Art + Audience

Today, Stacie is joined by her good friend and illustrator, Genna Blackburn, for an insightful conversation about finding your signature style and growing a loyal audience. Genna shares her journey from graphic design to surface design, how she overcame creative blocks, and the challenges she faced while transitioning into art licensing. They discuss the importance of developing a cohesive Instagram feed, building an email list, and consistently showing up for your audience. Genna's story serves as an inspiring roadmap for artists looking to balance creativity with audience growth.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Introduction to Genna Blackburn: Genna shares her background as an illustrator and surface designer based in Detroit. From ballroom dancing to graphic design, she’s found her niche in creating childlike designs for kids' products, such as diapers and puzzles.

• Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Style: Genna talks about the transition from graphic design, where creativity often took a back seat, to discovering her voice as an illustrator. She candidly discusses the self-doubt she faced and how she developed her signature style over time.

• Building an Email List: Genna emphasizes the importance of creating a lead magnet (like her free guide to finding your style) as a way to organically grow an audience. She shares how she built an email list of 4,500 subscribers without ads by simply offering value.

• Developing a Cohesive Instagram Feed: Cohesiveness, Genna explains, is key to growing on Instagram. She talks about limiting color palettes and planning her posts to create a feed that attracts both art directors and potential clients.

• Authenticity and Engagement: Stacie and Genna dive into how authenticity—being vulnerable about struggles and real experiences—helps build genuine relationships with an audience. Genna shares tips on how to keep talking about your work, overcoming the fear of self-promotion.

Connect with Genna Blackburn:

• Instagram: @gennablackburn

• Website: gennablackburn.com

• Download her Free Guide: gennablackburn.com/style

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

Today, Stacie sits down with Sandra Mejia, a Colombian-born, Canadian-based illustrator and pattern designer. Sandra shares her incredible journey of leaving a corporate career, pursuing her creative passions, and learning important lessons along the way. They discuss the challenges artists face when starting a business, the importance of focusing on one thing before expanding, and how artists can regain focus after trying to do too much. Sandra’s story is a testament to the power of taking risks, listening to your body, and building a sustainable business without burning out.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Sandra’s Journey from Corporate to Creative: Sandra describes how she left her stable job in Colombia to pursue art, selling everything she owned and moving to Argentina to find her creative path.

• The Danger of Doing Too Much: Sandra shares how she started her business by creating too many products at once, which led to exhaustion and a lack of focus. Stacie relates, emphasizing how starting small with one product is often more effective.

• Finding Focus After a Creative Leap: After moving to Canada, Sandra learned the value of narrowing her focus. She discusses how limiting her product offerings and honing her skills led to more success.

• The Importance of Strategy Over “Hope Marketing”: Stacie and Sandra both agree that hope marketing—creating products and hoping they sell without a clear strategy—can be a trap for new artists. Instead, they advise focusing on one signature product or service and building from there.

• When to Shift and Pivot: Sandra talks about learning when to let go of products that aren’t selling and redirect energy toward what works, rather than stubbornly sticking with a failing approach.

Connect with Sandra Mejia:

• Instagram: @artbysandramejia

• Website: artbysandramejia.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

In this engaging episode, Stacie sits down with Jehane, an accomplished art licensing agent and artist, to discuss the nuances of transitioning from a freelance artist to an agent. Jehane shares her 30-year journey in the creative industry, highlighting the importance of relationships, resilience, and authenticity in both art creation and business. They delve into the challenges artists face when navigating licensing, the vital role of relationship building, and how Jehane’s unique path led her to represent artists with her agency, Jehane Ltd.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Jehane's Journey: Jehane shares her evolution from a full-time freelance designer to founding her own illustration agency. With 30 years of industry experience, she reflects on how being an artist has informed her approach as an agent.

• The Role of Illustration: Jehane discusses the significance of illustration in various applications like books, branding, and packaging, emphasizing how it's often more about the narrative and commissioning process than just licensing existing work.

• Transitioning to Agent: Jehane talks about the pivotal moment of transitioning from artist to agent, driven by her love for collaboration and connection, and the need to continue working after becoming a mother.

• Building Relationships: Both Jehane and Stacie stress the importance of relationship building over sheer volume in pitching artwork, sharing personal anecdotes about mistakes and learning curves that shaped their careers.

• The Importance of Authenticity: Jehane advises artists to focus on originality and authenticity, steering away from following trends just for the sake of commercial success.

• Challenges in the Industry: The conversation touches on the unpredictability of the art licensing industry, the importance of perseverance, and how artists can sustain themselves creatively and financially without putting all their eggs in one basket.

• AI Art and Industry Evolution: Jehane shares her thoughts on AI-generated art, reassuring artists that the demand for authentic, human-created work remains strong, even as technology evolves.

Connect with Jehane:

• Instagram: @jehane_ltd

• Website: jehane.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

In this inspiring episode, Stacie chats with Rebecca Woolbright, a dear friend and successful artist who has transformed her art business from selling washi tape to running a thriving enterprise. Rebecca shares her journey from owning a snorkel shop in Maui to becoming a successful artist and businesswoman. They discuss the power of automation in scaling an art business, the importance of setting boundaries, and practical advice for artists looking to grow their businesses.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Introduction to Rebecca Woolbright: Stacie introduces Rebecca, highlighting their friendship and Rebecca's impressive growth since taking Stacie's "Leverage Your Art" course in 2020.

• Rebecca’s Journey: From running a snorkel shop in Maui to launching her art business, Rebecca shares how she started with washi tape inspired by her honeymoon in Japan.

• The Power of Automation: Rebecca explains how automating her email pitches with tools like Streak helped her grow from 30 to 170 shops, saving her time and increasing efficiency.

• Embracing Challenges: The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, systemizing your processes, and setting boundaries to manage your time effectively.

• Advice for Artists: Encouragement to stop overthinking and just start pitching your work, using automation to depersonalize and streamline the process.

Connect with Rebecca Woolbright:

• Instagram: @rebecca_jane_woolbright

• Website: manufactureawesome.com | rebeccajanewoolbright.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

In this solo episode, Stacie tackles a counterintuitive yet vital topic: the importance of taking a hard break when your art business hits a roadblock. Drawing from her personal experiences, including a transformative sabbatical, Stacie emphasizes the necessity of stepping back to rejuvenate, gain clarity, and ultimately, unlock new opportunities for growth. She shares how burnout and overworking can stifle creativity and progress and provides actionable advice on how to recognize the need for rest and implement it effectively.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Personal Experience with Burnout: Stacie shares her own story of reaching severe burnout in 2023, which led to a two-month sabbatical. She candidly discusses the emotional and physical toll overworking had on her, and how stepping away provided a much-needed reset.

• The Benefits of Taking a Break: Highlighting her sabbatical in Europe, Stacie explains how disconnecting from work allowed her to recharge and return with a renewed perspective, resulting in new opportunities and success in her art licensing business.

• Advice for Artists Facing Burnout: Encouraging listeners to recognize the signs of burnout, Stacie advises taking a genuine break—detaching from all work-related activities to focus on personal well-being and mental health.

• Personal Anecdotes and Practical Tips: Stacie shares practical tips for effectively taking a break, including delegating tasks, planning, and creating a supportive environment that allows for true rest.

• Reconnecting with Your Passion: The episode wraps up with Stacie urging artists to create for joy, take staycations, and seek inspiration outside their usual routines to reignite their creativity and passion for their work.

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

In this episode, Stacie sits down with Ashley Paggi, the creative force behind Ash Cascade Design. Ashley shares her journey from stay-at-home mom and graphic designer to successful surface pattern designer and business owner. Their conversation delves into the significant 'uh-oh' moment in Ashley's career involving a licensing lapse, how she navigated it, and the invaluable lessons learned. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring artists looking to build their audience and protect their work.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Introduction to Ashley Paggi: Ashley introduces herself, her business Ash Cascade Design, and her transition from graphic designer to surface pattern designer.

• Building a Personal Brand: Ashley discusses how her personal story and environment influence her art, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in connecting with an audience.

• Engaging an Audience: Tips on building an engaged audience through storytelling, brand photography, and intentional sharing.

• Navigating Licensing Challenges: Ashley shares a major licensing mishap, the importance of contracts, and how she turned a potential disaster into a learning experience.

• Advice for Artists: Encouragement to embrace mistakes, seek community support, and advocate for oneself in professional relationships.

Connect with Ashley Paggi:

• Instagram: @ash_cascade_design

• Website: ashcascade.com

Resources:

• In-Depth Contract Walk-Through with Jason Aquilino

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

On this special episode, Stacie chats with the multifaceted artist and educator Peggy Dean. Peggy shares her journey of embracing authenticity, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding her true creative path. They delve into the challenges and rewards of building an art business, the importance of being genuinely yourself, and the pitfalls of trying to fit into someone else's mold. Peggy's story is a testament to the power of self-trust, radical authenticity, and the joy of continuous learning.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Introduction to Peggy Dean: Stacie introduces Peggy Dean, highlighting her diverse artistic talents and her significant impact in the creative community.

• Authenticity and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Peggy discusses the importance of staying true to oneself and the struggles of imposter syndrome.

• Building an Audience Organically: Peggy shares how she grew her audience authentically without ad spend, focusing on genuine engagement and valuable content.

• The Power of Mistakes: Peggy talks about how mistakes can reignite passion and help artists return to their core.

• Teaching and Lifelong Learning: Peggy discusses her love for teaching, the courses she offers, and the joy of seeing her students excited about learning.

• Personal Anecdotes: Stacie and Peggy share personal stories about their creative journeys and significant milestones.

• Advice for Aspiring Artists: Peggy offers advice on trusting your ideas, creating more than consuming, and connecting with your target audience.

• Peggy's Creative Course Lab: Peggy introduces her course, Creative Course Lab, to help artists create their own online courses.

Connect with Peggy Dean:

• Instagram: @thepigeonletters

• Website: thepigeonletters.com

• PRE-ORDER: Jungle Tigers Tea Towel by Peggy Dean

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

In this episode, Stacie welcomes the founder of Gardenary Inc., Nicole Burke, to discuss her journey as a creative entrepreneur in the gardening world. Nicole shares her inspiring story of turning a passion for gardening into a successful business without spending a dime on ads. They delve into the strategies Nicole used to grow her audience organically, the importance of building real connections, and how to overcome the fear of putting oneself out there.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Introduction to Nicole Burke: Nicole shares her background and how she transitioned from homeschooling mom to gardening expert and business owner.

• Gardening as Healing: Nicole talks about how gardening helped her overcome personal challenges and inspired her mission to make gardening accessible to everyone.

• Starting a Business: The beginnings of her business, Rooted Garden, and the pivotal role Instagram played in her growth.

• Building an Audience Organically: Nicole breaks down her unique approach to social media, viewing it as a town with different levels of engagement.

• Content Strategy: Insight into the types of content Nicole creates to attract, educate, showcase, and invite her audience.

• Handling Negative Feedback: Nicole and Stacie discuss dealing with negative comments and the importance of loving your business more than your ego.

• Engagement Tips: Practical advice for creating engaging content and using automation tools like ManyChat to connect with your audience.

• Free Resource for Listeners: Nicole offers a free mini-course on creating effective social media posts.

Connect with Nicole Burke:

• Instagram: @gardenaryco | @HeyNicoleBurke

• Website:  gardenary.com | heynicoleburke.com

• Free Mini-Course: Available for podcast listeners at heynicoleburke.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

In this first episode of ‘Art + Audience’, Stacie kicks off with a fun and heartfelt introduction. She delves into the often-glorified journey of building an art business, candidly sharing the struggles, failures, and triumphs that shaped her path. Through this podcast, Stacie aims to demystify the process of growing an audience and creating a sustainable art career, offering transparency, encouragement, and practical advice.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Introduction to Stacie Bloomfield: Stacie introduces herself, sharing her background as an artist and entrepreneur. She started selling nursery art on Etsy in 2009 and now runs a multimillion-dollar art business, Gingiber, and an online program called Leverage Your Art.

• Why This Podcast?: Stacie explains the motivation behind starting ‘Art + Audience’, emphasizing the importance of building an audience for artists who may be shy or hesitant about self-promotion.

• Transparency and Learning from Failure: A central theme of the podcast is being open about the struggles and failures that come with building an art business. Stacie stresses the value of learning from these experiences and being resilient.

• Personal Anecdotes: Stacie shares personal stories of her early failures, such as a poorly attended craft show, and how these experiences taught her valuable lessons about preparation, display, and pricing.

• Building Resilience: The podcast encourages artists to embrace failure as a part of growth and to keep pushing forward despite setbacks. Stacie shares how meeting significant people through her failures has been a silver lining.

• Future Episodes: Stacie teases future episodes where she will invite other successful artists to share their journeys, mistakes, and strategies for building an audience and a sustainable art business.

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

Today on Art + Audience, Stacie is joined by the talented Mandy Corcoran from Amanda Grace Design. Mandy shares her incredible journey of building a thriving art licensing and online education business while homeschooling her three children. Despite starting her career in her forties, Mandy has achieved remarkable success by staying true to her passion for surface pattern design. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence, authenticity, and the willingness to embrace constructive criticism.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Introduction to Mandy Corcoran: Mandy introduces herself and her business, Amanda Grace Design, highlighting her work in art licensing and online education.

• Unique Background: Mandy's background in tech and education, including being the first female Cisco Networking Academy instructor on the East Coast, and her transition to art and design.

• Starting a New Career: Mandy discusses starting her art career in her forties while managing a busy household and homeschooling her children.

• Embracing Challenges: The importance of finding time for creativity amidst daily responsibilities and how drawing on her iPad at night helped her build her brand.

• Finding Focus: The pivotal moment when a portfolio review revealed the need to focus on what truly brought her joy—creating seamless patterns.

• Overcoming Obstacles: Mandy's experience with receiving harsh but constructive feedback and how it redirected her towards her true passion, leading to significant career growth.

• Advice for Creatives: Encouraging listeners to prioritize what they love creating, avoid comparing themselves to others, and embrace their unique paths.

• Quality Over Quantity: The significance of focusing on the quality of art rather than chasing vanity metrics like social media followers.

• Investing in Growth: The value of seeking honest critiques and investing in professional feedback to improve and grow.

Connect with Mandy Corcoran:

• Instagram: @amandagracedesign

• Website: amandagracedesign.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