The Art Biz

Many artists have a desire to open their own gallery, but few know how much work and thought actually goes into it. In today’s episode, artist and gallerist Tracy Miller shares her experience of running the Tracy Miller Gallery for the last 7 years. Tracy discusses the journey from Fine Artist, to working in a Gallery, then opening her own gallery in Manitou Springs, Colorado. She talks about what type of artists she chose to work with, why she chose the specific location of Manitou Springs, the style of Art of the New West, challenges she overcame when running the business, how to still paint and have time for your own art when running a business, and advice she would give to others looking to open their own gallery. Tracy also talks about her decision to close down her gallery and focus more on her own work as an artist. In this interview, you will hear Tracy talk about: Her background as a fine artist, and how her experience with wholesale helped her later with becoming well versed in retail. Her experience working 5 years at an art gallery in downtown Denver, and why she feels working at a gallery before opening one is crucial. How Tracy Miller Fine Art came to be in 1994, and then evolved into Tracy Miller Gallery in 2011. Why Tracy chose Manitou Springs, Colorado as the gallery location, and how the mix of tourists and locals was a smart choice for her business. Why 70% of her sales ship out of state, and the importance of running a good virtual business on social media and your website. The importance of maintaining studio hours when you are an artist-gallerist. What Art of the New West means stylistically, and how the wildlife, landscape and Western themes are brought to life in a contemporary and colorful manner. The vision that Tracy brought to curating a cohesive gallery that some say fits perfectly together like a jigsaw puzzle. How Tracy chose specific artists for her gallery, and why she recommends working with artists that have tested their art before, engage with their clients and fans, and are active in their own business. Why gallery owners should know the price points of not only the art in their region, but the city or community as a whole. Crunch the numbers, and know the numbers. The success principles of “acting as if” and getting involved with your local community to network. How the internet has changed the way gallerists and artists interact as a collaborative effort rather than separate entities. Overcoming major business challenges, including two fires, floods and road construction projects around her gallery. Why Tracy has decided to close the gallery. Why her profit margin was at least 10% higher than a normal profit margin for retail. The different types of galleries that artists can open, and the choice they have to feature only their work, or create a space featuring both themselves and others.   Resources: Tracy Miller Fine Art Tracy Miller Gallery - Facebook Tracy Miller Fine Art - Instagram Comment on this podcast Quotes: “I wanted to bring the finest in this genre that I could to our region.” “Little did my artists know how long I stalked them!” “If you want to be financially successful and sell art, I knew I would have to pick people that had a following and a track record already.” “It’s a long term career, not a fast overnight career.” “Do your research and know your market.” “It comes down to a lot of organization and discipline to paint while you run a gallery.” “Never turn down the opportunity to promote yourself and meet new people.”    *** 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 ArtBizInnerCircle.com ***

Meg Black, an artist known for her proactive approach, shares her journey of securing a significant commission for the Topsfield Town Hall. She reflects on past experiences that shaped her, including a pivotal commission for a local library. Meg discusses the creative process behind her artworks, blending local inspiration with history. She reveals challenges she faced without a patron and her strategy in enlisting community support. Listen to her insights on navigating funding, community engagement, and showcasing art that resonates deeply with the local audience.

Artists are so generous and I love to see them supporting one another. I’m blessed that I get to be the person who introduces them to one another in the groups I lead. After witnessing artist groups from the outside and within over nearly 3 decades, I’ve been thinking a lot about artist group dynamics. In this podcast, I share with you my thoughts on this topic. It’s just me talking, so it’s shorter than most of my episodes.  Here’s what I share: Four primary reasons to be part of an organized and well-run artist group. Four attributes to look for in an artist group that will match your goals and ambition. Take notes because this could save you a lot of frustration when you’re trying to find your tribe.  *** 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 work with for a year. We help our members with goals, mindset, business strategies, and focus. See ArtBizInnerCircle.com ***

Mary Erickson’s art sales have paid for her lifestyle, which is comfortable and adventurous, but far from extravagant. She is a savvy investor and wise with her finances.    Mary says she paints so that she can buy real estate so that she can collect art - paintings by other artists. You’ll hear all about it in this episode. You’ll also hear about:    How she started selling and why she believes being involved in your community is key to an artist’s success. How she keeps up with the 8 different galleries that represent her. Mary’s legacy project: High Ridge Gardens, a bird sanctuary and artist retreat on her property, which  she will leave with a funded endowment.   I hope Mary’s story inspires you to become wise with your finances.   See Mary’s art at MaryEricksonArt.com    *** This episode is brought to you by the Art Career Success System: a step-by-step system to implement for growth no matter where you are in your art business. See ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com***

Helen Hiebert, a successful artist and entrepreneur, shares her journey of turning her passion into profit. She reveals her five diverse income streams that allow her to thrive creatively and financially. Helen discusses the importance of embracing the business side of art and how she balances it with parenting. The conversation also covers her blog, The Sunday Paper, and the evolving world of teaching online. Innovative ideas like community projects enhance her artistic impact and connect her with a wider audience.

Many artists have a dream of doing their work full-time without any idea of what that means or what it would take. Dianna Fritzler made it happen. Not just once, but twice.  In this episode, Alyson talks with Dianna about the steps she took to make sure that her first year back as a full-time artist was going to be a successful one. She reveals:   The moment when she decided that her art could no longer play a secondary role in her life. The steps she took immediately that set her on the path to making her dream come true. The income streams she tested and what has worked (and not worked) for her. The vision she and her husband have for his future full-time role in her business. The amount of time she spends on business v. in the studio. How she structures her day to be most productive. See Dianna’s art at DFritzlerArt.com  *** This episode is brought to you by the Art Career Success System: a step-by-step system to implement for growth no matter where you are in your art business. See ArtCareerSuccessSystem.com***

When you find yourself making excuses as to why you can’t get into the studio or why you don’t have time to write that newsletter or blog post, think of this conversation with Annie Salness. Almost 10 years ago, Annie had a stroke and, among other challenges, had to relearn how to paint with her non-dominant hand.    While many artists would have given up when faced with the trials Annie had, she met the challenge and continues to challenge herself.   This is the story of a true artist - an artist who has something to say and is committed to making sure her voice is heard … her art seen.     See Annie’s art at AnnieSalness.com    *** This episode is brought to you by Art Biz Coach mastermind workshops that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com***

What will happen to all of your art and career records after you are gone? Will your family know what to do with them? Those were questions that David Paul Bayles had about his photographs and archives. And he had good reason to be concerned because they were valuable documents of a particular part of the country and culture.    See David’s work at DavidPaulBayles.com    *** This episode is brought to you by Big Table Art Retreats - exclusive artist mastermind retreats that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com***

How do you quantify quality in art? Alyson talks with artist Elaine Kehew who has set out to do just that. After receiving a negative review last year, Elaine is determined to improve the quality of her art and has developed 8 targets to measure her progress.    See Elaine’s art at ElaineKehew.com.   *** This episode is brought to you by Big Table Art Retreats - exclusive artist mastermind retreats that occur in various parts of the U.S. throughout the year. See ArtBizMastermind.com ***

Alyson talks with photographer and attorney Kiffanie Stahle about legal concerns for your art business. The way one artist protects his or her business will be very different from another artist. So much depends on your audience and goals. Kiffanie, who owns theartistsjd.com has developed the Creative Business Model Canvas to help you home in on legal priorities. Find it here: https://theartistsjd.com/need-business-plan/