If you’ve listened to my podcast for a while, read my book, taken my classes or worked with me personally, you’ve likely noticed some recurring themes—guiding principles that shape the way I advise artists. These aren’t just casual suggestions or passing ideas. They are the bedrock of everything I do. They’ve been tested over time, refined through years of working with artists, and proven essential to building a thriving art career.
In this episode of The Art Biz I dive into the four core beliefs define my approach—beliefs I want to be unmistakable. I want you to hear them and think, yes, that’s exactly what Alyson teaches. Because once you internalize these beliefs, decision-making becomes clearer, marketing feels more purposeful, and your path as an artist makes more sense.
I also think you’ll find that everything you do is easier—because instead of operating from a place of urgency to sell, you’re building from a place of clarity and authenticity.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been at this for years, these four principles can help you stay focused on what truly matters. They’re not trendy tactics or quick-fix strategies. They are seminal truths that will support you for the long haul. Ready? Here we go.
1. The Work Must Come First
If you’re an artist, your number one priority—the basis of everything you do—must be making art. Before you think about marketing, selling, or gaining more followers, you have to make the work.
It’s easy to get caught up in the distractions of social media, marketing, or even teaching. These things can feel productive, and in some cases, they are. But at the core of it all, your primary job is to make art.
All of the work I do in my Essentials for Artist Success program and with my Accelerator coaching group revolves around the primacy of the art.
Listen to the Full Episode
2. Your Art Doesn’t Speak for Itself—You Must Learn to Communicate Clearly About It
I said it in my book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio, and probably a thousand other times: Your art doesn’t speak for itself. Here’s why: The rest of the world doesn’t have a visual education and doesn’t know how to look at art.
Let that sink in a minute. Art appreciation and art history are mostly electives, and the vast majority of people didn’t elect. So it’s not their fault that they don’t know how to look at art. Nobody taught them, which means it’s up to you to guide people through your art.
And if you don’t take control of how you communicate about it, someone else will. That could be a curator, a critic, a collector—or worse, no one at all.
Words connect people to your art. They help people understand what they’re looking at, why it matters, and why they should care. The right words can turn a casual glance into a deep engagement.
The best place to begin is with your artist statement.
Find out more about writing your artist statement ...
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3. Your Network is Your #1 Marketing Asset
Meeting people and building relationships is the most important thing you can do for your art career, especially if you want to make a living from your work. Opportunities don’t just appear—they are created through connections.
Networking as an artist isn’t something you try to fit in; it’s essential. And it doesn’t mean schmoozing at every gallery opening or forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations. It means being visible, engaged, and open to conversations—in real life and online.
There is no way around it. You must be seen.
The reality is that there are more artists than ever competing for attention, and you can’t afford to sit back and wait for opportunities to land in your inbox.
I've got you covered with more networking resources ...
4. Business Systems Help You Grow Faster, Save Time, and Elevate Your Professionalism
If you want to build a sustainable art business, you need more than just talent and ambition. You need systems that help you stay organized, make smarter decisions, and free up more time for your art. Business systems, which go far beyond a piece of technology, help you grow faster while saving you time and energy.
I know “systems” might sound rigid, overwhelming, or even boring but here’s the reality: Without systems, everything takes longer. Everything feels harder. Everything is harder.
The more you can streamline and automate parts of your business, the more energy and focus you’ll have for making art.
More about systems and the artists who use them ...
If I had a 5th core belief, it would be that small actions add up to big success over time, so I always encourage you to consider how the episode is relevant.
How are these core beliefs showing up for you? Take a moment to consider these questions:
What are you prioritizing, other than your health and family, above your art?
What steps could you take to improve the communication around your art?
Where are you falling down on your relationship nurturing?
Where are you missing deadlines, avoiding tasks, or making mistakes?
