How to Sell Art: The Abundant Artist Podcast

Welcome back to The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of “the starving artist” and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time.

This week, Cory welcomes Jose Trujillo to the podcast! Jose is an impressionist painter that is one-of-a-kind in that he has been selling his art on eBay for over 10 years and has sold over 100,000 original art pieces online. Considered a modern Monet, Jose’s art has been described as “dream-like,” fast-paced, musical, and a “fantasy of colors.”

Jose shares both the highlights and the lowlights with his experiences of selling his artwork on eBay, how he keeps up with selling only original paintings online, his personal approach to painting, his journey and discovery with impressionist painting, and his unique philosophy on “finding the gems in the volume.”

Key Takeaways:

[:30] Cory welcomes Jose Trujillo to the podcast!

[:47] Cory reads a quote about Jose on his website.

[1:28] Jose shares his experiences with selling his art on eBay for the last 10 years.

[5:22] Why does Jose consider himself “not known” in the art world even though he’s sold over 100,000 art pieces in the last 10‒12 years?

[7:10] Jose shares about his 4,000 square foot art studio space and his team behind the scenes.

[9:56] Why and how Jose only sells original artwork, and the system he created to keep up with his eBay sales.

[12:25] Where does Jose’s work ethic come from?

[14:41] Why Jose and his wife opened a clothing shop.

[16:14] When and why did Jose begin to sell his art on Craigslist?

[20:21] Jose shares his thoughts on Cory’s theory on whether or not impressionist artists are more willing to approach different ways of selling.

[23:22] How and why Jose learned how to paint and why impressionism, in particular, interested him.

[31:22] When did Jose begin to paint? How did he initially start practicing?

[33:38] Jose’s philosophy on “finding the gems in the volume” regarding art.

[35:22] What Jose’s schedule looks like now vs. earlier on in his career.

[36:16] Jose explains the quote on his website, “To see without the interruption of thought.”

[40:30] How Jose feels about his current work/life schedule.

[42:00] About Jose’s regular gratitude practice and how it helps him with his art.

[45:30] Cory thanks Jose for joining the podcast.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Jose Trujillo’ Art

Jose Trujillo on eBay

Jose Trujillo’s Youtube

Video of how Jose created his messaging on Craigslist

Ugly Delicious (Netflix Series)

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Welcome back to The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of ‘the starving artist’ and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time.

Oregon-based fiber artist and quilt designer, Sam Hunter, joins the podcast today to discuss her journey as a full-time artist, the important messages she stands behind, and powerful advice to those looking to go full-time but not burn out.

Sam is not afraid to put her voice out there and speak her mind! In this episode, she speaks about the importance of knowing your worth as an artist, receiving fair compensation for your work, equality in the arts (and tech!), how to overcome decision fatigue and “the loser hangover,” hiring for your team and making money as a fiber artist. Don’t miss out!

Key Takeaways:

[:30] How Sam would describe her art.

[1:46] What fiber art is, the type of fiber art Sam does, and what guided her path as an artist.

[5:35] Sam discusses the prejudices towards women who sew and quilt.

[8:53] The statements that Sam makes with her art pieces and why she supports women in tech.

[14:52] The one piece of advice that Sam would give to all artists.

[17:14] How Sam makes a living as an artist.

[19:05] How many quilt patterns has Sam released?

[19:55] Sam shares about the process of writing her quilting pattern book.

[22:08] How to sell and make money from quilting patterns.

[24:22] How COVID has impacted Sam’s business.

[25:55] Why Sam is considering no longer doing lectures.

[27:28] Sam shares her perspective on paying artists what they deserve and how purchasing art is a luxury; not a right or a need.

[34:45] How Sam expanded her team.

[37:53] Decision fatigue and why it is so important to delegate as a creative.

[42:14] “The loser hangover” and how to combat it.

[47:24] How to know who to hire for your team.

[52:00] The biggest challenge of being an artist in 2022.

[53:56] Cory thanks Sam for joining the podcast and Sam shares where to follow up with her and her art online.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Sam Hunter

ChickTech

Black Girls Code

Quilt Talk, by Sam Hunter

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Welcome back to The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of ‘the starving artist’ and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time.

Joining the podcast today is American realism artist, Brie Hayden. Brie is based in Arlington, Virginia; just outside of DC. She is a self-described left-brained artist who is obsessed with detail and shading; leaning further in hyperrealism with every piece that she creates.

With her experience working from home during the pandemic; busking internationally in Melbourne, Australia; and gaining notoriety from Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson himself, Brie has a truly unique story of finding success in the art world. In this conversation, she shares her journey of going from 700 to 20,000 followers overnight, discovering herself as an artist, and marketing herself to an audience that connects with her work.

Key Takeaways:

[:30] Where Brie Hayden is based.

[1:30] Brie shares about her busking in Melbourne, Australia.

[3:26] Is Brie a self-taught artist?

[4:19] Brie’s early days as an artist.

[7:34] How Brie’s career shifted with the pandemic.

[8:19] How Brie began to sell her art and some of her exciting early breakthroughs.

[15:00] How Brie’s time busking in Australia changed the way she operated as an artist.

[15:48] What it felt like to go from 700 to 20,000 followers overnight, and the doors that it opened for Brie’s career.

[16:52] How Brie describes her artistic style.

[17:15] How Brie takes on commissions and the timeline for her current waitlist.

[18:19] The motivation behind Brie’s current focus on alcohol bottles.

[20:00] The key differences between photography and hyper-realism.

[21:27] The beauty in ‘human error’ with regard to art.

[22:26] Why Brie describes herself as a ‘left brain artist’ and how this impacts her art process.

[25:56] Brie shares her joy for getting non-artists to appreciate art.

[27:00] What’s next for Brie?

[28:06] Does Brie sell prints of her work?

[28:36] Cory thanks Brie for joining the podcast.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Brie Hayden

Amanda Palmer

Jackson Pollock

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Welcome back to The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of ‘the starving artist’ and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time.

This week, your host, Cory Huff, is joined by Jordan Clark, a professional murals and signs artist based in Vernal, Utah; a small town with a population of approximately 15,000.

In this episode, Jordan shares what life is like as a mural artist (and the unique challenges that it brings), how he came to be a mural artist, the full process of creating a mural from scratch to completion, and his advice and insights on those looking to get started with murals themselves. Jordan also gives a look into the backend of his business, sharing what he has learned from online advertising, finding his audience, and creating an art business that generates over $150k a year with 4 employees.

Key Takeaways:

[:31] Where Jordan Clark is based.

[3:24] The unique challenge that painting murals bring.

[4:43] How Jordan originally got into painting murals and his journey of how he has gotten to where he is today.

[10:59] How Jordan balanced his family, work, and painting murals.

[17:08] About a special mural Jordan painted for a friend and how his mural painting business began to snowball.

[19:00] Why Jordan hates the “starving artist” stereotype.

[20:50] How Jordan continued to grow his business in a small town by identifying his customer base.

[24:23] What Jordan learned from experimenting with online ads.

[30:35] What worked vs. what didn’t work with the advertising Jordan tested.

[32:18] Jordan’s thoughts on being commissioned to do political artwork.

[34:44] The audience that Jordan tries to target with his business and the process of how he creates artwork on a commission basis.

[36:13] Jordan’s main goal as a mural artist, his advice to those who also want to make a living as a mural artist, and about the biggest murals he has ever completed.

[38:08] The process of creating a mural.

[43:57] Jordan shares how mural painting is for everyone.

[46:45] Why you don’t need a ton of followers to create a business for yourself, create jobs, and support your community.

[48:00] What Jordan would do differently if he had to start over.

[49:14] Cory thanks Jordan for joining the podcast.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Ninty1 Designs (Jordan Clark’s business)

Colossal Media

Overall Murals

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Welcome back to The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of ‘the starving artist’ and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time.

In this episode, Cory is joined by Zsudayka Terrell; a multi-faceted person and artist with an emphasis on African American figurative work. As a mixed media artist and designer, Zsudayka’s aim is to capture and archive the history and culture of Black Americans. Her work seeks to normalize the day-to-day of Black Americans and celebrate culture while also highlighting moments shared by all humans.

Zsudayka shares her journey and self-discovery as an artist; her process with commissions, selling her artwork online, and marketing through social media; her advice on promoting your artwork and converting fans of your work into paying customers; how she navigates politics and controversy as an artist; how she came to open her own art gallery, and the inspiration behind the pieces she creates.

Key Takeaways:

[:30] Cory welcomes Zsudayka Terrell to the podcast!

[1:22] Zsudayka shares about her background and how she has become the multi-faceted person and artist that she is today.

[3:59] How Zsudayka taught herself art.

[7:24] Zsudayka shares about her transition from journalist to artist.

[11:57] Does Zsudayka believe that serendipity in an art piece happens more often for self-taught artists than those who are classically trained?

[13:57] Does Zsudayka feel she has more freedom with her art than those who have been through classical training?

[15:45] The value in both classical training and being self-taught.

[17:25] Why Zsudayka chose to move to a predominantly black neighborhood in DC and open an art gallery.

[24:02] How Zsudayka navigates politics and controversy as an artist.

[31:09] Zsudayka describes the art that she is doing now, the inspiration behind them, and the messages she wants to share through her art.

[34:55] Zsudayka’s process with commissions, selling her artwork online, and marketing through social media.

[41:03] Why it is so important to foster relationships as you’re marketing and selling your artwork.

[43:46] How Zsudayka fosters relationships in her business to help promote her art.

[47:34] Cory thanks Zsudayka for joining the podcast and sharing her wisdom.

Mentioned in This Episode:
TerrellArtsDC.com

Zsudayka Terrell’s Instagram @zsudayka

Zsudayka Terrell’s Linktree

How to Sell Your Art Online: Live a Successful Creative Life on Your Own Terms, by Cory Huff

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Welcome to the first episode of The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of ‘the starving artist’ and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time.

In this episode, Cory speaks with Yakira Carter AKA CyberL0ve. Yakira is an Atlanta, GA-based artist (that’s soon to move to NYC) with influences from Kazuto Nakazawa, Akira, and Studio Ghibli films. Yakira’s ethereal art comes to life both through digital and traditional mediums and mainly captures the beauty of women of color.

Yakira shares how she brings her art to life, how she has found success online, her goals and plans for the future, her process for creating art, and the influences that inform the decisions she makes as an artist.

Key Takeaways:

[:36] Yakira’s influences and the formative experiences that shaped her overall style and artistic aesthetic.

[3:22] How Yakira creates her work on a typical day.

[4:39] Does Yakira wait for inspiration to strike before painting?

[6:07] Is Yakira self-taught?

[6:55] Yakira’s insights into why there is such a strong artistic presence and incredible booming black artist community in Atlanta, GA.

[9:02] Why did Yakira make the decision to leave Atlanta?

[11:37] The business side of Yakira’s art: how she makes her money, markets herself, and receives projects and commissions.

[14:23] How Yakira has grown her instagram to 36k+ followers.

[18:57] What ‘failing towards success’ means to Yakira.

[20:05] What being an online artist means to Yakira, and how understanding internet culture plays into how Yakira presents herself as an artist and informs her art.

[26:09] How Yakira emulates a traditional style using digital mediums.

[28:47] Yakira reflects on her progress and shares what she is excited about regarding her career going forward.

[30:15] Why Yakira wants to move to NYC.

[31:10] A future goal of Yakira’s: getting into galleries.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Yakira Carter AKA CyberL0ve

CyberL0ve Instagram

Spirited Away

Akira

Inuyasha

Ghost in the Shell

Kazuto Nakazawa

Studio Ghibli

Copic

Pigma Micron

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In this episode:

00:45- How Patrick went from an MFA to opening a cabinet shop and working as a general contractor

7:09- How Patrick grew his design/build business

12:52- How working with fabricators and manufacturers has informed Patrick's art-making methods

13:47- Patrick explains what "fabrication" means in the context of design/build work

19:10- How Patrick has made the transition from contracting to creating fine art clay pottery

21:49- How 2D art is different from 3D art, and the unique challenges of each type of work

24:09- Where Patrick is headed next with his art

27:40- Patrick describes the state of being "in the zone" that he reaches when working in clay

30:45- How Patrick learned to manage the logistics of a busy practice and business

In this episode:

4:35- Maggi shares about how she created a Skillshare class on how artists can create flat lay images for social media... and what a flat lay is.

11:03- How Maggi's background and training in retail merchandising led her to realize she wanted to be an artist.

13:42- What a typical day looks like for Maggi, who has been painting full-time for four years.

23:53- Book recommendations on setting energetic and creative boundaries.

25:27- As a chronic overachiever, Maggi shares some strategies for coping with those tendencies without burning out.

33:45- Why Maggi has chosen to put her artwork on as many art marketplace websites as possible.

41:03- Social media partnerships that have been important for Maggi's business, how she formed them, and what she's looking for in business partnerships at this stage of her career.

46:10- Before Maggi began creating art full-time, she ran a small cake business from her kitchen. She shares how she stumbled across cakes as an art form, and how that experience has informed the work she's doing now.

In this episode, we cover:

00:48- What Nancy & Jarrod took away from the Business of Art Conference

4:10- Where Nancy & Jarrod will take the conference next

5:30- How Art Lovers Australia was started

8:55- Nancy & Jarrod have a very hands-on approach with their artists, which is unusual for a gallery. They share why they operate this way and what it looks like.

15:10- The industry and Internet changed rapidly, and Art Lovers Australia works hard to keep up and change their recommendations accordingly. A great example of this is SEO best practices.

16:30- Jarrod and Nancy pull back the curtain on what gallery owners spend their time doing (what are galleries doing to earn their percentage of the sales?)

21:21- Jarrod and Nancy both come from very different art backgrounds. They share their individual journeys that brought them to Art Lovers Australia.

28:40- Why Jarrod & Nancy decided to launch the Business of Art Conference

34:38- Why artists need to aim high if they hope to make it as professionals

37:42- Cory's biggest takeaway from the Business of Art conference

In this episode, we cover:

2:58- How growing up on an island contributed to Amica's creativity and how she views the world

4:30- Amica shares about her journey from creating "safe" predictable work to make walls pretty to venturing out into creating her own new work

9:25- The catalyst that encouraged Amica to start sharing her new original work with the world

15:08- What Amica's daily work routine looks like, including how she documents her process and the program she uses to catalog her artwork and upload it to her website

20:55- How Amica tells the story of each piece on her blog, social media, and newsletter

21:36- What Amica's listening to in her studio

24:00- How Amica promotes her business, and how she transitioned from selling in galleries to selling her art herself

34:55- How Amica came across some of the unconventional tools and methods that she uses to make her art

37:20- How Amica writes her social media posts and newsletter in a way that engages her audience, and why she doesn't explicitly ask for sales

41:58- What Amica is working on next

Resources:

Steal Like an Artist* by Austin Kleon

Art Galleria

A Color Story app

*affiliate link