The Artist's Guide to Business

The Artist's Guide to Business

The Artist’s Guide to Business helps creative entrepreneurs, makers, and artists build thriving, sustainable businesses. Each week, Kay Potter shares proven strategies on how to grow your art business, market your work, and confidently navigate the business side of being a working artist. From pricing and promotion to email marketing and mindset, this podcast is your step-by-step guide from easel to CEO — and back again.

Episodes

August 8, 2025 20 mins

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Description: Discover the science behind why protecting your creative time isn't selfish—it's essential for your best work. Learn practical strategies for establishing sacred boundaries around your studio hours.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kay challenges the common myth that creative inspiration should strike randomly and unpredictably. Instead, she explores the neuroscience behind deep work...

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Description: Discover why temporarily focusing on one income stream accelerates your path to a diverse, profitable art business faster than trying to build multiple streams simultaneously.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kay challenges the conventional wisdom that multi-passionate artists should immediately diversify their income streams. Instead, she reveals the counterintuitive power of strategic constraint—how d...

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Description: After 51 years in business, Pickenpaugh Pottery proves that "getting a real job" was never the answer. Discover practical strategies for art market success, sustainable pricing, and building a multi-generational creative business.

Episode Summary: Join host Kay for an inspiring conversation with Merry and MerryCline from Pickenpaugh Pottery, a 51-year-old family pottery business in Madison, Mis...

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Description: Discover why the seasonal peaks and valleys in your art business aren't problems to solve—they're natural rhythms to understand and leverage for both financial stability and creative wellbeing.

Episode Summary: **Episode Summary:** In this insightful episode, Kay explores the psychological dimension of seasonal business patterns that all artists experience. Rather than offering quick ...

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Description: Discover why waiting to "feel confident" is holding your art business back, and learn the science-backed approach to building real confidence through action instead of endless preparation.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Kay tackles the paralyzing belief that we need to feel confident before taking action in our art businesses. Through psychology research, real-world examples, and p...

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In this episode, I respond to an artist who's been diligently promoting her pet portrait business for a year without seeing results. I explore whether economic uncertainty affects art sales and offer practical strategies to refine your marketing approach.

Resources Mentioned

  • Complete Pet Portrait Business System ($99, price increasing soon) https://store.theartistsguidetobusiness.com/p/PPBB72B
  • Carrd.co for cre...
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In this episode of The Artist's Guide to Business, I dive into a practice that transformed my art business: quarterly reviews.

As artists and creative entrepreneurs, we're often focused on the next project, the next opportunity, always moving forward. But what if the key to sustainable success is actually taking time to look back? This episode breaks down:

  • Why artists resist business reviews (and the hid...
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In this episode, Kay speaks with Chika Obih, CPA and money mindset educator, about the often-intimidating world of taxes and finances for artists and creative entrepreneurs. With over 14 years of experience in tax strategy and planning specifically for small businesses and creatives, Chika breaks down essential deductions, explains how to shift your relationship with finances, and offers practical advice for approac...

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Do you want to attract higher-paying clients, confidently set prices that truly reflect your talent, and build an art business people deeply value? If you’ve been selling consistently but feel stuck at your current price point, this episode will show you exactly how to break through and level up your business.

In this episode, learn:

  • How your personal story can dramatically increase the perceived value of your art...
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Feeling stuck in your art business despite doing everything "right"? Discover how identifying and taking a specific kind of risk can create the momentum you need to break through your plateau.

In this episode, learn:

  • Why plateaus are normal parts of the creative business journey
  • The "Emotional Risk Formula" to identify which actions create true momentum
  • How to reconnect with your deeper purpose w...
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February 21, 2025 18 mins

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In this special episode, I'm sharing a preview of my new Studio to Site Workshop! You'll learn the three essential elements every artist website needs, plus my framework for turning visitors into buyers.

What You'll Learn:
- The 3 foundational elements every artist website needs
- How to identify your website's true purpose
- What your visitors really need to see
- Creati...

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Learn how to transform potential clients into dedicated advocates in this insightful episode.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Understand the power of the customer journey to create lasting connections and repeat collectors.

• Recognize that customer journeys are not linear; be prepared for clients to move through stages unpredictably.

• Utilize email lists and personal connections to guide clients through the consideration and decisio...

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Podcast Description

Episode Introduction

In this episode, I explore the emotional landscapes and unique challenges faced by artists on their creative journeys. I share my insights on the importance of self-permission, resilience, and navigating both internal and external criticisms, drawing from my own experiences as an artist.

Episode Summary

I discuss the significance of embracing individuality and pursuing a...

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In this episode, we explore the journey of building an artist's website with a focus on leveraging creative skills for effective online presence. Host Kay Potter shares her experience in guiding artists through the website creation process, emphasizing the importance of ownership, simplicity, and gradual learning in mastering technology.

Episode Summary

We discuss how artists can utilize their existing skills to ...

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"When you present your work professionally, something magical happens. Not only do others begin to see your work differently, but you also do so."

Introduction

In this episode, we explore the transformative journey of artists as they learn to present their work professionally. Our host, Kay, an experienced artist and educator, shares insights from their background in teaching sip and paint classes ...

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In this episode, we explore how artists can build lasting value in their business by focusing on assets that compound over time rather than temporary content. Learn about the "asset hierarchy" and how to strategically invest your time and energy for long-term success.

Key Topics:

  • Why some business efforts provide lasting value while others disappear quickly
  • The asset hierarchy pyramid: from emai...
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Episode Description: In this episode of "The Artist's Guide to Business," we delve into the critical difference between tactics and strategies in managing your art business. Learn how to align your tools and actions with your overarching business goals for sustainable success.

What You Will Learn:

  • The difference between tactics and strategies
  • Why it's essential to understand the purpose of the t...
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Stand Out in a Crowded Market: How to Connect Without Being the Loudest in the Room

In this episode, discover how artists can stand out in crowded spaces without relying on being loud or bright. Learn to 'call in' the right audience by creating curiosity, connecting on a personal level, and sustaining their interest with a clear next step. The episode shares tips and practical examples to help artists attra...

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Have you ever asked yourself, what else should I include with my art when I ship it to a client? Have you wondered if this is something you need to do? In this episode, learn why including something extra in your deliveries is good business and discover three simple ways to enhance your customer's unboxing experience.

Key Points:

  • Customer Perspective: Understand the extra effort your customers put in to suppo...
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