The Professional Artist Podcast: Art Business Transformations

The Professional Artist Association
  • 5.0 (27)
  • VISUAL ARTS
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If you want to make it in the art world, talent is key - but so is mastering the business side. The Professional Artist Podcast is where fine artists and commerce meet. Co-hosts Miguel L. Mayher and Cristina Demiany guide visual artists through an audio gallery, exploring how to show and sell your art, land commissions, apply for artist grants, license your art, and much more. This is where your art career begins to grow. Miguel L. Mayher is the Director of Education at the Professional Artist Association. Previously, he worked with Google Arts & Culture, striking partnerships with national museums. He is also a Global Economic Symposium Young Fellow and a One Young World Ambassador. Cristina Demiany is a Senior Art Business Coach at the Professional Artist Association. She formerly served as Senior Program Manager at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and as Executive Director of the National Children’s Chorus. The Professional Artist Association is a global organization dedicated to providing real-world education for visual artists, including painters, sculptors, and fine art photographers.

  1. How Artists Actually Sell Art on Instagram (What Works Now)

    5D AGO

    How Artists Actually Sell Art on Instagram (What Works Now)

    Is selling art on Instagram really about followers… or is it a skill you can learn? In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, painter Maggi McDonald is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Maggi is a Sydney-based artist who has built a full-time career through vibrant paintings and a highly intentional approach to social media. Instead of relying on luck or viral moments, she treats Instagram as a system: one that consistently attracts collectors from around the world. In this conversation, Maggi breaks down what’s actually working right now when it comes to selling art on Instagram, how she built a global audience through consistent and strategic posting, and how she converts attention into sales without feeling pushy or inauthentic. This episode offers a practical look at using Instagram as a tool and how artists can turn visibility into a sustainable income stream. “ If you are wanting to reach a global audience, and sell your art all over the world, then you need to use Instagram to your advantage” — Maggi McDonald Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:59 Midnight Garden Creative Process (Intuition vs Thinking) 04:42 Color as Therapy (Mental Health + Mood Lift) 05:34 Art as a Survival Skill Through Grief and Trauma 06:41 Turning Creativity into a Full-Time Profession 08:35 Building a Global Instagram Audience 12:15 Planning Content with Strategy 12:26 Research, Insights, and Tracking Performance Metrics 13:50 Calls to Action and Non-Salesy Selling on Instagram 14:49 Sales Tracking and Website Landing Strategy 16:55 Finding Your Unique Style and Maintaining a Posting Mindset 20:35 Boundaries, Burnout Prevention, and Time Management on Instagram 22:23 Marketing Funnels and Turning Followers into Collectors Connect with Maggi Website: https://www.maggimcdonald.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggimcdonaldart/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Mentoring: Apply to join 99 artists for unlimited 1:1 Coaching & Mentoring to grow your art income: https://professionalartist.com/apply Membership: Join 1,000+ committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Free Letter: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration every week: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

    29 min
  2. How Artists Build a Career Without Galleries

    MAR 24

    How Artists Build a Career Without Galleries

    What if you didn’t need galleries or perfect timing to build a successful art career? In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, mixed media artist Dayo Johnson is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. For over 30 years, Dayo has built a sustainable career outside the traditional gallery system… through festivals, commissions, and direct relationships with collectors. Starting with $50 booths and small local shows, she steadily grew her audience, income, and opportunities through consistency. Rather than waiting for recognition, Dayo focused on showing up turning each sale into momentum for the next opportunity. In this episode, Dayo breaks down how she turned small art shows into a full-time income, how commissions became a reliable part of her business, and the unconventional way she funds future shows through her collectors. “ Even during times, when it feels like it's not working, continue on, keep going because there's going to be something that breaks through that allows you to do what you want to do.” — Dayo Johnson Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:16 Wild Child with Sunflowers: Story and Origin of a Piece 05:47 Before Painting: Career Transition from Vocal Performance to Visual Art 08:39 Turning Art into Livelihood: $50 Shows and Keeping Going 10:10 Translating Music into Visual Art (Venus de Milo) 12:13 Vulnerability in Selling Art and Advice to Artists 13:49 Building the Business Over Time: Festivals First, Galleries Later 15:10 What Sustains an Art Career: Shows vs. Commissions Timing 16:29 Commission Approach, Volume, and Managing Big Assignments 18:26 Unconventional Funding: Collectives Program for Show Season 24:08 Commission Freedom and Creative Direction in a Door Piece 25:40 Staying Grounded and Avoiding Burnout Through Love of the Craft Connect with Dayo Website: https://www.dayoart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayoart Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Mentoring: Apply to join 99 artists for unlimited 1:1 Coaching & Mentoring to grow your art income: https://professionalartist.com/apply Membership: Join 1,000+ committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Free Letter: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration every week: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

    28 min
  3. Redefining Success as an Artist with Alyssa Monks

    MAR 17

    Redefining Success as an Artist with Alyssa Monks

    What does success actually mean for an artist? In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary figurative painter Alyssa Monks is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Alyssa is internationally known for her emotionally charged paintings that push the boundaries of traditional realism while exploring the psychological complexity of being human. Alyssa shares why she resists the pressure to manufacture a perfectly cohesive body of work, how intuition guides her studio decisions, and how her definition of success evolved away from external validation and toward a practice built around honesty in the work. This episode offers a candid look at what it means to build a career that protects your artistic integrit… and why redefining success may be the most important decision an artist makes. “If that's what you're doing it for, for the recognition the metrics that are outside of our control, It can be something that could hold you back“— Alyssa Monks Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:04 Exploring Vulnerability in Art04:50 The Journey of a Self-Portrait 08:29 The Impact of Grieving on Artistic Practice 10:57 Intuitive vs. Structured Creation 13:45 Redefining Success in Art 16:58 The Role of Community in Artistry 20:35 Finding Inspiration from Friends and Peers 23:18 Coping with Creative Blocks 26:01 Hope as a Fundamental Ingredient in Art 28:22 The Importance of Personal Connection to Work Connect with Alyssa Website: https://www.alyssamonks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssamonks/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Mentoring: Apply to join 99 artists for unlimited 1:1 Coaching & Mentoring to grow your art income: https://professionalartist.com/apply Membership: Join 1,000+ committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Free Letter: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration every week: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

    25 min
  4. How Artists Work with Corporate Clients (Google, Amazon & More)

    MAR 10

    How Artists Work with Corporate Clients (Google, Amazon & More)

    What does it take to turn deeply personal artwork into major professional opportunities? In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, artist Charles Clary is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Charles is known for his intricate paper installations built from layered paper, drywall, and found materials. His work transforms themes of grief and healing into immersive sculptural environments.  Over time, that distinctive visual language led to commissions from organizations including Google, Amazon, and the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. These opportunities didn’t appear overnight. They grew from years of refining his craft, building professional relationships, and learning how to present his work clearly when large-scale opportunities arose. In this episode, Charles shares how personal expression became the foundation for major commissions, how he approaches  corporate collaborations, and why professionalism  matters when institutions come calling. "Be ready for it, don't jump into the deep end until you're ready to swim. It took a good development of the work to get to those commissions” — Charles Clary Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:12 Transformation of Personal Trauma into Art05:04 The Role of Childhood Experiences08:18 The Shift from Music to Art10:51 Discovering the Use of Paper in Art13:21 The Evolution of Artistic Style16:46 Corporate Commissions: Insights and Experiences20:44 How to Maximize Opportunities23:33 The Importance of Professionalism25:28 Navigating Rejection and Acceptance28:09 The Memento Morididdle Series30:54 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Artists Connect with CharlesWebsite: https://charlesclary.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesclary Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Mentoring:Apply to join 99 artists for unlimited 1:1 Coaching & Mentoring to grow your art income:https://professionalartist.com/apply Membership:Join 1,000+ committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Free Letter:Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration every week:https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

    31 min
  5. How She Became a Full-Time Artist (The Second Time)

    MAR 3

    How She Became a Full-Time Artist (The Second Time)

    For many artists, the question isn’t whether they’re talented enough. It’s whether they can actually make this work full-time. In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, painter and ceramicist Christina Villa is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Christina has built a recognizable signature style through her Wave Portrait Series…sculptural paintings inspired by Lake Michigan and coastal travels.But her career didn’t become sustainable on the first try. Her first attempt at going full-time failed… not because of talent, but because she didn’t yet have the structure to run a business. In this deep dive, Christina shares how she rebuilt her practice with systems, accountability, and clear procedures. You’ll hear how her commission process evolved from stressful and underpriced to a reliable business pillar, how coaching helped her and what it really felt like to leave her day job for good. If you also want 1:1 Coaching like Christina, apply for our Accelerator Program here: https://professionalartist.com/accelerator/ This episode offers a practical look at what changes when you treat your art like a profession - and how structure is often the difference between a hobby and a full-time career. ”I had realized that up until that point, I was part of the reason that I wasn't able to make my business happen.”.— Christina Villa Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 02:25 The Transition to Full-Time Art 04:15 The Impact of Coaching on Artistic Accountability 07:00 Transforming Commissions into Business Pillars 09:45 Learning from Initial Failures 12:20 Building an Art Business Framework 15:40 Importance of Community Support 18:05 Balancing Teaching and Artistic Practice 20:15 The Role of Commissions in Creative Growth 22:00 Breaking Stereotypes of the Artist's Life 24:30 Exploring New Artistic Horizons 27:10 Dealing with Challenges in Art Business 29:28 Reflecting on Gratitude and Growth 30:30 Closing Thoughts Links to artworks discussed: Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here. Connect with ChristinaWebsite: https://www.christinamvilla.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinamvilla.studio/ Learn more about The Professional Artist Association and 1:1 coaching: Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration:https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a comment. We read every single one.

    31 min
  6. 5 Income Streams That Built a 40-Year Art Career (Thomas Fluharty)

    FEB 24

    5 Income Streams That Built a 40-Year Art Career (Thomas Fluharty)

    How do you stay creatively sharp - and financially stable - after 40 years in the arts? In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, illustrator, painter, caricaturist, and teacher Thomas Fluharty is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Thomas has built a four-decade art career by keeping multiple income streams at once: editorial illustration, commissions, teaching, books, and animation. Rather than chasing a single breakthrough, he focused on daily discipline, skill development, and long-term diversification. From early mornings spent drawing Civil War figures as creative warmups to a late-night experiment with an indigo blue pencil that evolved into a 10-year signature style, Thomas shares how personal exploration often leads to unexpected professional doors. Thomas speaks candidly about controversy, peer support, mentorship, and the responsibility of pouring into the next generation of artists. His philosophy is direct: be humble, be teachable, be patient… and study with great artists. ”I have fires going on. I'm not only in one area. I have five or six fires going on that I'm diversified with where I make money with my art”. — Thomas Fluharty Timestamps: 02:01 Introduction 03:50 Staying Creatively Sharp After 40 Years 05:36 Influence of History in Art 06:49 Development of Artistic Style 09:00 The Start of Thomas's Art Career11:12 Distinction Between Illustration and Fine Art 13:21 Importance of Commissions in Artistic Practice 14:45 The Significance of the Hellboy Drawing 18:36 Peer Support and Its Impact on Art 20:08 Reflection on Sharing Knowledge with Others 23:07 Advice to Younger Artists 24:49 Final Thoughts for Artists and Art Professionals 26:01 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Connect with Thomas Website: http://www.thomasfluharty.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasfluharty/Learn more about The Professional Artist Association: Mentoring: Apply to join 99 artists for unlimited 1:1 Coaching & Mentoring to grow your art income: https://professionalartist.com/apply Membership: Join 1,000+ committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Free Letter: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration every week: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

    27 min
  7. I Opened My Own Art Gallery — Here’s What I Learned the Hard Way

    FEB 17

    I Opened My Own Art Gallery — Here’s What I Learned the Hard Way

    What does it actually take to open a gallery as an artist … financially, logistically, and emotionally?  In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast , oil painter and gallery owner Krista Schumacher is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join ), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Krista is a La Jolla–based palette knife painter known for her bold, textured coastal landscapes. After committing to painting full-time in 2017, she quickly built a national and international collector base. She went on to found Krista Schumacher Art Gallery, voted Best Art Gallery in La Jolla in 2023 and 2024, and has collaborated with brands including Ferrari, Paramount Studios, and Hilton. In this episode, Krista breaks down what it actually takes to move from selling individual paintings to running a gallery… including the financial risk, complex leases, and the constant logistics of managing a physical space. She also shares how commissions stretched her beyond her limits and why saying yes early created momentum. This episode offers a direct look at building a gallery-driven art business… without losing creative control. ”Having a physical space where people could come meet you, interact with your art, see your work in person. Absolutely changed my career.” — Krista Schumacher Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:34 Capturing an Iconic Landscape with a Personal Voice 05:37 When a Side Project Becomes a Career Path 10:47 Overcoming the Fear of Networking and Putting Yourself Out There 14:03 Taking on a Career-Defining Commission 16:58 Navigating Major Opportunities and Behind-the-Scenes Challenges 22:05 The Realities of Managing and Sustaining a Gallery 25:34 The Power of Mentorship and Creative Collaboration 27:11 Embracing Possibility and Building a Gallery on Your Own Terms Resources La Jolla Art and Wine Festival: https://www.lajollaartandwine.com/Connect with Krista Website: https://www.kristaschumacherart.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristaschumacherart/?hl=esLearn more about The Professional Artist Association: Mentoring: Apply to join 99 artists for unlimited 1:1 Coaching & Mentoring to grow your art income: https://professionalartist.com/apply Membership: Join 1,000+ committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Free Letter: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration every week: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

    30 min
  8. You Don’t Have to Be a Salesperson to Sell Your Art

    FEB 10

    You Don’t Have to Be a Salesperson to Sell Your Art

    What does it really take to build a sustainable art career online… without being salesy, aggressive, or losing the joy in your work? In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary painter Marnie McKnight is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists. Marnie is an internationally collected Australian artist best known for her abstract paintings and Light Reading series. Emerging in 2016, she has become one of Bluethumb’s top-selling artists, with work held in private and corporate collections across more than 25 countries. Her paintings are defined by restrained palettes, emotional clarity, and a quiet warmth that invites viewers to slow down. Rather than relying on traditional sales tactics, Marnie built her career online by focusing on visibility, consistency, and trust. She credits the internet with making her career possible… allowing collectors to encounter her work naturally and connect with it on their own terms. In this episode, Marnie breaks down how artists can sell work without feeling like a salesperson, what actually helps collectors feel comfortable buying art online, and how steady, long-term sales are built through presence rather than pressure. This conversation offers a grounded look at building an online art career rooted in joy, human connection, and a clear visual language that collectors return to again and again. “What I'm trying to do in my art is actually get back the childlike quality of painting. Just that rawness and that joy out of painting.” — Marnie McKnight Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:13 The Importance of Joy and Human Connection in Art 04:19 Tips for Selling Art Without Being Pushy 05:26 The Impact of Online Visibility on Art Sales 06:44 Finding Inspiration in Literature 08:31 The Shift from Abstract to Figurative Painting 10:10 Building Personal Connections with Collectors 11:59 The Role of Color and Style Consistency 13:42 Navigating the Challenges of Online Art Sales 14:44 Creating Artwork with Meaning and Intention 16:51 Balancing Business with Artistic Expression 18:26 The Power of Community Support in Art 19:58 Encouragement for Emerging Artists Links to artworks discussed: Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.Resources Blue Thumb: https://bluethumbart.com/The Other Art Fair: https://www.theotherartfair.com/The Affordable Art Fair: https://affordableartfair.com/Connect with Marnie Website: https://marniemcknight.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marniemcknightart/?hl=esLearn more about The Professional Artist Association: Mentoring: Apply to join 99 artists for unlimited 1:1 Coaching & Mentoring to grow your art income: https://professionalartist.com/apply Membership: Join 1,000+ committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join Free Letter: Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration every week: https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

    26 min
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If you want to make it in the art world, talent is key - but so is mastering the business side. The Professional Artist Podcast is where fine artists and commerce meet. Co-hosts Miguel L. Mayher and Cristina Demiany guide visual artists through an audio gallery, exploring how to show and sell your art, land commissions, apply for artist grants, license your art, and much more. This is where your art career begins to grow. Miguel L. Mayher is the Director of Education at the Professional Artist Association. Previously, he worked with Google Arts & Culture, striking partnerships with national museums. He is also a Global Economic Symposium Young Fellow and a One Young World Ambassador. Cristina Demiany is a Senior Art Business Coach at the Professional Artist Association. She formerly served as Senior Program Manager at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and as Executive Director of the National Children’s Chorus. The Professional Artist Association is a global organization dedicated to providing real-world education for visual artists, including painters, sculptors, and fine art photographers.

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