Alyson Stanfield, Author at Art Biz Success

Producing a Monthly Digital Magazine with Alyson Sheldrake (ep. 199)

Bored with newsletters? Alyson Sheldrake has published a digital magazine every month for 10 years. It promotes her work, her husband’s photography, and local businesses, reaching about 17,000 people per edition.

Alyson loves writing, designing, and publishing the magazine, calling it “the newsletter that thinks it’s a magazine.” Through Snapshot!, she promotes others who, in turn, help promote her.

By embracing rejection, artists can push their boundaries, take more risks, and ultimately protect and elevate their reputations.

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Beyond Motivation: Deadlines and Accountability Drive Action (ep. 198)

It’s fun to start a new project, but, if you struggle to stay motivated through completion, the ideas remain good ideas. In this episode of The Art Biz, I reveal strategies for unlocking productivity and success that I have learned for myself and clients. Learn how setting clear deadlines and establishing both internal and external accountability can drive you to conquer procrastination, finish projects, and achieve your professional ambitions.

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Dealing with Rejection with Megan Wimberley (ep. 197)

Rejection is a part of every artist’s journey, essential for growth and success. Megan Wimberley, artist and founder of Cowgirl Artists of America, offers a framework to help artists move past rejection. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and professionalism in managing setbacks.

By embracing rejection, artists can push their boundaries, take more risks, and ultimately protect and elevate their reputations.

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Vary Your Marketing Message

There is no reason to be repetitive in emails and social media posts when you promote your art exhibition, event, or class. Hitting a different angle with each message makes it more likely you’ll pique the interest of followers.

I have some ideas for doing just that. Many of these suggestions lend themselves to emails, while others could easily be adapted for social media.

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Using Her Superpower and Biomaterials with Kelly M. O’Brien (ep. 196)

The experience of spending more time in nature during the pandemic catalyzed an artistic shift in Kelly O’Brien towards sustainable biomaterials for her art. She explains her transition from high-carbon materials like glass and steel to plant-based, biodegradable options—sharing tips and resources for doing the same.

Kelly also discusses her latest solo show and her engagement with her new community, how she maintains a robust art presence both in the US and the UK, and funding sources.

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Why Many Artist Newsletters Stink (and What To Do About It)

Three words that can revolutionize artist newsletters: Focus! Focus! Focus! The mission of your newsletter should be to engage people and to forge a stronger connection between readers and your art.

There are at least 5 reasons why many artists’ newsletters stink. I give you an example of how to improve yours by focusing on a single artwork.

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Selling Directly to Collectors at Open Studios with Jeff Schaller (ep. 195)

To help other artists connect directly with buyers, Jeff Schaller launched a county-wide open studio tour during the recession, and it’s still going strong.

In this episode, Jeff shares insights on organizing studio tours, highlights the benefits for participating artists (and which artists do well during open studios), and emphasizes the importance of self-marketing. We touch on effective marketing strategies (he likes a catalog), his budget and associated costs, and more.

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Sarah Sze exhibition at the Nasher Sculpture Center

The Venue's Responsibilities for Your Art Exhibition

As with any business arrangement, what an art venue agrees to take care for your exhibition will depend on the type of venue.

While non-art venues might leave everything up to the artist, there are certain things you should expect from any art venue. Everything should be discussed and agreed upon in an official signed contract. Here are some things to consider …

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Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art exhibition opening

The Artist's Responsibilities for Any Exhibition

As an exhibiting artist, you have key responsibilities regardless of where you show and sell your art.

Never assume that venues (art galleries, nonprofit spaces, co-ops) will do all of the work for you. They have much on their minds and can’t give you their full attention.

Here’s a list of things to think about.

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How to Be a Guest on The Art Biz (ep. 194)

Even if it has never entered your mind to be a guest on The Art Biz or any other podcast, you’ll benefit from learning how to pitch your story.

Craft a compelling pitch with the five steps I outline in this episode: (1) Understand the show, and, related … (2) Do your homework, (3) Get clear about your unique business insights, (4) Prove your speaking skills, and (5) Submit.

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Alyson Stanfield