Self-Sales Stories
Hearing how other artists sell their work is both inspirational and a fast way to discover what might work for your situation.
These episodes of The Art Biz feature artists sharing their real experiences — from online sales and relationship building to finding the right venues, with an honest look at the challenges along the way.
The internet might be ruining artists’ livelihoods with William Deresiewicz (205)
A deep discussion about the significant impact of the internet on the arts economy and the evolving role of artists in today’s market that is ruled by the internet.
Alyson and Bill discuss the challenges of discoverability and financial instability while emphasizing the importance of community support as artists navigate this changing landscape. Bill offers valuable insights on adapting to new opportunities in the digital era, helping artists feel less alone in their journeys.
Smart strategies for artist income growth with Monique Carr (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.
Self-sales, open studios, and relationships with interior designers with Carol MacConnell (171)
A lot of artists say they’d like to work with interior designers, but few artists have been able to crack the code for doing so. Carol MacConnell is one of them. In this episode, we discuss her income streams, how she, as an artist who is legally deaf, navigates conversations, and how she finds, nurtures, and works with interior designers.
You’ll also hear me plead my case for contracts. Always.
Leaving gallery representation to reach more art buyers with Adele Sypesteyn (163)
Have you ever been so focused on a goal you thought was right for you that you missed opportunities that might have been better?
You just knew that this one direction was the path you needed to take. And you might have ignored that it wasn’t working or didn’t feel like the right fit. Adele Sypesteyn discusses adjustments she has made to her art business over the years.
Following her curiosity and making new connections After 60 with Jan McCarthy (158)
Discover Jan McCarthy’s vibrant life beyond 60, where being an artist is more than painting or drawing. She prefers the term “maker.”
With a diverse portfolio ranging from businesses and fundraisers to artwork and interior design, Jan pursues her passions. We discuss her creativity workshops for corporations, casual yet impactful women’s mastermind dinners, and her heart-driven project, Art for the Heart. Jan also reveals her strategies for connecting with interior designers.
Increasing self-sales by 400% with Sarah Becktel (157)
Sarah Becktel reveals how she increased her self-sales income by 400% by focusing on 5 indoor art fairs per year—all juried or curated—with different price points, up front costs, and markets.
She talks about her strategy for selecting the work each one: one is for only originals, another for only reproductions and products, and the third is a mixture of the two. Sarah also shares wisdom for other artists.
Increasing art sales with online events with Patricia Griffin (97)
If you visit Patricia Griffin’s website during certain times of the year, you won’t see anything for sale because she has sold out. Zero inventory. What you will see are items she has sold and an opportunity to get on her list so you don’t miss a chance to purchase the next time her shop opens.
Patricia and I discuss what she refers to as events—the sales of her ceramics she has 3- or 4-times a year that sell out within hours and have led to a dramatic increase in income.
