Networking & Relationships
The artists who build lasting careers never do it alone.
These episodes of The Art Biz feature real examples of artists who have cultivated meaningful networks and relationships, alongside practical guidance on making those connections deliberately and keeping them alive.
Turn Followers into Collectors
Strategic networking and visibility beyond art world centers with La Vaughn Belle (245)
La Vaughn Belle has built a thriving art career from St. Croix through strategic networking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and bold moves like hiring a publicist for her monument project I Am Queen Mary.
She shares how consistent newsletter practice, working with non-artists, and dedicating twenty hours per week to studio time transformed her visibility and opened doors she didn’t know existed. Her approach proves you can build a sustainable career from anywhere.
You don’t need a gallery, you need conscious connections (238)
Waiting to be discovered is not a strategy. You don’t need a gallery to succeed, you need conscious connections. These intentional relationships expand your reach, bring new opportunities, and sustain your career.
Learn what conscious connections are, why they matter more than ever, and how to start cultivating your own unique network—the one only you can build.
Strategic growth, collector relationships, and costly lessons with James Corwin (232)
Wildlife artist James Corwin has built a thriving business around his original paintings—intentionally adding prints, commissions, and a gallery to support his studio practice. He shares how he found his niche, structured his income streams, and learned to prioritize focus over endless growth.
Pay close attention to how James nurtures collectors. It’s not just good customer service—it’s a smart business move that many artists overlook or don’t make time for.
What a commitment to audience-building means to Noelle Phares (225)
Noelle Phares built her thriving art business by staying fiercely committed to audience-building.
In this episode (a continuation of episode 224), she shares how she nurtured that audience from the start, why she still prioritizes direct connections over gallery exclusivity, and the systems she put in place to stay focused on making her art. Listen for a masterclass in running an art career with vision, strategy, and heart.
How to guarantee people remember you with Skip Hill (187)
When Skip Hill said he needed a system for following up with his collectors, I knew I wanted to help.
He was neglecting his important business relationships at the most basic level. He said he was tired of being the stereotypical bohemian artist and ready to hone his business chops. Skip understood that the place to start this new commitment was with his network.
Overcoming anxiety about making art world connections with Heather Beardsley (160)
Heather Beardsley has managed to transform her social anxiety into opportunities—realizing that real growth could only happen when she overcame the urge to play it safe by sticking to open calls for entry.
Heather has learned to navigate the art world with intention, which has led to her current solo show at the Chrysler Museum of Art. We discuss funding, being prepared for opportunities, and building authentic relationships.
Being seen: networking for artists (148)
Meeting people and building relationships is the most important thing you can do for your art career, especially when your goal is to be a full-time artist. You must be social in the real world as well as online.
There is no way around it. You must. Be. Seen. It sounds simple, but I know this is not easy for many artists.
Boldly reaching out to art world influencers with Laurence de Valmy (108)
In this episode I talk with Laurence de Valmy about how she has used her bonus talent as a writer to make connections in all arenas of the art world.
It all started with the thought that there were people out there who knew more about how to “be” an artist than she did. She trusted that she could learn from them. Even if you aren’t a writer, I think you’ll be inspired by her boldness and creativity.
Artist as problem solver with Michael Gadlin (93)
Michael Gadlin sells originals, consults, teaches, designs, builds websites, and even hosted a show on public television. He is gifted with what seems to be an endless supply of energy.
Michael waxes philosophically about the life of an artist. Deep stuff. We talk about the lessons he learned from other working artists, the artist’s collaboration with viewers, why it’s important to be part of a community, and much more.
