host: Alyson Stanfield

Waiting to be discovered isn't a strategy. A gallery might help, but it won't solve everything. What you really need to build a thriving art career are conscious connections. These are intentional relationships that open doors, create opportunities, and sustain you for the long run.

In this solo episode, host Alyson Stanfield explains what conscious connections are, why they matter more than ever, the barriers that hold artists back, and how to start cultivating your own unique network with a list that only you could create.

00:00 Why waiting to be discovered is not a strategy

01:00 August solo series leading to the Followers to Collectors workshop (see other episodes below)

02:20 The changing art ecosystem — what has and hasn't changed

02:50 Defining conscious connections

03:30 Quick scenarios that show conscious connections in action

04:50 Why connections matter: resources, opportunities, momentum, knowledge, sales, collaboration

07:10 Conscious connections are the lifeblood of your career

07:30 Barriers: fear, logistics, and avoidance

09:00 The importance of focusing on others, not just yourself

09:10 Four buckets of connections: supporters, sellers & venues, influencers, peripheral potential

11:20 Conscious connections aren't optional — they are foundational

11:50 One small action to nurture a connection this week

12:30 Invitation to the Followers to Collectors workshop (Sept 9–10)

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

🎧 MENTIONED

These are the other solo episodes (so far) leading up to the Followers to Collectors workshop.

When the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235)

Clean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236)

Remove Barriers to Buying Your Art (237)

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

In these episodes, guests talk about the conscious connections that have helped them succeed with a specific project.

Multiply Your Audience and Expand Your Show's Impact with Jill Powers (27)

Knit Democracy Together with Eve Jacobs-Carnahan (64)

Collaborating on Your Art Business with Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin (86)

A Collaboration Between 2 Artists that Led to Creative Growth (183)

📥 RESOURCES

Planning Workshop:

Followers to Collectors – September 9–10

Essentials for Artist Success:

Ongoing coaching, support, and training

⛰️ 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 When someone is ready to buy your art, the last thing you want to do is make them go on a treasure hunt. Every extra click, unanswered question, or missing price is a barrier that can cost you the sale. In this solo episode, I talk about how you can take charge of the buying process—because while you can't control the economy or trends, you can control how easy it is for people to pay you. Key Ideas

• Collectors don't just buy art—they buy into the artist. Relationships matter, but clarity in the buying process is non-negotiable.

• Three keys to a smooth sales experience: Clarity, Ease, and Trust.

• Why your homepage isn't enough—and how credit lines, prices, and details create clarity.

• How multiple payment options and clear agreements make buying easier.

• Why trust depends on fast responses, transparent policies, and consistent follow-through.

• A challenge for you: Audit your own buyer's journey and fix one barrier this week.

Highlights

00:00 Someone discovers your art on Instagram—what happens next? 02:00 Barriers in the buying process and why they matter 04:00 The first key: Clarity (and why your homepage is not the best destination) 05:00 The importance of credit lines for every finished piece 06:00 Pep talk: Don't make people work harder to give you money 06:20 The second key: Ease—payment options and professional process 07:00 Stories about payment plans gone wrong and how to protect yourself 08:00 Why seamless transactions signal professionalism and build trust 08:20 The third key: Trust—buyers need to feel safe and confident 09:00 Follow-through, transparency, and consistent post-sale communication 09:30 The bigger picture: Trust and relationships over time create collectors 09:50 Your action step—audit your own buyer's journey 10:00 Workshop invitation and how this step fits into the larger journey 11:20 Closing reminders: You can't control the economy, but you can control how easy it is to buy your art Mentioned When the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235) Clean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236) Strategic Growth, Collector Relationships, and Costly Lessons with James Corwin (232) 📖 To read more and see featured artists visit https://artbizsuccess.com/remove-barriers 📥 RESOURCES Planning Workshop: Followers to Collectors – September 9–10 Essentials for Artist Success: Ongoing coaching, support, and training ⛰️ 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/

Most artists focus on growing their email list—but what if the real power comes from trimming it?

In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through why and how to clean your email list. This isn't just about numbers—it's about improving deliverability rates, boosting engagement, and building trust with the people who are actually listening.

If you want to email with more confidence—and stop second-guessing who's on the other end—this episode is for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Why list hygiene is essential for deliverability and visibility
• How neglecting your list hurts your confidence and metrics
• A 5-step process to clean your list (without panicking)
• Why this matters more than ever with changes to email deliverability
• A mindset shift: You're not deleting people—you're making space
• How this ties into the upcoming Followers to Collectors planning workshop

00:32 Why email list hygiene often gets overlooked but is critical for your marketing

01:49 The emotional impact of sending emails to people who aren't engaging

03:04 How deliverability is changing and why this matters now more than ever

04:47 What happens when you keep inactive contacts on your list

05:53 Garden metaphor: pruning your list is thoughtful, not ruthless

06:58 Signs it's time to clean: analytics, hesitation, and confidence dips

07:54 Step-by-step process to clean your list (starting with segmentation)

11:12 Why a smaller list can be more energizing

11:44 How cleaning your list connects to the Followers to Collectors workshop

12:45 Your action step this week and how refreshing your list brings clarity

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

The artists in these episodes discuss successful use of their email lists:

She Knows Exactly How Much Her Art Income Will be with Kelly Pelfrey (162)

Self Sales, Open Studios, and Relationships with Interior Designers with Carol MacConnell (171)

Increasing Art Sales with Online Events with Patricia Griffin (97)

Producing a Monthly Digital Magazine with Alyson Sheldrake (199)

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

📥 RESOURCES MENTIONED

Planning Workshop:

Followers to Collectors – September 9–10

Essentials for Artist Success:

Ongoing coaching, support, and training

⛰️ 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/

You've shown up. You've posted, emailed, exhibited, maybe even launched something. And yet... the sales aren't coming.

In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through six insight areas to investigate when your art isn't selling like it used to—or like you believe it should. These aren't quick fixes, but reflective prompts that can lead to real clarity and intentional next steps.

Whether you're feeling stuck, confused, or just curious about how to improve your results, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and reassess—with empathy and a practical path forward.

HIGHLIGHTS

01:00 – The emotional toll of not selling and how to approach it with curiosity, not panic

01:56 – Introduction of the When Your Art Isn't Selling guide and what to expect from this episode

03:07 – External Factors: What's beyond your control (economy, distraction, collector habits)

04:00 – The Work Itself: Has your style or message shifted? Are collectors keeping up?

05:00 – How You're Showing the Work: Venues, pricing visibility, and perceived value

06:36 – The Buying Experience: Is it easy to buy from you, or are you creating friction?

07:28 – How You're Connecting: Relationships, follow-up, and trust-building

08:54 – How You're Promoting It: Visibility, storytelling, and showing up consistently

10:10 – Reassurance and encouragement to act from insight, not overwhelm

10:52 – Three options for you

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

These episodes focus on self-sales:

She Knows Exactly How Much Her Art Income Will be with Kelly Pelfrey (ep. 162)

Increasing Self-Sales by 400% with Sarah Becktel (ep. 157)

Self Sales, Open Studios, and Relationships with Interior Designers with Carol MacConnell (ep. 171)

Increasing Art Sales with Online Events with Patricia Griffin (ep. 97)

📥 RESOURCES MENTIONED

Free Download and Show Notes:

When Your Art Isn't Selling – 44 Smart Questions for Insight

Planning Workshop:

Followers to Collectors – September 9–10

Essentials for Artist Success:

Ongoing coaching, support, and training

⛰️ 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/

Sculptor and installation artist Marianne Lettieri creates intricate, meditative work from salvaged and domestic materials. In this episode, she shares her journey from marketing to art, and how she has centered her practice around intention, discernment, and clarity—rather than urgency or trends.

She talks with host Alyson Stanfield about how she defines success, the importance of showing up in the studio (even if it's just to sweep the floor), and why research, ritual, and creative constraint are essential to her process.

HIGHLIGHTS

01:50 – Marianne's career shift from PR to full-time artist

03:54 – Why Marianne is drawn to historical artifacts and "slow" art

08:19 – Defining success: critical acclaim vs. financial success

13:14 – Income sources: sales, commissions, and artist estates

17:57 – How she tracks ideas and builds inventory systems

22:02 – How she's using only what she already has

24:56 – Making over 100 collages from studio leftovers

26:54 – A rejection story: the San Francisco dump residency

32:10 – Building community through art and faith

38:45 – How location (Granbury, TX) shapes her art

46:42 – Where to find Marianne + Alyson's closing takeaway

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Establishing Yourself in a New Art Community with Joan Chamberlain (mentioned)

The artists featured in these episodes discuss a very intentional path for themselves.

What a Commitment to Audience-Building Means to Noelle Phares (225)

The Joy in Artist Community and Paring Back Obligations with Ali Cavanaugh (190)

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

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

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

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

⭐️ Connect with Marianne and see more of her art: https://mariannelettieri.com

🎯 Ready to make a plan that actually supports your art business? Join me for the Followers to Collectors planning workshop on September 9-10, where we'll map out how your audience moves from discovering your art to feeling confident buying it.

You can sign up for the waitlist here. Or join Essentials for Artist Success today to get access to this workshop plus ongoing support, live coaching, and two additional planning workshops throughout the year. Details at artbizsuccess.com/essentials.

⛰️ 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/

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 performance to presence, broadcasting to connection, and perfection to permission.

Whether you're struggling to post, over-editing everything, or just trying to trust your voice again, this episode is here to remind you: you're not the noise. You're the signal.

[00:00] Workshop intro: From Followers to Collectors

[01:45] The fear of adding to the noise

[03:20] You're not the noise—you're the signal

[04:50] Where "quality over quantity" falls apart

[06:30] Some of your best content might be the quickest

[07:15] When perfectionism poses as professionalism

[08:10] What quality really looks like (hint: not polished)

[09:25] You can't control who sees it—just share

[10:40] Shifting from performance to presence

[11:35] Final encouragement: show up with trust

[12:15] Workshop + Essentials invitation

[13:00] Closing thanks + where to find more

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

These episodes also have an emphasis on mindset:

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)

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Christa Forrest (ep. 91)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and see our featured artists, visit artbizsuccess.com/noise

🎯 Ready to make a plan that actually supports your art business? Join me for the Followers to Collectors planning workshop on September 9-10, where we'll map out how your audience moves from discovering your art to feeling confident buying it.

You can sign up or get on the waitlist here. Or join Essentials for Artist Success today to get access to this workshop plus ongoing support, live coaching, and two additional planning workshops throughout the year. Details at artbizsuccess.com/essentials.

⛰️ 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/

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 the most, and why nurturing collector relationships is a cornerstone of his success. His perspective as both an artist and gallery owner offers valuable insight for anyone seeking representation—or thinking about opening their own space.

Plus, he reveals how he handles marketing, team-building, and staying connected to buyers in a way that's rare, but powerful.

Highlights

• 02:00 – James's start and finding his niche
• 07:00 – Focusing the business and saying no
• 13:00 – Early business experience and multiple revenue streams
• 20:00 – Print systems, marketing, and building a team
• 23:00 – Strategic growth and personal planning
• 28:00 – How James actually plans and thinks while painting
• 31:00 – Major failures: financial loss and Aspen gallery stress
• 36:00 – Representing artists and running a gallery
• 39:00 – Advice on gallery representation
• 43:00 – Building collector relationships
• 48:00 – Teaching, online academy, and omnipresence
• 52:00 – Business books/podcasts and what's next

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

These episodes discuss multiple income streams for the artists:

Expanding Your Skillset to Respond to Opportunities with Detour (ep. 128)

Juggling Multiple Art Styles and Audiences with Robin Maria Pedrero (ep. 103)

Beyond Comparison and Jealousy with Jason Kotecki (ep. 191)

Transform Your Creative Ideas into Multiple Income Streams: Helen Hiebert (ep. 18)

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

⭐️ Connect with James and see more of his art: https://jamescorwin.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/

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 shares 7 common mistakes, grouped into 3 themes:

Mindset. Connection. Structure.

Each is paired with a powerful inquiry to help you take honest inventory—and move forward with more awareness.

HIGHLIGHTS

03:00 What do you want from your art?

05:00 There's no magical moment when you feel ready.

06:45 Real artists don't have to promote their work?

08:00 There are doors you don't even know exist.

10:55 Templates, contracts, follow-up—none of it is optional.

12:50 Your art might be amazing, but does the presentation match?

15:00 These aren't failures—they're invitations.

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/biggest-mistakes-artists-make/

🔶 My Essentials for Artist Success comprehensive biz-building program can give you the guidance and support for correcting (or avoiding) all of these mistakes. See Essentials for Artist Success 🔶

⛰️ 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/

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 plenty of determination, Jennifer (at the time of this recording) has helped over 80 artists sell more than $174,000 of art in just a few years. In this episode, she shares how a simple idea (and a lot of spreadsheets!) grew into a platform connecting artists with buyers and each other.

In this conversation, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Jennifer about:

• Her "aha" moment as a new artist that inspired an artist-centered online gallery.
• The key qualities Jennifer looks for (like clarity, consistency, and an active practice) when reviewing an artist's online presence—and what might make her pass.
• Why community and collaboration are baked into the Artburst model, and how they benefit every artist involved.
• Strategies for overcoming artists' reluctance to promote their work and engage their audiences.
• How fear, perfectionism, and overthinking can sabotage art sales—and ways to avoid these common pitfalls.

⌛️ HIGHLIGHTS

00:35 Meet Jennifer Steck – From police captain to artist entrepreneur.

06:00 The "aha" moment – How a Facebook art auction sparked the idea for Artburst Studios.

10:30 Running a virtual art show – Artburst's short pop-up exhibitions and the importance of artists actively promoting their work.

13:45 Emphasizing community – Encouraging artists to support one another and provide great experiences for their buyers.

16:00 Choosing the right artists – What Jennifer looks for online (and the red flags that make her say "no thanks").

22:10 Personal touch in sales – How Artburst handles sales and gets artists directly connected with their buyers.

26:30 Why artists resist marketing – Understanding the stigma around self-promotion and how Jennifer helps artists move past it.

35:00 Conquering common mindset blocks – Tackling fear of exposure, perfectionism, and "analysis paralysis" that can hold artists back.

40:00 Looking ahead – Jennifer's plans to launch the Artburst Boutique for smaller, more frequent art shows.

44:00 Final encouragement – An open invitation for artists to get involved, and why showing up (like attending shows) is so important before seeking opportunities.

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Not All Online Galleries are Created Equal with Alex Farkas (ep. 132)

Presenting Yourself Professionally on Your Artist Website with Jessica Burko (ep. 174)

Selling Directly to Collectors at Open Studios with Jeff Schaller (ep. 195)

📖 To read and see more visit https://artbizsuccess.com/artburst-steck

⭐️ Connect with Jennifer and see what she's up to at ArtburstStudios.com and see her art at JenniferSteck.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 ! ~ ~

At Art Biz Success and on this show, we believe in DEI. 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/

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 intention to the viewer's experience and give your work a voice when you're not there to speak for it.

Fran shares her own turning point with titling, walks us through her thoughtful process, and explains why she believes writing—especially titling—is part of every professional artist's responsibility.

00:00 – Why titling your artwork is an act of creative responsibility

03:45 – The emotional and symbolic power a title carries

07:50 – Fran's turning point: when numbering her work wasn't enough

13:55 – A step-by-step process for discovering the right title

20:50 – How titling deepens your understanding of your own work

24:00 – Balancing personal expression with professional presentation

32:10 – The essential role of writing in every artist's practice

40:15 – Titles as bridges between the art, the artist, and the audience

📖 To read more, find links, and connect with Alyson, see The Art Biz ep. 229.

⭐️ Read about Fran, grab her book, and see more of her art: https://frangardnerart.com

🆓 🖨️ Writing and talking about your art can feel overwhelming—especially when you're staring at a blank screen. That's where Studio to Spotlight comes in. This free download includes 28 thoughtful prompts designed to get you writing, reflecting, and sharing more confidently about your work.

Download From Studio to Spotlight.

🔶 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.

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

You can't go wrong with these additional episodes about writing for expanding your creativity and your art business:

Fostering Clarity and Confidence Through Writing with Samantha Clark (211)

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

Guidelines for Your Artist Statement (50)

⛰️ 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/