help you embrace your unique creative process. Why artists should pay attention to planetary shifts and their impact on motivation. Practical ways to stay inspired and aligned with your artistic path. Whether you’re deep into astrology or a total skeptic, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into how artists can better understand themselves and their creative flow. 02:57 Understanding Enoughness 05:28 Balancing Positivity and Negativity 07:37 Self-Validation and the Loved File 14:09 Navigating Creative Spirals 15:14 Astrology and Practical Coaching 19:53 The Natal Chart Explained 30:59 Mars in Cancer: Navigating Life's Challenges 32:26 Venus: The Key to Love, Money, and Enoughness 36:10 The Power of the Moon in Your Chart 38:41 Astrological Insights for 2025 and Beyond 46:54 Staying Motivated and Inspired as an Artist 52:17 Practical Steps to Tap into the Bonnieverse 🎧 RELATED EPISODES Injecting Personal Narrative into Your Art with Sara Lee Hughes (ep. 131) Why I Want Partnerships with Art Galleries with Evita Tezeno (ep. 175) How You Want to Be Perceived as an Artist with Alexandra Squire (ep. 133) Every Artist Is Designed Differently and What It Means with Jahje Ives (ep. 178) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/enoughness-gillespie ⭐️ Connect with Bonnie and the Bonnieverse: https://bonniegillespie.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/

Discover the power of taking action and committing to your goals. Learn how to overcome hesitation and align your values with your daily schedule. The discussion highlights the dangers of inaction and encourages embracing opportunities with strategic planning. Reflective questioning is emphasized as a tool to navigate uncertainty and drive progress. Whether refining your craft or building connections, the insights shared inspire immediate action and a more intentional approach to living and creating.

Helen Hiebert, an accomplished artist specializing in installation, sculpture, and paper crafts, shares insights on creative practices. She introduces the concept of 'intermittent daily practices' as a flexible alternative to rigid routines. Helen discusses her innovative teaching methods, emphasizing the need to keep classes engaging and fresh. She reflects on the evolution of her paper weaving journey, highlighting community engagement and the balance between flexibility and consistency in creativity. Prepare to rethink your artistic approach!

Debbie Mueller talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how she has cultivated resilience and bravery as an artist, from finding her community to embracing opportunities that might initially feel intimidating. She also discusses how she’s navigated challenges like rejection and the balancing act of art and life. Debbie credits her successes not just to hard work and persistence but to a little bit of luck—though her version of luck is decidedly hard-earned. Whether you’re just starting out as an artist or looking for inspiration to take your next bold step, Debbie’s story is a reminder that bravery, persistence, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to extraordinary outcomes. 01:38 Discovering a Passion for Painting 06:01 Balancing Medicine and Art 08:28 The Role of Luck and Hard Work 15:46 Resources and Inspirations 21:09 The Importance of Community 28:54 Teaching and Personal Growth 30:23 Setting Goals and Looking Ahead 37:15 Conclusion and Bravery Challenge 🎧 RELATED EPISODES These episodes touch on rejection and resilience: Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Christine Aaron (ep. 114) What Your Failures Are Teaching You with Laura Petrovich-Cheney (ep. 95) Are You Playing It Too Safe in Your Art Business? (ep. 92) Dealing with Rejection with Megan Wimberley (ep. 197) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/mueller-bravery ⭐️ Connect with Debbie Mueller and see more of her art: https://debbiemuellerart.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/

From sketchbook notes and letters, to authoring her own exhibition catalogues and eventually publishing a memoir, to her thoughtful weekly Substack newsletter, The Lifeboat, Samantha Clark reflects on how writing fosters clarity and confidence for herself and the artists she mentors. In a conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Samantha discusses how writing can deepen one's creative practice, the value of opening conversations, and how she maintains a writing schedule alongside her work in the studio. They also delve into the practicalities of living and working in a remote location and how artists can view marketing not as a chore but as an opportunity to build meaningful connections. 00:43 Meet Samantha Clark: Visual Artist, Writer, and Author 02:23 Samantha's Artistic Journey and Writing Integration 04:22 Living and Creating on Orkney Island 10:43 Balancing Art, Writing, and Mentoring 15:28 The Power of Writing for the Creative Practice 27:26 Weekly Writing Routine 28:39 Newsletter Content and Process 30:47 Why Samantha Transitioned to Substack 35:33 Monetizing and Community Building 43:08 Samantha’s Writing Schedule 47:39 Looking Forward to 2025 🎧 RELATED EPISODES Writing on Substack Can Be Integral to Your Creative Process with Ann Balaam Miller (210) Imperfect Journaling for Artists with Cynthia Morris (51) Guidelines for Your Artist Statement (50) Publishing a How To Book for Artists with Carol McIntyre (37) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/clark-writing ⭐️ Connect with Samantha, subscribe to her Substack, The Lifeboat, and see more of her art: https://www.samanthaclark.net/ 🔶 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/

Ann Balaam Miller is a versatile artist known for her calligraphy and graphic design, who now integrates writing on Substack into her creative journey. She shares how Substack has propelled her writing process, allowing her to engage her audience effectively while exploring various topics. Ann discusses the importance of diversifying income streams for artists and offers insights into managing projects and organizing thoughts. She emphasizes the balance between free and paid content and how this platform fosters community and personal growth.

Peek inside the elite art world. Host Alyson Stanfield speaks with Michael Findlay, a long-time art dealer and author of the new memoir, Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man: New York in the Sixties. They discuss his extensive career, insights into the evolving art market, and memorable stories, including an amusing anecdote about Andy Warhol. Findlay emphasizes the importance of immersive, in-person art experiences and the qualities that make a great art collector. He also reflects on changes in the relationship between dealers and artists over the decades and the impact of modern technology on art collecting and appreciation. 01:36 Michael's Early Art Experiences 08:07 Art Education and Its Impact 17:41 The Role of Curiosity in Art Collecting 27:14 Modern Art Collecting Challenges 29:54 Michael's Career and Gallery Work 39:45 Andy Warhol Stories 45:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   🎧 RELATED EPISODES Qualities Galleries Are Looking For in Their Artists with Jeremy Tessmer (ep. 123) Secrets from Copying a Masterpiece with Lilianne Milgrom (ep. 87) Focusing on the Art, Not the Art Business with Rebecca Welz (ep. 134)   📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/findlay-memoir ✅ While you’re there, click on the graphic to download a copy of my Comprehensive Exhibitions Checklist + Timeline—totally free with opt in. ⭐️ Connect with Michael Findlay: https://michaelfindlay.com ⛰️ 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/