The Artist's Guide to Business

Send us Fan Mail In this Q&A episode, Kay responds to various questions submitted by artists through an email newsletter, covering topics vital for artists looking to focus on their craft without distractions, find customers, understand the importance of pricing consistency, the pros and cons of turning art into a business versus keeping it as a hobby, and how to "beat" the social me...

Send us Fan Mail Starting an art business with limited finances might seem challenging, but it's certainly possible. This episode provides you with practical insights and strategies to overcome financial restraints and launch your art business successfully. And even if you have more funding to put into your business, this episode helps you pay attention to the essentials. In this episode, you...

Send us Fan Mail Developing a professional online presence as an artist can feel daunting, especially with the pressure to mimic successful artists. In this episode, we unpack the common mistakes artists make when creating their websites and offers practical advice for a more effective approach. In this episode, you'll learn: Why it's vital to avoid just mimicking the websites of success...

Send us Fan Mail Struggling to draw that first line on a blank canvas or make a bold move in your art business? Then this episode is just what you need. Join us as we uncover the art of taking imperfect action, and how it can serve as a stepping stone to real growth and success both in art and business.    In this episode, you'll learn: How an unexpected lesson from eighth-grade art class tea...

Send us Fan Mail Does managing your art business often feel like a daunting task? Are you stuck wondering how to balance between creating high-value original artwork and the easy-to-sell, low-priced pieces like prints, stickers, and note cards?  In this episode, we delve into this common artist dilemma and offer valuable strategic insights, helping you navigate your business model with ease. What...

Send us Fan Mail Are you an artist who finds it difficult to switch off your thinking about work, to take a break or to disconnect from your business? If so, this episode is for you.  In this episode, you can learn: - To understand and appreciate the necessity of stepping away from work, even if you're self-employed. - How to identify different behaviors and thinking patterns in your business...

Send us Fan Mail As an artist, do you find it challenging to put yourself in your customer's shoes and assign a value for your work? Does money mindset affect how you outline your pricing strategy? If so, this podcast episode could offer the momentum shift you've been searching for. In this episode, you will learn: The importance of viewing your art from your customer's perspective,...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this engaging Q&A session where we dive into your burning questions about running an art business. From the complexities of handling taxes to the nuances of seeking gallery representation and the eternal struggle of balancing business with creativity, we're covering it all. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, answering questions directly from you, our...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of running an art business: adopting a CEO mindset for strategic decision-making. Perfect for artists at any career stage, we explore how to transition from day-to-day creation to big-picture thinking and strategic planning. This episode is your guide to navigating the art world with confidence and clarity. What...

Send us Fan Mail     Show Notes for Episode: Better Boundaries for Better Commissions Welcome to a transformative journey for artists and creatives diving into the world of commission art. In this episode, we unpack the mystique and challenges of commission work, sharing stories and strategies that aim to empower artists to navigate this vibrant but often unpredictable path with confidence and joy...

Send us Fan Mail   Show Notes: In this heart-to-heart episode, we dive into a dilemma that many artists grapple with: how to price their artwork. We start with a compelling story that challenges our perceptions of value and time, likening the pricing of art to the simple act of buying a cup of coffee. This narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the complexities of pricing art, movi...

Send us Fan Mail Crafting Your Artistic Voice: Writing Emails that Connect and Inspire Introduction: Welcome, artists, to a special episode where we delve into the art of effective email communication. Our host shares her recent experiences with Christmas commissions, capturing the joy of creating art that touches hearts during the festive season. Get ready for an inspiring journey into crafting a...

Send us Fan Mail Building Your Art Community: First Steps to Growing an Email List of Buyers Introduction: Artists, welcome to a practical guide on building an email list to connect with your buyers and fans. Dive into the host’s personal anecdotes from her artistic journey, offering a glimpse into the life and experiences shaping the discussion. Value of an Email Address: For Artists: Learn why e...

Send us Fan Mail Introduction: Welcome, artists! In this enlightening episode, we dive into the art of email marketing, a tool often overlooked yet incredibly potent for deepening connections with patrons and amplifying your art business. We start with a heartwarming story of how a simple Christmas card underscores the power of personal connections fostered through email communication. Deep Dive i...

Send us Fan Mail Wondering where to invest in your art business — especially when money feels tight or unpredictable? In this episode of The Artist’s Guide to Business, I take you behind the scenes of my own business and share exactly where I spent money last year — from tools to coaching to systems — and what I’m changing as I plan for the year ahead. We’ll talk about: The difference between smar...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus Episode Title: "From Emails to Earnings: My $10K Success Story" Episode Summary: In this bonus episode, join Kay as she unveils the transformative power of email marketing in the art world. Kay shares her personal journey and the remarkable success stories of three distinct email campaigns: from regular sip and paint parties to pet portrait commissions, and a one-t...

Send us Fan Mail Podcast Shownotes: Words That Work: Crafting Compelling Copy in Your Art Business Episode Title: Words That Work: Crafting Compelling Copy in Your Art Business Host: Kay Potter Duration: [00:00:00] - [00:31:00] Episode Summary: In this episode of "The Artist's Guide to Business," host Kay Potter delves into the often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of art business: co...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: Welcome to a lively and real talk about the art world's best-kept secret – managing the chaos of creating and selling your art without losing your mind! This episode isn't about fleeting productivity hacks; it's about setting up your art business for enduring success. Inspired by a meme that all too accurately depicts the overwhelming multitasking a...

Send us Fan Mail   Sales 101 for Artists: Unpacking the Sales Cycle   Have you ever wondered what exactly you are supposed to be doing to help sell your art? Or how, when and what you are supposed to say to potential clients?  In this podcast episode, Kay talks about each phase of the sales cycle for artists, providing insights on how artists can guide potential customers through each stage for mo...

Send us Fan Mail Do you ever find yourself unsure of what you need to say to potential customers?  Have you ever had someone interested in your art only to watch them kind of fade away without making a purchase? This week, we go deeply into the most important tool in your business toolbox for your sales: Storytelling.  This episode gives you three effective places and ways to use storytelling to b...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description: In this  episode, we delve into the crucial aspect of sales for artists: understanding and connecting with your ideal customer. Join host Kay Potter as she explores how to identify and communicate with the people most likely to invest in your art, moving beyond superficial demographics to the emotional and personal reasons that drive art purchases. What You’ll...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into essential strategies for artists looking to make their art business more profitable and effective, especially during the bustling holiday season. We cover everything from streamlining your product offerings to mastering the art of efficient production, thoughtful packaging, and streamlined sales processes. Additionally, we explore th...