Ep. 15: Avoid This Costly Mistake: Insights from Mable Tan’s Art Business Journey

Today, Stacie is joined by Mable Tan, a surface designer from Melbourne, Australia, who transitioned from photography to art licensing. Mable candidly shares her journey through major career pivots, the impact of closing her successful Etsy shop, and the painful yet invaluable lessons she learned about managing finances as an artist. Their discussion dives into overcoming tax-related missteps, vetting accountants, and the critical need for structure in a growing art business. This episode serves as an empowering reminder for artists to take themselves seriously and build strong business foundations.

 

Today on Art + Audience:

• Meet Mable Tan: From her early days as a photography enthusiast selling prints on Etsy to becoming a surface designer with work featured in major retailers like Target and Nordstrom.

• The Costly Mistake: Mable recounts the devastating experience of being hit with an unexpected $80,000 tax bill due to a poorly vetted accountant during lockdown. This moment shifted her approach to finances and sparked growth.

• Resilience in Action: How Mable tackled her financial setback, found a reliable accounting partner, and restructured her business to prevent future issues.

• Lessons in Business Growth: Advice for emerging artists on when to hire professionals, maintaining separate business accounts, and treating an art career as a true enterprise.

• Stacie's Own Accounting Struggles: Stacie shares a personal anecdote about a similar experience with financial mismanagement, reinforcing the need for careful selection of financial advisors.

 

Connect with Mable Tan:

• Instagram: @mabletandesigns

• Website: mabletan.com

Connect with Stacie Bloomfield:

• Subscribe, Rate and Review: Art + Audience Podcast

• Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com

• Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart 

• Facebook: @ShopGingiber

• Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber

• Get the free 5-day email course at artlicensingplaybook.com