Art + Audience

In this episode, Stacie is joined by Mindy Young of Indy Bloom Design for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable creative business. Mindy shares how she began designing in 2016, grew a multiple six-figure business on Spoonflower, and then faced a major turning point when platform changes forced her to rethink everything. Together, Stacie and Mindy unpack the hard but necessary pivots that come with building a business on someone else's platform, the mindset required to keep going when things feel uncertain, and why artists who want to grow must move from hobbyist thinking into true business ownership. This episode is honest, energizing, and full of wisdom for any artist ready to go all in. Today on Art + Audience: From Spoonflower Success to a Major Pivot: Mindy opens up about building a thriving business on Spoonflower, then facing a difficult wake-up call when changes to the platform impacted her income and stability. The Risk of Building on Borrowed Land: Stacie and Mindy discuss why relying too heavily on third-party platforms can be dangerous for artists and why long-term sustainability requires building a foundation you own. Why Knowing Your Audience Changes Everything: The conversation explores how serving a specific audience well is what separates artists who dabble from artists who build momentum. The Power of Niching Down: Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, Mindy leaned into becoming known for wallpaper for little girls' rooms and nurseries. That clarity helped her brand grow quickly. Mindset Through the Hard Seasons: Mindy speaks honestly about the emotional toll of business shifts, the impostor syndrome that crept in, and how she had to choose belief in herself again. Transparency, Resilience, and Figuring It Out: Mindy shares why being honest about the hard parts matters and why one of the most powerful things an artist can do is stop wallowing, take the next step, and figure it out.   Resource: Marketing Calculator: staciebloomfield.com/mcc   Connect with Mindy Young: Website: indybloomdesign.com Instagram: @indybloomdesign   Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @LeverageYourArt Pinterest: pinterest.com/leverageyourart Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle  

In this episode, Stacie sits down with surface pattern designer, children's book illustrator, and educator Mel Armstrong. Mel shares how she transitioned from software engineering into surface pattern design, how a search for gender-neutral fabric while pregnant sparked an entirely new path, and why persistence mattered more than overnight success. The conversation also explores Mel's accidental entry into children's book illustration, the beauty of building a global online community for creatives, and the business lessons she learned the hard way. This episode is a refreshing reminder that creative careers are often built step by step with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to keep going. Today on Art + Audience: From Software Engineer to Surface Pattern Designer: Mel shares how a search for gender-neutral fabric during pregnancy led her to discover Spoonflower and ultimately transition into surface pattern design. Building a Creative Career Slowly: Mel discusses growing her creative work gradually while raising children and balancing client work before going all-in on illustration and licensing. Accidental Children's Book Illustrator: A publisher discovered one of Mel's fabric designs and invited her to illustrate a book. Launching a children's book career that now includes more than a dozen titles. Understanding Book Royalties: Mel explains how advances, royalties, and library lending programs contribute to income for children's book illustrators. Creating a Global Creative Community: Mel talks about how teaching on Skillshare unexpectedly grew into a thriving online community for surface pattern designers. Learning the Business Side the Hard Way: Mel reflects on one of her biggest early mistakes, mismanaging the business and tax side of her creative career, and why business knowledge is essential for artists.   Connect with Mel Armstrong: Website: melarmstrong.com YouTube: @melarmstrong   Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @LeverageYourArt Pinterest: pinterest.com/leverageyourart Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle  

In this episode, Stacie talks with Ben Taylor Paladino about how he built a festive, product based art brand from his Dallas watercolor studio into a thriving multi stream business. Known for his greeting cards, frosted cups, tea towels, custom ornaments, and a mahjong tile collaboration that put him on the map, Taylor shares how taking a year off from Stanford during COVID led him to sell at a local farmers market. That experience taught him the most important skill of all, how to confidently sell his art even as an introvert. Stacie and Taylor also dive into his wholesale growth, his powerful Christmas market strategy, and the operational decisions that allow him to offer thousands of designs without being buried in inventory. Today on Art + Audience: From Side Hustle to Seven Figures: How Taylor turned watercolor paintings into a multi seven figure product based business starting at a Dallas farmers market during COVID. The Power of In Person Selling: Why committing to a full year of markets helped him refine his designs, learn to sell as an introvert, and build a loyal customer base. The Mahjong Moment: How his collaboration with Oh My Mahjong expanded his reach and positioned his brand in a fast growing niche. Wholesale vs Retail Reality: Taylor breaks down his revenue streams and why Christmas markets like the Nutcracker Market drive major profit in just a few days. Scaling Smart with 6500 SKUs: How printing paper goods in house and using a print to order model keeps inventory lean while offering thousands of designs.   Connect with Taylor Paladino: Website: taylorpaladino.com Instagram: @taylor.paladino   Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @LeverageYourArt Pinterest: pinterest.com/leverageyourart Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle  

Today, Stacie chats with illustrator, content creator, and multi-hyphenate entrepreneur Jess Miller. Known for her brand partnerships with names like Adobe and Casetify, Jess shares how she's built a thriving creative business by combining social media savvy with her love of art. From licensing deals and royalty checks to viral videos and a new coloring book, Jess walks us through her income streams, her biggest lessons learned, and how she keeps her studio sacred and stylish. Whether you're an artist looking to explore content creation or a seasoned illustrator rethinking your pricing, this conversation is full of actionable advice, inspiration, and honest reflection. Today on Art + Audience: From Art to Income: Jess explains how she earns through licensing, royalties, content creation, and brand partnerships, and how these streams work together. Building a Following Online: She shares how consistently showing up during the pandemic helped her grow from zero followers to a thriving online presence. Charging What You're Worth: Jess reflects on early mistakes with pricing and how she now structures her rates for both artwork and content. Studio Setup and Workflow: From tripods and extra phones to keeping her creative space kid-free, Jess offers a look behind the scenes of her daily process. Sharing to Empower: Jess talks about why she shares her income breakdowns each year and how having multiple income streams gives her flexibility and stability.   Connect with Jess Miller: Website: jessmillerdraws.com Instagram: @jessmillerdraws   Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @LeverageYourArt Pinterest: pinterest.com/leverageyourart Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle

In this data-packed episode, Stacie sits down with Shannon McNab, a surface designer, educator, and the creator of the annual Surface Design Industry Survey. Drawing from six years of research and thousands of responses, Shannon shares real insights into income trends, shifts in licensing, and the evolving paths artists are taking in today's creative economy. This conversation is equal parts truth-telling and encouragement, giving artists a transparent look at what's possible and what's changing when building a sustainable creative business. Today on Art + Audience: Data Over Promises: Why artists need real numbers and clear benchmarks to make confident decisions in their creative careers. Income Trends: A look at what's increasing and what's declining in artist income, with insights drawn from current industry data. Part-Time Artists: Why more creatives are pursuing art alongside other work, and what the data reveals about the income potential of side hustles. Top Earning Opportunities: The most profitable income streams for artists today and why some income paths are worth revisiting. Print-on-Demand and Products: What is shifting in the world of POD and physical products, and how artists are adapting to these changes. Longevity Pays Off: Why artists who stay committed for six years or more tend to see higher income and opportunity over time. Connect with Shannon McNab: Website: shannonmcnab.com Instagram: @smcnabstudio Download the 2025 Surface Design Industry Survey Report at sketchdesignrepeat.thrivecart.com/2025-surface-design-industry-survey/   Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @ShopGingiber Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle  

In this refreshingly honest episode, Stacie is joined by fine artist Vanessa Piche (pronounced "cliché") for a raw conversation about what it feels like to start over again. Vanessa opens up about her unexpected move from a thriving art career in Rhode Island to rural Indiana, and the challenges of rebuilding her audience from scratch in an increasingly unpredictable online landscape. Together, Stacie and Vanessa reflect on what's not working anymore in creative business. This episode is a candid exploration of transition, vulnerability, and resilience. If you've been feeling lost or like you're shouting into the digital void, this conversation is for you. Today on Art + Audience: Vanessa's Journey: From art markets and a brick-and-mortar shop in Rhode Island to life on a farm in Indiana with chickens, horses, and a whole new creative landscape. Starting Over: What it really feels like to lose a built-in audience and begin again from zero, and why Vanessa isn't giving up. The Online Shift: A candid look at why platforms like Instagram aren't working the way they used to, and how creators are scrambling to find what will work. TikTok and Trust: The only place where Stacie and Vanessa are seeing any real organic growth, and how they're experimenting with it. Return to In-Person: How in-person events might be the next pivot, and why some of the most meaningful connections (and repeat buyers) still happen face-to-face. Connect with Vanessa Piche: Website: vanessapiche.com Instagram: @vanessapiche Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @ShopGingiber Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle  

Today on the show, Stacie chats with artist Madison Phipps of Madison Phipps Studio, who is building a thriving creative business in the margins of her full-time job and motherhood. Madison shares how her mantra, "What's the best that could happen?", has helped her push past fear, pitch big ideas, and grow her audience organically on TikTok. From launching a print club with over 100 subscribers to selling original botanical artwork through consignment, Madison is a powerful example of what's possible when you stop waiting and start sharing. This episode is packed with practical insights and encouragement for creatives looking to grow their side hustle with authenticity and joy. Today on Art + Audience: Madison's Leap: How one TikTok post and a brave email landed her on this very podcast. Creative Margins: Finding time to create during lunch breaks, nap time, and late nights. Growing an Organic Audience: Why Madison focuses more on creating than consuming on social media and how that's paid off. Print Club Behind the Scenes: Madison breaks down how she set up her $14/month subscription model, what it costs to run, and how she builds community with every envelope. Authenticity Over Perfection: Stacie and Madison explore why audiences are craving realness over polish and how that's fueling a new wave of personal artist brands. Round Top Breakthrough: How a spontaneous conversation with another artist led to a last-minute booth at a major art show, all from saying "yes" before she was ready. Balancing Multiple Revenue Streams: Madison discusses the financial realities of commissions, Etsy, and high-end consignment, and how each plays a role in her art business. Connect with Madison Phipps: Website: madisonphippsstudio.com Instagram: @madison.phipps.studio TikTok: @madisonphippsstudio Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @ShopGingiber Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle  

In this powerful episode, Stacie talks with Daniel Lachman, founder of Justice for Artists, about the heartbreaking and unfortunately common experience of having your artwork stolen. Daniel shares his journey from viral t-shirt success to fighting counterfeiters, and how he turned a personal struggle into a full-blown mission to help other artists get the justice (and compensation) they deserve. If you've ever hesitated to share your work for fear it might be ripped off, or if you're unsure what to do when it happens, this episode is essential for you. Daniel pulls back the curtain on copyright law, litigation, and how artists can protect themselves without paying out of pocket. Today on Art + Audience: Daniel's Journey: From Etsy success with "Slothzilla" to mass counterfeiting nightmares The Birth of Justice for Artists: How Daniel's experience led to helping over 150 artists (and counting) How It Works: What happens when Daniel's team takes on a case and how artists can get paid Counterfeit vs. Knockoff: Understanding the difference and what's legally protectable Real Stories: How a middle-finger frog pin led to a life-changing settlement Gathering Evidence: What to do before you go public about stolen art AI + Art Theft: How copyright law is evolving in the age of AI-generated designs   Connect with Daniel Lachman: Website: justice4artists.com Instagram: @justice.for.artists   Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @ShopGingiber Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle

In this episode, Stacie chats with Melbourne-based artist Laura Holley of Lawz Drawz. Laura has built a thriving art business by focusing on one very specific niche: drawing the best bits of Melbourne. From pubs to murals to wildly popular calendars, Laura's story is a testament to the power of embracing what you love, trusting your instincts, and building community around your art. They dive into how niching down to one city has become Laura's superpower, how a simple calendar project sparked a loyal cult following called "Pub Club," and how her background in event planning has helped her navigate creative business challenges with grace and grit. Today on Art + Audience: Niching Down: Why Laura chose to focus solely on Melbourne and how that decision led to wholesale success, murals, licensing, and collaborations with breweries. Pub Club Phenomenon: The hilarious and heartfelt story behind her bestselling calendar, Let's Get on the Beers, and the real-life community it's built. Product Range + Income Streams: From puzzles and magnets to murals and trade shows, how Laura diversified her revenue without leaving her niche. Biggest "Uh-Oh" Moment: A massive print error that turned into a lesson in transparency, trust, and community support. Murals, Markets + Making It Work: How Laura balances custom work, product sales, and markets, plus her favorite marketing strategies.   Connect with Laura Holley: Website: lawzdrawz.com Instagram: @lawzdrawz   Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @ShopGingiber Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber Pre-order Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle

In this episode, Stacie sits down with Australian artist and entrepreneur Georgia Norton Lodge to explore the winding road from drawing houses as a side hustle to running multiple thriving businesses. Georgia shares how transparency, pricing strategy, creative pivots, and an unshakeable community-first mindset have helped her build a million-dollar business. Whether you're drawing houses or dreaming big, Georgia brings both the tough love and encouragement creatives need to hear. Today on Art + Audience: The Accidental Beginning: How a botched book cover project sparked a booming business drawing people's homes. The $35 Principle: Why Georgia started cheap, and how that decision helped her build a global brand. Murals, Agencies, and Side Hustles: How she runs multiple ventures, serves high-profile clients, and nurtures a team of young designers. Tough Love and Real Talk: The difference between being an artist and building an art business, Georgia gets real about pricing, criticism, and toxic positivity. Two Roads to Success: The quiet, word-of-mouth service path vs. the loud, social-media-driven audience path, and how to choose what's right for you. Impact Beyond Art: Why transitioning into education created deeper, more lasting transformation than drawing thousands of houses ever could.   Connect with Georgia Norton Lodge: Website: georgiadrawsahouse.com | secretartistsbusiness.au Instagram: @georgiadrawsahouse Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @ShopGingiber Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber Pre-order Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle