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 must learn to communicate clearly about your work, why your network is your #1 marketing asset, and why business systems will help you grow faster and save time. Internalizing these beliefs will make decision-making easier, marketing more purposeful, and your path as an artist clearer.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, these principles will support you for the long haul. Join me as we dive into the essential mindset shifts that will strengthen your art career.

00:00 Introduction and Core Beliefs Overview

01:44 Core Belief 1: The Work Must Come First

04:48 Core Belief 2: Your Art Doesn't Speak for Itself—You Must Learn to Communicate Clearly

10:02 Core Belief 3: Your Network is Your #1 Marketing Asset

13:48 Core Belief 4: Business Systems Help You Grow Faster and Elevate Your Professionalism

17:59 Apply to Your Art Biz

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Guidelines for Your Artist Statement (ep. 50)

Being Seen—Networking for Artists (ep. 148)

How to Squeeze More Time from Your Busy Calendar (ep. 152)

How to Guarantee that People Remember You with Skip Hill (ep. 187)

📖 To read more find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/4-beliefs

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/ Because we are still committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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—understanding that an artist’s value isn’t determined by external validation—and how astrology can provide insights into creative rhythms, decision-making, and self-worth.

Highlights:

• What “enoughness” is and why it’s essential for artists.
• How astrology can be used as a tool for self-awareness, not prediction.
• The role of Venus in creativity, money, and self-worth.
• How understanding your natal chart can help you embrace your unique creative process.
• Why artists should pay attention to planetary shifts and their impact on motivation.
• Practical ways to stay inspired and aligned with your artistic path.

Whether you’re deep into astrology or a total skeptic, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into how artists can better understand themselves and their creative flow.

02:57 Understanding Enoughness

05:28 Balancing Positivity and Negativity

07:37 Self-Validation and the Loved File

14:09 Navigating Creative Spirals

15:14 Astrology and Practical Coaching

19:53 The Natal Chart Explained

30:59 Mars in Cancer: Navigating Life's Challenges

32:26 Venus: The Key to Love, Money, and Enoughness

36:10 The Power of the Moon in Your Chart

38:41 Astrological Insights for 2025 and Beyond

46:54 Staying Motivated and Inspired as an Artist

52:17 Practical Steps to Tap into the Bonnieverse

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Injecting Personal Narrative into Your Art with Sara Lee Hughes (ep. 131)

Why I Want Partnerships with Art Galleries with Evita Tezeno (ep. 175)

How You Want to Be Perceived as an Artist with Alexandra Squire (ep. 133)

Every Artist Is Designed Differently and What It Means with Jahje Ives (ep. 178)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/enoughness-gillespie

⭐️ Connect with Bonnie and the Bonnieverse: https://bonniegillespie.com

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

This episode of The Art Biz with host Alyson Stanfield focuses on the power of commitment and taking action toward your goals.

Explore how to align your schedule with your values, overcome hesitation, and stop waiting for the "perfect time."

With practical strategies like inquiry-based reflection and small, intentional steps, you’ll discover how to move forward confidently. Whether it’s honing your craft, building connections, or pursuing opportunities, this episode inspires you to begin today.

00:20 The Illusion of Time Management

01:29 Living Intentionally

05:25 The Power of Commitment

08:37 Taking Action: Overcoming Hesitation

13:26 The Artist’s Empowered Success Cycle

14:45 Inquiry for Progress: Reflecting and Committing

18:39 Encouragement to Act Today

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Christine Aaron (ep. 114)

What Your Failures Are Teaching You with Laura Petrovich-Cheney (ep. 95)

Are You Playing It Too Safe in Your Art Business? (ep. 92)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/take-action-today

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Host Alyson Stanfield discusses the benefits and strategies of a daily creative practice with Helen Hiebert, who constructs installations, sculptures, films, artists’ books, and works in paper using handmade paper as her primary medium.

This conversation acknowledges the value of a daily practice, but Helen is a strong advocate for what she calls “intermittent daily practices.” If sticking to a daily routine forever feels daunting, her approach might resonate with you.

There’s also a dive into Helen’s realization that as a teacher, she could maintain the same class structure while creatively evolving the content to keep it fresh and exciting over time—primarily to prevent herself from getting bored. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the act of making—without obsessing over the final outcome.

04:00 Helen's Income Streams Update

[ see Transform Your Creative Ideas into Multiple Income Streams with Helen Hiebert (ep. 18) ]

06:14 Daily Practice and Paper Weaving

22:30 Teaching and Online Classes

26:10 The Different Types of Students

26:42 Keeping the Class Interesting

28:17 Innovative Teaching Methods

32:49 Tips for Sticking to a Daily Practice

37:43 The Importance of Community and Accountability

45:41 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Events

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Creative Placemaking and Public Art with Lynn Basa (ep. 26)

Focusing on the Art, Not the Art Business with Rebecca Welz (ep. 134)

Play Tops Work, Connection Tops Solitude, and Confidence Tops Fear with Willie Cole (ep. 126)

Using Her Superpower and Biomaterials with Kelly M. O’Brien (ep. 196)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit artbizsuccess.com/intermittent-practices

⭐️ Connect with Helen and see more of her art: https://helenhiebertstudio.com/

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Debbie Mueller talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how she has cultivated resilience and bravery as an artist, from finding her community to embracing opportunities that might initially feel intimidating. She also discusses how she’s navigated challenges like rejection and the balancing act of art and life.

Debbie credits her successes not just to hard work and persistence but to a little bit of luck—though her version of luck is decidedly hard-earned.

Whether you’re just starting out as an artist or looking for inspiration to take your next bold step, Debbie’s story is a reminder that bravery, persistence, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

01:38 Discovering a Passion for Painting 06:01 Balancing Medicine and Art 08:28 The Role of Luck and Hard Work 15:46 Resources and Inspirations 21:09 The Importance of Community 28:54 Teaching and Personal Growth 30:23 Setting Goals and Looking Ahead 37:15 Conclusion and Bravery Challenge

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

These episodes touch on rejection and resilience:

Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Christine Aaron (ep. 114)

What Your Failures Are Teaching You with Laura Petrovich-Cheney (ep. 95)

Are You Playing It Too Safe in Your Art Business? (ep. 92)

Dealing with Rejection with Megan Wimberley (ep. 197)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/mueller-bravery

⭐️ Connect with Debbie Mueller and see more of her art: https://debbiemuellerart.com

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

From sketchbook notes and letters, to authoring her own exhibition catalogues and eventually publishing a memoir, to her thoughtful weekly Substack newsletter, The Lifeboat, Samantha Clark reflects on how writing fosters clarity and confidence for herself and the artists she mentors.

In a conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Samantha discusses how writing can deepen one's creative practice, the value of opening conversations, and how she maintains a writing schedule alongside her work in the studio.

They also delve into the practicalities of living and working in a remote location and how artists can view marketing not as a chore but as an opportunity to build meaningful connections.

00:43 Meet Samantha Clark: Visual Artist, Writer, and Author

02:23 Samantha's Artistic Journey and Writing Integration

04:22 Living and Creating on Orkney Island

10:43 Balancing Art, Writing, and Mentoring

15:28 The Power of Writing for the Creative Practice

27:26 Weekly Writing Routine

28:39 Newsletter Content and Process

30:47 Why Samantha Transitioned to Substack

35:33 Monetizing and Community Building

43:08 Samantha’s Writing Schedule

47:39 Looking Forward to 2025

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Writing on Substack Can Be Integral to Your Creative Process with Ann Balaam Miller (210)

Imperfect Journaling for Artists with Cynthia Morris (51)

Guidelines for Your Artist Statement (50)

Publishing a How To Book for Artists with Carol McIntyre (37)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/clark-writing

⭐️ Connect with Samantha, subscribe to her Substack, The Lifeboat, and see more of her art: https://www.samanthaclark.net/

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

This episode is for you if you enjoy writing or aspire to do more of it.

Host Alyson Stanfield interviews Ann Miller, who has found a powerful way to merge her creative passions with her love for writing while growing her audience. Using Substack, she refines ideas for books, shares insights into calligraphy and design, and engages her audience with educational content.

Substack has become integral to her process, helping her manage projects, organize thoughts, and extend her teaching. By offering free content to build community, and exploring paid options, Ann balances creativity with income generation.

01:14 Ann's Art Journey

02:22 Diversifying Income Streams

05:31 Teaching and Workshops

07:42 Starting a Substack

13:05 Writing Process and Tools

21:59 Monetizing Substack

25:42 Advice for Artists Who Are Considering Substack

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Imperfect Journaling for Artists with Cynthia Morris (ep. 51)

Guidelines for Your Artist Statement (ep. 50)

Publishing a How To Book for Artists with Carol McIntyre (ep. 37)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/substack-miller

⭐️ Connect with Ann Balaam Miller, subscribe to her Getting Inky Substack, and see more of her art: https://pennib.com

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

Peek inside the elite art world.

Host Alyson Stanfield speaks with Michael Findlay, a long-time art dealer and author of the new memoir, Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man: New York in the Sixties.

They discuss his extensive career, insights into the evolving art market, and memorable stories, including an amusing anecdote about Andy Warhol.

Findlay emphasizes the importance of immersive, in-person art experiences and the qualities that make a great art collector. He also reflects on changes in the relationship between dealers and artists over the decades and the impact of modern technology on art collecting and appreciation.

01:36 Michael's Early Art Experiences

08:07 Art Education and Its Impact

17:41 The Role of Curiosity in Art Collecting

27:14 Modern Art Collecting Challenges

29:54 Michael's Career and Gallery Work

39:45 Andy Warhol Stories

45:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Qualities Galleries Are Looking For in Their Artists with Jeremy Tessmer (ep. 123)

Secrets from Copying a Masterpiece with Lilianne Milgrom (ep. 87)

Focusing on the Art, Not the Art Business with Rebecca Welz (ep. 134)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/findlay-memoir

✅ While you’re there, click on the graphic to download a copy of my Comprehensive Exhibitions Checklist + Timeline—totally free with opt in.

⭐️ Connect with Michael Findlay: https://michaelfindlay.com

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

This is a letter I wrote in 2017 to help a concerned father support his introverted artist son. I wanted to help him—and anyone else who wants to help an artist—understand the struggles of artists and how they can be most helpful.

My 7 pieces of advice (outlined in the timestamps below) isn’t given lightly and is based on decades of experience working with artists.

host: Alyson Stanfield

00:44 Dear Loved One 01:33 Insight 1: Accept Me as I Am 02:34 Insight 2: Respect the Way I Work 03:32 Insight 3: Acknowledge the Difficulties 04:41 Insight 4: Ask About My Goals 05:32 Insight 5: Offer Help 06:48 Insight 6: Support Me 08:01 Insight 7: Just Love Me

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

How to Feel Like a Successful Artist (ep. 165)

Being an Artist with Geoffrey Gorman (ep. 124)

How Do You Know When You’re an Artist? with James Holmes (ep. 88)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/advice-for-helping-artists/

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/

host: Alyson Stanfield

Artist and advocate Virginia Broersma talks with me about her efforts to support fellow artists through practical resources. Virginia shares how she founded The Artist's Office to help artists manage administrative tasks and created The Artist's Contract, a free tool for artist protections.

We also explore her Studio Loan program, which connects artists needing temporary studio space. Virginia's work highlights the importance of collaboration, transparency, and empowering artists to navigate their careers confidently.

00:22 Meet Virginia Broersma  01:16 Virginia's Recent Projects and Initiatives 02:15 The Evolution of Virginia's Career 03:49 The Artist's Office: Supporting Artists 06:03 Navigating Opportunities and Challenges 07:36 Balancing Art and Administrative Work 08:41 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Studio Time 24:57 The Artist Contract and Studio Loan Program 34:57 Encouraging Artist Collaboration and Networking

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

How to Legally Protect Your Creative Work with Kathryn Goldman (ep. 125)

Artist as Problem Solver with Michael Gadlin (ep. 93)

Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Christine Aaron (ep. 114)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/broersma-contracts

⭐️ Connect with Virginia and see more of her art: https://virginiabroersma.com

🟪 I have a short webinar that would be a great resource for helping you to increase the perceived value of your work.

It’s called How to Ask for More Money for Your Art. It's only $20. And the reason that I make it so affordable is because it's fundamental. I created How to Ask for More Money for Your Art because I noticed so many artists were sabotaging their work.

If you need to increase the perceived value of your art, check it out.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/