The Artist Business Plan

When she was in undergrad, Camilla Tassi majored in music and computer science. But when graduation came around, she was torn between two paths: either she accept a full time corporate job offer, or she could step into the unknown to search for a bridge linking both her passions. “I had a really influential mentor… she was the reason that I decided that ‘oh wait I’m not done with the arts.’ She wa...

If tax season stresses you out, trust me, you've got to listen to this interview with working painter and accountant Hannah Cole. Yes, you read that correctly – Hannah is both an artist AND an accountant, AND she's the author of the book Taxes for Humans, a guide for creative professionals looking to take control of their finances. "Art changes the world... I want artists to have more power and ho...

"I ask artists... are you really business minded? And if they say no, then I tell them you have to find someone who is." In this episode, we revisit our 2021 conversation with dentist-turned-visual artist Brent Estabrook. He introduces us to the heroes he's met over the course of his career, from the college counselor that encouraged him to stay involved in the arts even while pursuing the prerequ...

Before she became a photographer, Ambe J Williams was devoted to acting. She was juggling on-stage work with odd jobs in the New York City catering industry when she realized she needed a change. "If I lay down one more knife, I may flip this table. And that's when I was like, I need to get a camera." In this episode of our series 'Failing Up', Ambe speaks with Superfair curator Sharone Halevy abo...

In this episode, we revisit our 2023 conversation with visual artist and arts manager Kelly Olshan. She shares her tips on how to take advantage of the resources provided by the New York Foundation for the Arts, and gives advice on how to successfully fundraise and apply for grants. For more information on applying to The Superfair as well as recordings of this and all of our past podcasts, just v...

When Superfair curator Sharone Halevy was in high school, success meant fame, money, and Broadway. Looking back, she thinks she may have been blinded by ambition. "I was not a good friend as a kid. I think I was not a good listener. I had friends, obviously, and one of them is still my friend to this day... and I've learned a lot from that friendship over time." In this episode of our series 'Fail...

"We love stories and we love books and we love movies and we love theatre because we're watching people fail. We're watching people try to succeed, and when they do, it's something to celebrate." Introducing Failing Up, a series of conversations with painter and Superfair curator Sharone Halevy about embracing obstacles and reframing success. In this episode, Sharone tells her story about unexpect...

"It's never too late to change your life. There is no statute of limitations on your dreams." In this episode, we revisit our 2021 conversation with muralist & visual artist Sandeep Johal . For more information on applying to The Superfair as well as recordings of this and all of our past episodes, visit www.thesuperfair.com. Follow us on Instagram:  @thesuperfair ,  @theartistb...

For much of his working life, Kevin Champeny has operated in the shadows. He was a tradesman, sculpting products ranging from over-the-counter tablets to Obama's cereal bowl. Now, Kevin works full time as a mosaic artist. In this episode of the Artist Business Plan, we revisit our 2021 conversation with Kevin. He tells us the story of his career and encourages listeners to ask for help with runnin...

Emily Bourassa was in her late thirties when she began identifying as an artist. But she was critical of her abilities. To become more comfortable and confident with her newfound identity, Emily enrolled in an online drawing class. In this episode, Superfair co-founder James Miille speaks with Emily about the benefits of online education for artists at all levels. For more information on applying...

Listen to hear Superfair's Alex Mitow, James Miille, and Sharone Halevy talk about: -recent favorite art experiences -ways for artist entrepreneurs to feel more confident discussing their work -having your parents comment on your photographs of naked men

Happy 10th birthday to the Superfair! In this episode, co-founders Alex Mitow and James Miille reveal the origin story of the Superfair. In conversation with lead curator Sharone Halevy, the trio share lessons they've learned over the past decade of challenging the status quo in the art industry. This episode is rich with advice and encouragement for artist entrepreneurs looking to maximize and mu...

Social media is essential to operating an art business. But how do you post with a voice that's authentic and also strategic? On this episode of the Artist Business Plan podcast, tips for building a brand from Hannah Johnson. Hannah aka "Hannalah" is a poet and content marketing strategist for right-brained entrepreneurs and small businesses. She believes that the world needs more creative people...

Stop waiting to be discovered and discover your own potential. In this episode, we revisit our 2021 conversation with Alicia Puig. She shares straightforward, actionable advice for artists to activate their art careers. Alicia Puig is the curator & co-founder of PxP Contemporary , director at Create! Magazine , and co-author of The Complete Smartist Guide and The Creative Business Handbook . Y...

"Exposure is critical for the creative career, and I would say connection is critical for the creative spirit. They're both important in different ways." - Lauren Spangler, artist & creativity coach In this episode of the Artist Business Plan, guidance from creativity coach Lauren Spangler on getting unstuck. She shares tips for sharing your artwork and forging relationships with your audience...

In this episode, co-host James Miille speaks with the CEO behind his software secret. For years, James has used a digital tool to organize the interactions he's made in his career as an artist, helping him transform different kinds of relationships into sales. CRMs – if you're not familiar with the acronym, you will be by the end of this episode. Guest: Andy Fowler, CEO and co-founder of Nutshell...

In this episode of The Artist Business Plan we revisit our 2021 conversation with artist advisor, Carolyn Edlund. She shares her tips for forging strategic alliances, attracting customers instead of chasing them, and she gives us a checklist for transforming artist websites into booming marketplaces. (Her secret – high quality photographs, price transparency, and FAQs.) Guest: Carolyn Edlund is th...

In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Stephanie Sachs to talk about foundations for artists' success. Learn about focusing your earnings and fueling budding relationships when you tune into this lovely episode. Guest: After graduating from art school, Stephanie Sachs hopped on a plane seeking adventure and found a home on Maui. She has made her livelihood solely from her cre...

In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Josh Kasper to talk about maximizing artist studio visits. Learn about his interviewing process and having meaningful conversations with collectors when you tune into this lovely episode. Guest: Josh is an art advocate and Connecticut native who worked in asset management at Goldman Sachs before escaping corporate America to pursue his p...

In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Marina Granger to talk about adapting in an ever-changing market. Learn about staying on trend and pivoting your art career when you tune into this lovely episode. Guest: Marina Granger has nearly 15 years of experience working in the New York City art world. She holds a master’s degree in Art History and a special place in her heart for...

In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Justin Anthony to starting your artistic career on the right foot. Learn about targeting audiences and separating success and failure when you tune into this lovely episode. Guest: Justin is the co-founder of Artwork Archive, a leading art management platform that provides artists, collectors, and institutions in more than 130 countries...

In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Jordan Baraniecki to talk about being an "artistic middleman". Learn about approaching grants and the contemporary surrealist movement when you tune into this lovely episode. Guest: Jordan is a 3D collage painter from Canada. He obtained his Masters from Emily Carr University in 2022 with an emphasis on the resurgence of post-pandemic Su...

In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Brent Estabrook to talk about expanding an arts business beyond originals. Learn about new projects and developing a catalog of artworks when you tune into this lovely episode. Guest: Brent is an American artist known for his large-scale oil paintings of stuffed animals. Born in Arizona and raised in Seattle, WA, he holds a Bachelor of S...

In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Alexandra Jamieson to talk about her newest, controversial project - The Abortion Trading Cards. Learn about the creation of the cards and what she hopes to do with them when you tune into this lovely episode. Guest: Alexandra Jamieson audaciously spends much of her waking life making art despite not having any art school debt. A third-g...

In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Shawn Kolodny to talk about using Instagram as a negotiating tool. Learn about the art of negotiation and working on unexpected events when you tune into this lovely episode. Guest: Shawn Kolodny is an American artist, living and working in New York City and Miami, Florida. Drawing from a life spent amongst substance, addiction and mater...