There are so many reasons why artists should maintain a blog, chief among them is that blogging helps you understand your work better—if you are honest in your writing.
But before I encourage any of my clients to blog, I first need to know that they’re okay with writing. Blogging is only for you if you want writing to be part of your practice.
Why artists should (and shouldn’t) blog Read
You did the work. You finished the art, delivered it on time, and hung the show. So why did only a handful of people show up to your opening?
In this episode, I walk through the most common reasons artists lose attendance at exhibitions, open studios, and art festivals, and what you can do differently next time. It has less to do with the event or how many times you post to social media and everything to do with relationships.
Why nobody came to your art show (271) Read
You spend a lot of energy chasing new buyers and collectors. But some of your best advocates are already in your life, and they’re ready to help.
In this episode, find out who they are, why they genuinely want to help sell your art, and how to make it easy for them to do it — physically and digitally — without feeling like you’re begging.
The obvious salespeople you’re not using (270) Read
There are many ways to make money as an artist, but adding more income sources doesn’t necessarily lead to more income. Each one requires time, energy, research, marketing, and systems.
In this episode, I clarify the difference between an income source and an income stream, examine the real cost of diversification, and offer questions to help you decide whether a source deserves a place in your art business—or needs to go.
Do you have too many income sources in your art business? (269) Read
Research isn’t only an academic exercise — it’s a commitment to following your curiosity, and it’s inseparable from making strong work.
In this episode of The Art Biz, I make the case that the artists who build enduring careers are the ones who keep asking questions: about their subjects, their materials, and anything else that attracts them. Here’s what that looks like in practice, and why it matters even beyond the studio.
How curiosity and research deepen your studio practice (268) Read
The artists who ask me “how much time?” are usually the ones still deciding whether they’re in. How much time should you spend on business versus making art, and how long before any of it pays off?
In this episode of The Art Biz I answer both truthfully — including a number you might not want to hear — and offer a better question to ask yourself instead, one that has less to do with hours and everything to do with commitment.
How much time will your art career take? (267) Read
Making a living from your art requires more than talent and desire. It demands financial clarity, the right mindset, and a community of artists who pull you forward. It means committing to your studio practice above all else, embracing structure, and showing up for marketing consistently.
If you’re considering taking the leap, here’s what that actually looks like.
Making a living from your art (266) Read
So many artists reach out to venues too soon — before the relationship exists and before the venue has any reason to say yes.
Introducing the attraction method for building visibility with a space manager/director/curator long before you make an ask. It removes the awkwardness and allows you time to ensure a good fit. When the time comes to ask for a show, you’re not a stranger.
Use the attraction method for art venues before you make the ask (265) Read
Waiting for gallery representation or other opportunities to cross your path is a common theme I see among artists, but it’s not a good strategy.
In this episode, I make the case for taking control of where and how your work is seen, with real examples of artists who showed up in unexpected places and made it work. If you’ve been cycling through juried shows or hoping a gallery will find you, this one is worth your time.
The artists who don’t wait to be chosen (264) Read
An art show invitation has two jobs: give people everything they need to know about the event, and use a tone that makes them actually want to come.
Here’s how to decide between announcing, commanding, and inviting, what to include when space is tight versus when it isn’t, and the common mistakes artists make on their announcements and invitations.
How to write an art show invitation: announcing, commanding, or inviting? Read
