The Art Biz

Thoughtful artists often hesitate to share their work publicly—not because they’re lazy or unclear, but because they don’t want to contribute to the “noise” online.

In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield unpacks that fear and explain why it’s often a mask for perfectionism. You'll hear why your content doesn’t need to be perfect, polished, or viral—it just needs to be true.

She also shares mindset shifts to help you move from ...

Wildlife artist James Corwin has built a thriving art business by putting his originals first—and building everything else around them. In this episode of The Art Biz, he talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how he strategically developed multiple income streams through prints, commissions, and galleries, all while prioritizing his painting time.

James shares the mindset shift that helped him focus, the failures that taught him t...

The biggest mistakes artists make aren’t about doing the wrong things—they’re about doing nothing at all. Avoidance. Waiting. Hoping something will change on its own.

In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield revisits and reframes one of her most popular articles, updated with a decade of insight and experience. These are not dramatic failures, but subtle patterns of inaction that can quietly keep your art business stuck.

Alyson ...

A retired police captain turned artist, Jennifer Steck realized she didn’t have to wait for opportunities to come to her—she could create them.

Seeing a gap in what was available for artists to sell their work, Jennifer founded Artburst Studios, an online gallery that’s part pop-up show and part community hub for artists. She had zero experience running a gallery, but that didn’t stop her.

Armed with curiosity, a clear vision, and ...

What if titling your art is actually part of your creative practice? One that helps you better understand your work, connect with your audience, and prepare your art for life beyond the studio?

That’s the beautiful perspective offered by artist and writing consultant Fran Gardner. In this episode, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Fran to explore the idea that titles aren’t just labels—they’re bridges. They link your creative intent...

It’s easy to assume that people will visit your artist website once it’s built. But websites don’t always attract attention on their own. You have to give people reasons to show up.

In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield shares 11 simple, low-effort strategies to guide more people to your site—plus a way to download the full list of 22 ideas.

These are real, artist-friendly actions that work in the background of...

What does it take to stick with one creative project for more than a decade—and still feel inspired by it?

Michelle Fung has been immersed in The World of 2084 since 2015. What began as a vivid dream in a coffee shop became a sprawling, interdisciplinary art project imagining five futuristic nations and their cultural, ecological, and political identities.

In this conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Michelle shares how she bui...

Getting gallery representation isn’t just about having great work—it’s about preparation, professionalism, and relationships.

At Gabba Gallery in Los Angeles, those values are at the heart of how things run. For more than a decade, owner and director Jason Ostro has led the gallery’s mission to elevate emerging and mid-career artists, while curator and manager Elena Jacobson makes sure every show runs smoothly. Together, they bring...

Building a sustainable art business requires more than just making good work. It requires showing up consistently, connecting with the right people, and staying true to a long-term vision—even when that means setting difficult boundaries.

In this conversation, Noelle Phares returns to talk with host Alyson Stanfield about the structures she’s put in place to support her thriving art career. From smart use of assistants and art fest...

Building an art career with intention doesn’t always start with a plan. Sometimes it starts with a gut feeling that something isn’t working.

That was true for Noelle Phares, who left behind a structured science career to follow her creative instincts—eventually leading to a solo museum exhibition and a thriving, self-directed art business.

In this episode (part 1 of 2), host Alyson Stanfield talks to Noelle about how she transition...

host: Alyson Stanfield

It’s easy to think that being a full-time artist means struggling financially. But painter Mary Erickson is proof that with discipline, long-term thinking, and a deep love of both art and business, it’s possible to build a creative life that’s both fulfilling and financially secure.

In this conversation, recorded several years ago and lightly edited for re-release, Mary shares how she transitioned from painti...

You work hard on your art. You want people to discover it. But if you’re relying entirely on social media to be found, you're building on shaky ground.

Search engines like Google, YouTube, and even Pinterest remain powerful tools for helping people find you and your art—but only if you’re strategic about how you show up there.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with her go-to SEO coach, Meg Casebolt, about ...

Writing about your art isn’t easy—but it’s one of the most important things you can do to clarify your vision and connect with others. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through a comprehensive guide to writing an effective artist statement that truly reflects your work.

You’ll hear why artist statements still matter, how to approach the writing process without getting overwhelmed, and what to avoi...

Guest: Ruby Lopez Harper, Executive Director of CERF+

In this episode of The Art Biz, Ruby Lopez Harper, executive director for CERF+ (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund) joins host Alyson Stanfield to discuss the vital work CERF+ does to support artists before, during, and after emergencies. As CERF+ celebrates its 40th anniversary, Ruby shares the history of the organization, its spirit of mutual aid, and how it has expanded its ser...

As an artist, you have the freedom to shape your career—but with that freedom comes the challenge of making decisions that align with your goals and values. Decision-making can feel overwhelming, especially when every opportunity seems promising.

In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield breaks down the Artist’s Decision-Making Framework to help you prioritize what truly matters. She shares practical strategies for...

Building an art business takes more than just talent—it takes determination, adaptability, and a willingness to keep going, even when success feels out of reach.

Stella and Gemma Stevens, the artists behind Two Faced Twins, know this firsthand. Their work—bold, colorful, and joyful—now has a dedicated following, but their path wasn’t always easy.

For two years, the Stevens twins struggled to sell a single piece. They faced creative...

Art has a unique ability to transcend language, evoke emotion, and bring people together across cultural divides.

This idea is embodied in the work of Samra Bashir, whose glass paintings celebrate the rich traditions of South Asian and Islamic art while inviting a broader audience into their intricate beauty.

Samra’s journey as an artist began as a personal escape—something she turned to during challenging times. But over the years...

host: Alyson Stanfield

If you’ve followed my work, you’ve likely noticed some recurring themes—guiding principles that shape the way I advise artists. These aren’t just casual suggestions; they are the foundation of everything I do. In this episode of The Art Biz, I’m sharing the four core beliefs that define my approach and help artists build sustainable, thriving careers.

You’ll hear why your art must always come first, why you m...

Every artist’s journey is unique—what works for one won’t necessarily work for another. Personal preferences, life circumstances, and individual personalities all shape how artists navigate their creative careers.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield welcomes astrologer and coach Bonnie Gillespie to explore how artists can work with their natural wiring instead of against it. They discuss the concept of enoughness—...