The Art Biz

Explore the messy and nuanced journey of success in the art world. Discover why comparing yourself to others can stifle creativity. Learn about the three different ways artists define success and what vital aspects are often overlooked. Embrace small wins that lead to sustainable growth. Dive into the idea that happiness is a crucial factor in measuring success. Plus, the importance of evolving narratives and nurturing relationships to spark new opportunities in your artistic career!

When I heard Sean VanderVliet mention the word “legacy,” I knew I had to talk with him. He thinks big and I like that. Check out episode 15 and  episode 19 for more on legacy. Sean is the artist behind Fenway Clayworks based here in Denver, Colorado, and in just a few years he has created a brand and a buzz around his functional pottery. A number of Denver’s finest restaurants commission Sean for their signature dinnerware. He wasn’t always a ceramic artist. For a number of years Sean worked in tech startups and even, with partners, started his own niche business for rock climbers. He has been able to translate the lessons he learned in those positions to his career as an artist. Sean says that people work with him because they see his passion. Although 60% of his current business is from commissions, he makes work in his style. If you want something with a flower or aspen tree on it, look elsewhere.  He enjoys immensely the collaboration with chefs and others, but he is also clear that not everyone is a customer. This is just one of the numerous business lessons in Sean’s story that are applicable regardless of the type of work you do. After hearing his vision, you may want to start looking out for a Fenway Clayworks in your neighborhood.  Our topics of discussion include:  Sean’s background and how his childhood community influenced the work he does today. Why he left his corporate job to be “part of something small” and how working at other companies has served him in his pottery business. The business model he operates and the breakdown of his income streams - 60% wholesale dinnerware to restaurants in the Denver community, 20% wholesale to retailers, 20% direct retail sales. How Sean’s confidence has grown, which has allowed for more success in his business.  His commitment to his own design style.  How Sean plans to scale his business and hire help to support his growth. The role he’s assigned to social media and email (and Instagram as “the perfect platform for potters”). Why he believes that people choose to work with him over other artists. Sean’s dedication to educating and explaining his process and how this translates to pricing. And his realization that “not everyone is a customer, and that’s okay.”  What’s next for Sean and his plan for an “experiential retail” space.  Follow Sean on Instagram. Music by Wildermiss.  To leave a comment, see images, and read more, click here.  ** This episode of the podcast is sponsored by the Art Biz Mastermind Workshops. Join us live in Seattle on September 28-29, 2019. See http://artbizmastermind.com **  

The fact that we are approaching the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the19th Amendment did not escape the attention of Oklahoma-based mixed media artist Marilyn Artus. For years, Marilyn had been wondering what art project she could possibly do that would be grand enough to match the significance of the occasion. She came up with one—Her Flag—and joins the show to talk about it. It includes collaborations with artists and public performances in each of the 36 states that passed the amendment. After more than a year on the road, Marilyn will complete the enormous flag.   Marilyn talks about what inspires her to honor this occasion. She also shares how we can get involved.   In this interview, you will hear about: ● The research and passion that drove Marilyn into this ambitious project. ● Why it was important to Marilyn that the project be open to anyone who wants to celebrate, regardless of race or political affiliation. ● Why Marilyn knew if she wanted this project done, she needed to do it herself and not wait for anyone else. ● How Marilyn selected the 36 women artists in each state to work with. ● Why it was important to Marilyn that she pay the artists. ● The decision to make the flag at Rainbow Pennant, a business in Oklahoma that already employs women to make American Flags. ● A glimpse into the states Marilyn will travel to throughout her epic journey. She will start in Wisconsin in June to travel the path of ratification, and end her trip in Tennessee on August 18, 2020, the anniversary of the date on which the 19th Amendment was ratified. ● The physical details of the 18 x 26 ft flag, and how Marilyn plans to sew everything while she is on the road. ● The team Marilyn has hired to help her work on Her Flag, including one very important full-time project manager. ● The systems Marilyn used to keep their internal and external communication flow organized. ● The need for artists to not be so attached to their original idea that they miss out on something better. ● The decision to feature women of color and focus on women like Ida B. Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Sojourner Truth. ● The part of the journey that is most uncomfortable for Marilyn, but why it’s important that she do it. ● Marilyn’s big dreams for the finished Her Flag.     Resources: Blog post for notes and comments: https://artbizsuccess.com/artus-her-flag-podcast Her Flag https://herflag.com CaFÉ https://www.callforentry.org/ Basecamp https://basecamp.com Book: Fresh Lipstick: Redressing Fashion and Feminism by Linda M. Scott https://www.freshlipstick.com/ Music: Wildermiss  

Tampa Bay area artist Leslie Neumann had a real sweet deal going with Firebird Restaurants, until it stopped. She rose to meet the challenge and joins the show today to share her experience and provide a cautionary tale to others. Leslie talks about how she started working with Firebirds, and how she found a way to not only stay afloat but succeed when 50-60% of her income went away. She also talks about living frugally, playing to your strengths, and the planning and strategizing that went in to her one-woman show.     In this interview, you will hear about: ● How Leslie got her gig with Firebirds Restaurants in the first place, and how she landed her deal with them from 2014 to2018. ● Why her time with them came to an end, and a lesson when there is a change. ● The role of her art consultant, and the pros and cons of them working so closely together. ● What her production schedule looked like while working with Firebirds including payment, deadlines and production. ● How she came to pick the 10-13 same paintings that were used and replicated over the past 4 years. ● How she survived Firebirds ending although it was on average 50-60 % of her income. ● The importance of living frugally and debt free. ● The one person show that Leslie put on in June of 2018, which made her a half of a year’s earnings in just one night. ● The mistake that Leslie made, and why she doesn’t want you to make it — stay in touch with your base no matter how busy you are. ● What she re-established that had gotten pushed aside and how she uses her newsletter and social media to stay in touch using a voice authentic to her own. ● Leslie’s strategy in the next year. ● Playing to her strengths of interfacing with people rather than doing business over the computer screen.   Resources: Leslie Neumann http://leslieneumann.com
Leslie’s Instagram https://instagram.com/leslieneumann Firebirds restaurant locations https://firebirdsrestaurants.com/find-a-location/ Show notes and comments https://artbizsuccess.com/neumann-commissions-podcast   Quotes: ● “The production was like a puzzle, and I like that kind of stuff.” ● “What was appealing for me is that I got to paint every day.” ● “It always works out.” ● “Stay in touch with your base.” ● “Make the very best art you can and start planning for whatever it is that will provide income next.”   This episode is sponsored by the 10th anniversary edition of I’d Rather Be in the Studio: The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion. Get your copy at artbizsuccess.com/irbits  

What would it be like to pack up your art supplies and live in an entirely new country? Today’s guest, Marcus McAllister, left the United States over 20 years ago to live in Paris, and has been making a living as an artist there for the past 17 years. In this episode, Marcus talks about his decision to live abroad, his sketchbooks, the sources of his income, and the importance of relationships.   In this interview, you will hear about: How Marcus has been scrappy yet intentional about his business and career. His sketchbooks (and why he doesn’t even walk the dog without taking one with him). Marcus’s first memories of living on an Army base in Little Rock, Arkansas. How Marcus ended up in Paris and transitioned to a full time artist, and the transition within his career to getting there. The way Marcus overcame the language barrier and presented himself as an artist to find work. Why Marcus thinks it’s hard for artists to call themselves artists, and why it’s important for artists to own that title. The dedication Marcus has to always having a sketchbook on him, with over 100 now in his possession. The different sources of income Marcus has including original work, mentoring, and hosting workshops. How Marcus keeps his expenses minimal, and is open to be vulnerable and authentic when times are financially tough. The connection between creativity, struggle, and doubt. Marcus’s go-to marketing methods and how he promotes his shows. The important connections Marcus has made through his relationships over the years, and why he thinks all artists would benefit from spending more time cultivating relationships. How Marcus makes the initial contact when networking, and how he follows up and stays in touch. His tradition of Sunday teas in the studio and the importance of listening to your gut and knowing when it’s time to evolve and shift into something new. How working as an artist can involve a lot of solitude, and Marcus’s advice to artists who aren’t as gregarious as he is. Etiquette for networking at events as an artist, and why you shouldn’t be afraid to let those business cards fly.   Resources: Marcus McAllister http://www.marcusmcallister.com/ Marcus’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ateliermarcus.mcallister/ Video Interview with Cynthia Morris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz5P1Wqpl7o Marcus’s Journals on Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZOZ6jVWCT4 Show notes and comments https://artbizsuccess.com/mcallister-paris-podcast  

Jill Powers is a sculptor, installation artist and educator who creates art related to ecological issues. Jill discusses how her events educate, delight and challenge the viewer, and how she came to seek out unique collaborations with area businesses, organizations and experts. Jill also describes the many programs she has organized, and how she did it while balancing her own artistic commitments. You’ll hear about how she worked with dancers, scientists, and restaurants beyond gallery walls.   In this interview, you will hear about: Jill’s background both in art and education, and her passion to create and teach in different settings. Two Colorado exhibitions: Plants and Insects in a Time of Change at the Firehouse Art Center in 2013 and Hold Fast: Seaweeds in a Time of Oceanic Change at the Dairy Art Center in 2016. The curatorial thesis of experiencing art that opens doors to the message. The actual work that was on view for each exhibit. The benefits of becoming involved in your community and collaboration beyond what seems possible. The clever way Jill’s exhibitions included everyone from dancers, to chefs and scientists. The film night she organized as part of a public program. The funding that took place in order to successfully run the exhibits. The obstacles she faced in pulling off both events with over 3 years of planning. Her way of using volunteers and organizing systems to help her stay focused and on track. What led her to recognize the value in involving others and making the art more meaningful. The immersive aspect of her exhibits including live samples of seaweed at a tasting station and using music to set the mood. Her advice for artists who may consider becoming more involved in their community, and why enthusiasm and personal connection is so impactful. A glimpse into what’s next for her in the future, including a book based on her teaching and life experiences.   Resources: Jill Powers https://jillpowers.com/ Dairy Arts Center https://thedairy.org/ Firehouse Art Center https://firehouseart.org/ Seaweed exhibit article in the Denver Post https://www.denverpost.com/2016/02/22/boulder-artist-brings-seaweed-trend-to-plates-spas-and-restaurants/ Show notes and comments https://artbizsuccess.com/powers-impact-podcast    

Chicago painter, public artist, and creative placemaker Lynn Basa joins the show today. She discusses making the art you want to make and the varied ways that artists are intersecting with public life. Lynn, author of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art, also talks about the legacy she is creating with The Corner Project and how public art has changed over the years.     In this interview, you will hear Lynn talk about: Her background as a studio artist and how it led to her interest in public art. Her time at the Seattle Arts Commission. The big jump of having her tapestries fabricated as rugs in Nepal, to then selling art to private collections, to finally teaching herself the business of finding customers. How the accessibility of art and availability of selling it online has changed the industry over recent years. What creative placemaking is, why it has gotten a bad rap, and how it is different from public art. Why she felt the need to go back to school in 2016 and get an MFA. What The Corner Project is, who funds it, the main mission of the space, and why she was inspired to start it. Some of the obstacles Lynn faced to build a coalition and organize a community in The Corner Project. What a typical meeting at The Corner Project looks like, her biggest challenges in running it, and what she wishes she would have known before starting it. Why an artist would be interested in creative placemaking, and who isn’t cut out for it. How her personal art has developed over time. The Chicago art scene and the way her community supports other artists. Her upcoming book, the second edition of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art. Getting better results by truly listening rather than by imposing your ideas — especially in local politics. How she learned how to pace herself and manage her time more effectively. Inspiration for artists on how they can be catalysts in their communities.   Resources: The Artist’s Guide to Public Art Lynn Basa The Corner Project I’d Rather Be in the Studio   Quotes: “Art is a billion dollar business, and someone has to do it.” “There is so much demand for art of all kinds.” “Buying art isn’t a rich person’s hobby anymore.” “I do think artists have a holistic way of looking at the world, and we need to recognize that.” “Look around you, there are more resources than you think. “   *** This episode of the Art Biz Podcast is sponsored by our Art Career Success System, a year-long business training program for committed artists. See http://ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com ***

Missy Graff Ballone, artist and founder of Wellness for Makers, joins the show to discuss the importance of taking care of your most precious asset for making art: your body. She shares her own background as an artist, massage therapist and yoga instructor, and why she saw a need to provide resources that help artists take care of their bodies so they can make more art, and in turn, run their businesses. She also gives tools artists can use to get started in their new journey towards better health.   In this interview, you will Missy hear talk about: Her background as an artist, massage therapist, and yoga instructor, and how all three are instrumental in her career today. How she blended her artistry and love of the body to motivate and empower artists through education, mindful living, and movement. Why she felt it important to teach artists accessible self-care to improve the longevity of their bodies, and ultimately their career. How it’s never too late to invest in yourself and focus on the key assets — your body and health! The importance of creating extra variety in your movements in the studio. How we can become more consciously aware of the patterns we create within our body, and the most common ailments artists typically endure. Some gentle techniques and tools that she finds important and effective. The theme of resilience and how it relates to wellness for artists.   Resources: Wellness for Makers Complete Wellness Kit 4 Weeks of Resilience   Quotes: “We can’t make art without a healthy body.” “An artist’s number one asset in their business isn’t their mailing list, it’s their body.” “Our body is our most important tool.” “Learning about the body is really empowering.” “I love the idea of resilience in the body.”     *** This episode of the Art Biz Podcast is sponsored by our Art Biz Mastermind Workshops, where we can accomplish more in two days than if you spent 6 months trying to figure it out yourself. See http://ArtBizMastermind.com***

Gwen Fox, a professional artist, instructor, and coach, joins the show to talk about building confidence. We discuss the difference between a belief and a truth, silencing our inner critic, how to overcome setbacks and deal gracefully with unwanted commentary. Gwen shares some of her own affirmations and gives specific ways in which we can use goal setting and visualization to create a life we may have never even dreamt was possible.   In this interview, you will Gwen hear talk about: What you can do when your confidence is dashed, and how perfectionism and negative self-talk doesn’t help. Why some people appear more confident than others, and where confidence doesn’t come from. Why it’s crucial to surround yourself with those that give you confidence. Gwen’s personal experience of an authority figure questioning her intellectual capabilities, and how she finally shed the belief of not being “smart enough” that plagued her for years. The difference between beliefs and truths, and how to acknowledge and then silence your inner critic. Why so many artists suffer from the imposter syndrome, and how to combat it. How the words you choose to describe yourself shape the entire creative process. Examples of affirmations that Gwen herself uses for success and confidence. How Gwen looks at failure and mistakes as learning lessons and highways to success. The two best words you could ever ask yourself: “what if”. The importance of using visualization, affirmations, and goal setting as tools to shape confidence and release your artistic voice into the world. Why Gwen fully believes we produce better art when we are kind to ourselves.   Resources: Gwen Fox   Quotes: “Confidence is a mindset.” “Creating comes from your soul, and it’s where you reveal the deep, intimate side of yourself.” “Your creativity is what is so important. No one has your voice.” “What we feed ourselves mentally is what we bring about.” “The most important real estate in the world is the 6 inches between your ears.” “Know that failure is an event, it is not personal.”     *** This episode is brought to you by the Art Biz Inner Circle. This is a group of unapologetically ambitious artists that my team and I worked with for a year. We help our members with goals, mindset, business strategies, and focus. See – http://artbizinnercircle.com ***

One artist’s journey is never the same as another’s. Not only do you have to be creative in what you make, but also in how you get it out there, connect with the right people and situations, and create a sustainable living. There is no perfect blueprint on how to make money or create a sustainable career, but for Jan R. Carson, the focus is on the quality of the work. In this episode, she talks about her own journey from a production artist since 1999 making over 7,000 silk and stainless steel wire mobiles, to her decision to leave behind what had been a safe income to go after the art and life she wants for herself. She discusses the balance of both worlds and how she has made it work successfully over the years, the selection process for the shows she enters, the vulnerable side of transitioning to a fine artist, and advice for artists looking to take a risk and leave what is safe.   In this interview, you will hear Jan talk about:   The non-linear career path of professional artists, and why determination and vulnerability are two key characteristics. Her personal transition from a production artist to a fine artist over the last 10 years. More about Jan’s Moon-Lily Silk Mobiles, and what is involved with production and filling orders. The many hats she wears in navigating the construction of the mobiles, along with marketing, accounting, etc. Why she found it easier to retain and train people as employees rather than interns. What led her into production work and the retail business, and how it showed her that it was possible to make a living as a fine artist. Why she feels as though production art is tough for artists that want to explore and grow the different facets of their art. The point at which Jan knew she needed to begin shifting towards making her own art, and the steps she is taking towards balancing both production work and creation. Her commitment to letting her body make the work, and keeping her mind out of it. How she got the confidence in herself and her artwork to exhibit it, and what it felt like to put it out into the world. The important question artists need to ask themselves: What do I need to make? Not: How do I sell my art? The challenges of textile art, and connecting with the right people that will lead to sustainable income. The social component of being an artist, and how Jan navigates the world as a self-proclaimed shy homebody, to integrate her personal confidence more into her art. The importance of listening, connection, and staying open and present as an artist.   Resources: Moon-Lily Mobiles Five Years Out Cherry Creek Arts Festival