Alyson Stanfield, Author at Art Biz Success

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 …

The Venue's Responsibilities for Your Art Exhibition Read

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.

The Artist's Responsibilities for Any Exhibition Read

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.

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

Smart Strategies for Artist Income Growth with Monique Carr (ep. 193)

It’s possible to make more money and find a little more peace of mind by making a few tweaks in how you approach your art business.

In this conversation, Monique shares her income streams, how she uses her email list, and how she was motivated to do a Black Friday sale after working on her money plan with me and noticing that her gallery sales were down for the year.

Smart Strategies for Artist Income Growth with Monique Carr (ep. 193) Read

Thriving as an Artist While True to Your Rural Roots with Tracey Hewitt (ep. 192)

Originally from a large metropolitan area, Tracey Hewitt married a rancher and, like Lisa Douglas in Green Acres, said goodbye to city life. But she never said goodbye to her art.

I wanted to talk with Tracey because every encounter I have ever had with her as a member of our Art Biz Connection community has been positive. She is funny, warm, and generous. And she knows how to live life to its fullest.

Thriving as an Artist While True to Your Rural Roots with Tracey Hewitt (ep. 192) Read

A Blueprint for Producing Your Artist Newsletter

For more than 16 years I published a weekly newsletter without skipping a single issue for any reason. We’ve had the current system of multiple defined steps in place for many years, so it’s a well-greased machine.

I thought hearing about how we’ve made it work at Art Biz Success might help you create a blueprint for your own newsletter process—even if you do it alone without help. Here goes …

A Blueprint for Producing Your Artist Newsletter Read

Beyond Comparison and Jealousy with Jason Kotecki (ep. 191)

More than 10 years ago in a crowded conference in Philadelphia, artist-writer-speaker Jason Kotecki had an epiphany. He realized that he had a talent stack that could set himself apart from other speakers.

In this conversation, Jason encourages you to find the additional gifts that will differentiate you from other artists and allow you to move beyond comparanoia and jealousy. We also discuss his income streams and collaborating with his wife, Kim.

Beyond Comparison and Jealousy with Jason Kotecki (ep. 191) Read

Alyson Stanfield