Art Problems

Have you ever talked to someone and instantly recognized that person as your friend and colleague?

Meet Ceri Hand, a registered coach for artists, and instant friend and colleague!

She's based in London.

Worked at the highest levels of the art world.

And knows from experience exactly what artists need to do to move their careers forward.

In this interview we talk about:

1. How to gain visibility if you live in a remote area

2. How to prepare for studio visits.

3. Why editing your work is one of the most important skills you can develop as an artist.

Beyond all this, Ceri is highly empathetic and a joy to listen to. Make her part of your day!

READ TRANSCRIPT HERE

Relevant links: https://cerihand.com/

Have you ever had someone write about your work, but you felt it misrepresented you?

Have you ever had someone post your work, but without crediting you?

Or maybe they used your work without asking you if it was okay.

In this episode of Art Problems, I talk about how to make the most out of less-than-ideal situations.

I talk about how to get what you want.

And I talk about how to avoid what you don't want.

You don't want to miss this one.

Relevant links:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/28/arts/design/art-coaches-mentor-career.html

You know all those jpgs you have lying around your computer? As a random file on your computer, they're worth nothing. But what if I told you, that the hours of labor those images represent can be monetized -- and not just through the traditional gallery route.

This week on the Art Problems Podcast I speak with Kelani Nichole of the Transfer Data Trust, the next iterative phase of Transfer Gallery, an experimental media art space that got its start in Brooklyn, 2013. On the podcast we talk about the future of digital storage, burgeoning art economies, and new art.

Relevant links:

https://transfer.art/

https://transfergallery.com/

The Fediverse, Explained

https://www.theverge.com/24063290/fediverse-explained-activitypub-social-media-open-protocol

In honor of the upcoming quarterly tax payments, I’m sharing an episode from Sunlight, my favorite podcast about taxes, money, and managing your art career.

About this episode, podcast host, artist, and accountant Hannah Cole writes, 

Have you ever wondered what questions you should ask when you’re hiring a new accountant?

Today, I’m explaining some of the biggest mistakes I see people make when they begin to work with an accountant and clarifying what you don’t get when hiring an accountant. 

Listen to today’s episode to learn how working with an accountant could work for your small business, some of the benefits, and how you can make sure you pick the right one for you. 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

• The disconnect between art and business 

• Learning about new tax credits 

• How to know which questions you should ask your new accountant 

• Estimated quarterly taxes and why they are so important
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Sunlight Podcast

I asked that question of Get the Picture author Bianca Bosker on this week's episode of Art Problems.

And let me tell you, the answer was every bit as thrilling as asking the question.

In Bosker's New York Times bestselling book, she spends five years working at galleries, and artist studios, as well as interviewing the Whitney Biennial curators and spending time working as a guard at museums, all to better understand how to appreciate art.

In our interview, we dig a little deeper into the themes of the book, and try to get to the bottom of questions like,

Why does art matter?

Why is the art world so mysterious?

How does a person look at or evaluate art?

Tune in, because this is a podcast you will not want to miss!

Relevant links:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156741696-get-the-picture

Are you feeling stuck?

Your art isn't selling.

Your opportunities are dwindling.

You're wondering if it's time to throw in the towel.

Let me answer that for you really quick: No.

In this podcast, I talk about what to do when sales are down, and the answer isn't quitting.

It's experimentation in the studio.

Have a listen and let me know what you think.

You know how every other headline for the past year has been about the sinking art market? Well, we're finally starting to see the light.

In this week's episode of the Art Problems podcast, I discuss two fairs and an art show in Chelsea and how art sales are finally on the rise!

Relevant links: Join the Netvvrk membership!

You know what sucks? Feeling like you've been stuck in the same place career-wise for years on end, with no solution insight.

You're tired.

And you're demoralized.

What if I told you I could give you a way to feel better, even if for just a short while?

Well, I've got you.

In this podcast I give you two easy exercises that will help build your confidence AND ease feelings of burn out.

I can't wait to hear what you think!

Relevant links:

My free Masterclass, How to Get Seen in the Art World Without the Burnout, taking place this Tuesday, May 7th, at 7:30 PM EST

Interview with Ann Rosen https://www.instagram.com/p/C6eR6X6L-tN/

Heather Bhandari knows artists. She's spent her 25-plus-year career in service of helping them build their careers. She's written books, organized conferences, put together learning centers, taught classes, and helped manage legacies.

And that's why I asked her on the podcast. In our conversation, Heather discusses:

• Positive changes to the art world that give her hope for artists.
• How there are many paths for artists and they don't all have to be defined by participation in commercial gallery spaces.
• Why she sees time management - and a lack of time - as the biggest hurdle for artists today.

This is a podcast you do not want to miss.

Relevant links:

Heather Bhandari

Creative Study

Art/Work

Ruby Lerner

Lynn Hershman Leeson

Doesn't the art world drive you nuts?

There are all these rules of conduct you're supposed to follow, but then you're also supposed to know all the times when those rules don't apply. It's like you need the equivalent of a degree in engineering, just to get your foot in the door. (In reality, that degree is probably more like an MFA from Yale.)

Well, today I break down the 10 most common contradictions and give you an advanced guide on how to navigate them.

You'll recognize that the art world's secrets aren't secrets, so much as confusion due to a lack of clear definitions.

And you'll be able to navigate the world more easily towards greater success.

Which is exactly what we want.

Are artists getting the short end of the A.I. stick? Faced with a loss of potential revenue, many artists are questioning the value of A.I. models that train on their artwork to produce artwork for users at no cost. Zero dollars from your labor isn't a good deal.

In this episode of Art Problems, I discuss the short comings of using licensing to deal with A.I. companies acting like bullies stealing your lunch money.

But, I also talk about which text-based platforms are most useful to artists writing artist statements and show off the results of my testing.

No spoilers here, but I'll say this much: An A.I. platform that makes your statement better exists, and it's not ChatGPT!

Relevant links:

The Verge, The New York Times Is Suing Open AI and Microsoft for Copyright Infringement
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/27/24016212/new-york-times-openai-microsoft-lawsuit-copyright-infringement

Hard Fork Podcast, Casey Goes to the Whitehouse + The Copyright Battle Over Artificial Intelligence + ChatGPT
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/casey-goes-to-the-white-house-the-copyright-battle/id1528594034?i=1000633573515

The Ezra Klein Show, How Should I be Using A.I. Right Now?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-should-i-be-using-a-i-right-now/id1548604447?i=1000651164959

One of the great frustrations with the art world is the nonsense terms you have to interpret and apply to your practice. Are you an emerging, mid-career, or an established artist? NOBODY KNOWS. It's different for every application you fill out.

What if I told you, I had a solution to this problem?

A set of terms where you could easily see your EXACT place within the art world.

Well, whatyaknow! That's the subject of this podcast!

You'll learn the terms and industry sectors we're identifying behind the scenes at Netvvrk and how to apply them to your practice.

READ TRANSCRIPT HERE

Do I really need to read ArtForum?

This and other media-related questions on this episode of Art Problems.

We dive into:

The state of the media and how it effects you and your practice.

When you should start thinking about making a catalogue of your work and their purpose.

Whether using paid publications like New American Painting is worth your money.

And let's just get this out of the way right here: don't pay for advertising.

It's not worth it.

In honor of the Whitney Biennial, I'm sharing an episode of Pep Talks for Artists on how to work an opening. In this episode Podcast host and producer Amy Talluto talks with Mandy Wilson Rosen about the book "How to Work a Room" by Susan RoAne to see if it jusssttt might have some helpful tips inside for artists. Spoiler alert: It does. It's chock full of helpful tips for surviving an opening —and Amy even found some cocktail party lounge music for the ep.

All music is licensed from Soundstripe.

For more support with your career join the vvrkshop mailing list.

Relevant links:

Buy How to Work a Room on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Thriftbooks⁠

Print Hoban Press business cards: ⁠https://hobanpress.com/⁠ (PS: Amy uses "the Stoic" calling card-so thicc!)

Visit Mandy's website: ⁠https://mandolynwilsonrosen.com/home.html⁠

Visit Amy's website: ⁠https://www.amytalluto.com/⁠

Visit Pep Talks Instagram: ⁠@peptalksforartists⁠

Support Pep Talks on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PepTalksforArtists

I am back from the LA fairs, hoo boy, do I have some impressions. There was so much to do and see relative to New York’s Frieze week, that I started to wonder if New York would continue to be the economic center for art!

In this podcast I discuss the biz, trends, and art so you have all the information you need to know whether participating in the LA Fairs is worth the investment.

You’ll also get the skinny on each fair so you get a sense of the flavor of each.

By the end, you'll be armed with everything you need to navigate and succeed in the art fair environment.

Read transcript here.

Relevant links:

ART MARKET REPORTS

Artnet  Frieze Los Angeles Is Smaller This Year, but Dealers Are Doing Big Business
https://news.artnet.com/market/frieze-los-angeles-is-smaller-this-year-but-dealers-are-doing-big-business-2442125

The Art Newspaper, Felix is fun as ever, even as Sales Slow 
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/02/29/felix-is-fun-as-ever-even-as-sales-slow

Frieze Fair, Felix and more this weekend (paywall) 
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2024-02-29/frieze-los-angeles-2024-felix-art-fair

TRENDS 
Heavily patterned paintings that look like rugs.

Aydee Rodriguez Lopez at Proyectos Monclova
https://www.proyectosmonclova.com/artists/aydee-rodriguez-lopez

Laura Owens at Matthew Marks 
https://matthewmarks.com/artists/laura-owens

Jeff Perrone at Corbett vs Dempsey 
https://corbettvsdempsey.com/exhibitions/felix-art-fair-2024/

SPRING BREAK HIGHLIGHTS

SPRING/BREAK ART SHOW 
https://www.springbreakartshow.com/

Fred Fleisher curates Don Porcella 
https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/spring-break-art-show-la-2024/fred-fleisher

Cheryl Molnar curates Rachelle Anayansi Mozman Solano
https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/cheryl-molnar-la-2024

Fabiola Gironi and Robert Minervini 
https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/spring-break-art-show-la-2024/fabiola-gironi

Mary Henderson curated by Sarah A Gamble 
https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/spring-break-art-show-la-2024/mary-henderson

Michael Handley curated by Jack Henry 
https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/spring-break-art-show-la-2024/michael-handley

FRIEZE HIGHLIGHTS

Frieze LA
https://www.frieze.com/tags/frieze-los-angeles-2024

Hernan Bas at Victoria Miro
https://online.victoria-miro.com/frieze-los-angeles-2024-hernan-bas/

Jordan Casteel at Casey Kaplan 
https://caseykaplangallery.com/artists/casteel/

FELIX ART FAIR HIGHLIGHTS

Felix Art Fair 
https://felixfair.com/

Kavi Gupta at Felix
https://kavigupta.com/events/156/overview/

Sargent’s Daughters 
https://www.sargentsdaughters.com/

Michael Kirkham at Harkawik Gallery 
https://galleryplatform.la/galleries/harkawik/exhibitions/felix-art-fair-2024

I know, I know.

I'm basically promising the answer to life in an eight-minute podcast!

Well, it's not quite that, but this week on the Art Problems Podcast I talk about how understanding your goals and audience can give you the answer to pretty much any question you have about artist statements. And I'll tell you this now: The answers won't stop with statements.

Not to be cryptic or anything, but I'm going to leave you with this teaser: Your audience might not be who you think!

Almost every artist will need to take an extended break from art making at some point in their career. Whether that be due to child rearing, the loss of a parent, or a significant move, the job of getting back into the game can be just as challenging as the disruptions that took you away from the studio. You're probably worried that...

You have visible gaps in your CV that galleries will notice and ask you about.

You've lose touch with many of your contacts and art friends and now they're gone for good.

Your fear of not being able to get back into the networking game, will keep you from getting back into the networking game.

In this podcast, I address those fears, identify the self defeating actions artists often take when in this position, and offer actionable alternatives.

You don't have to feel stuck.

And this podcast is designed to make sure you feel empowered to take action, rather than feeling mired in fear and self doubt.

Have a listen, and let me know what you think!

Relevant links:

https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/1137460905/late-bloomers

In this podcast

Have you ever exchanged gifts with someone and only to learn that the present you got them is waaaaay more expensive then the one they got you?

Awkward!

In this Valentine's Day podcast on connection and mailers, I talk about how social currency and exchange works much the same way. If you're asking someone for their email, and you're giving them something in exchange you want it to be roughly equal in investment. Sometimes that's the newsletter itself and sometimes it's a little more.

Making any sort of career plan often results self-discovery. In this episode, I speak to three Netvvrk members, Jon Laustsen, Karey Kessler and Arden Bendler Browning about what they've learned through the process.

Jon talks about how using a typewriter helped him connect to the process better.

Karey talks about the discovery that the length of the journey and the goals she original set have shifted.

Arden learns that being shy and introverted don't preclude her enjoyment of talking about her work.

What can you learn about yourself through this process?

Have a listen and find out!

Let's get this party started! Tonight at 7:30 PM EST I'll be giving my FREE Masterclass on How to Get More Shows without Transforming your Personality into a Marketing Bot! Join me!

Are you struggling to find time to do every god damn thing?

Of course you are. You're an artist.

That's why I started this series on goal setting.

In this podcast I speak with artist and Netvvrk member Cadence Giersbach about how she sets priorities and gets things done. Giersbach describes the importance of focusing on the things that are within your control—what you can do each day to get tasks done.

If you want to know more about how to spend less time hustling and more time in the studio, I'm going to do a deeper dive in my live masterclass, How to Get More Shows Without Turning Your Personality into a Marketing Bot Tuesday Feb. 6th at 7:30 PM EST. This class is totally free, so join me!

Relevant links:

How to Get More Shows Without Turning Your Personality into a Marketing Bot Tuesday Feb. 6th at 7:30 PM EST

Have you ever launched an exhibition space and then tortured yourself over whether to include yourself in a show because you know it will look bad? Or struggled over whether to send an email to gallerist or a DM over instagram because someone followed you, but you're not sure if DMing a welcome is friendly or spam?

Welcome to the world of art world taboos, which are both plentiful and entirely useless in any situation other than the most obvious examples. In this episode I identify a few of the more common taboos that trip an artist up, explain why they exist and how and when you can break them!

You're welcome!

Relevant links:

https://wageforwork.com/

In this episode of Art Problems, I take on a vexed topic for many artists: goal setting!

Is it even worth setting goals when it's so difficult to know where your opportunities will come from?

Short answer: Yes.

I talk to artist and Netvvrk member Heather Beardsley about the process she used to set her goals, and how she achieved them.

And you know what?

It's not rocket science.

You can follow Heather's method (the Netvvrk method) and do the same thing.

Because study after study shows that people who set goals are far more likely to achieve them.

So, have a listen and get down to business!

Last year, I predicted what 2023 in the art world would look like. This week, I take a look back at those predictions, share what I got right and wrong, and make new ones for 2024.

Spoiler alert: We've got big structural changes ahead. It's hard to say how those changes will play out, but discuss the benefit of approaching shifts with cautious optimism.

Relevant links:

The Internet is about to Get Weird Again 

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-commentary/internet-future-about-to-get-weird-1234938403/

The Enshitification of TikTok 

https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-platforms-cory-doctorow/

Do you have an internal ticker tape running tracking one anxiety to the next?

Many of us who struggle with fears that our ambitions for our art will never align with our careers find end of year planning stressful.

That's why, in this podcast, I invited artist and meditation expert Kristen Jordan to the podcast. (Psst: She also manages the Netvvrk membership support desk.)

She tackles all of the anxiety around meditation, the ways it can help us formulate and tackle goals, and even leads is through a mediation at the end of the podcast.

Relevant Links:

https://www.kristenjordan.com/

https://www.vvrkshop.art/netvvrk-waitlist

Is conventional wisdom shifting? Many believe art fairs and artists shouldn't mix. One artist described it to me as watching your parents have sex. It's not something artists want to do!

But not everyone agrees.

In this episode I speak to artist Mark Joshua Epstein about his experience at the Miami art fairs and why he believes the stigma associated with artists who attend without exhibiting their work has changed. He got a lot out of his visit, and shares what he gained, who he thinks will benefit, and when it won't help you. And he shares plenty of insider tips to help you if you decide to go!

Names mentioned:

Shelter Gallery presents Jaqueline Cedar at NADA

https://www.shelternyc.com/

Mrs Gallery presents Nickola Pottinger at Art Basel Miami 

https://www.mrsgallery.com/2023-art-basel-miami-beach

High Noon presents Ryan Crotty at Untitled 

https://www.highnoongallery.com/untitled-art-miami-2023

County presents Danielle Mysliwiec at Untitled 

https://www.daniellemysliwiec.com/exhibitions

To Weave The Sky at El Espacio 23 

https://elespacio23.org/2023/10/05/to-weave-the-sky-textile-abstractions/

Noon Projects presents Alex Kerr at Nada

 https://elespacio23.org/2023/10/05/to-weave-the-sky-textile-abstractions/

Aysa Geisberg at Untitled

 https://www.asyageisberggallery.com/

Is there a way to escape the demoralizing FOMO many artists experience during the Miami art fairs? In this episode of Art Problems, I discuss the ceiling many artists feel during this time of year, how to insert yourself into the fairs, and how not to feel like this whole art endeavor-thing is pointless.

Spoiler alert: The whole art thing is not pointless.

This week, I conducted an experiment: I took a survey that identified problems for standard businesses by revenue stages and examined how those problems aligned with the average artist's studio practice.

Surprise! The metrics didn't line up.

So, I used the framework for the business stages to create my model for artists. This podcast shares what I learned and produced for you! In the process, I created a downloadable action checklist so you can identify your career stage and what actions you need to take to get to the next level. That link below.

THE THREE BUSINESS STAGES OF STUDIO PRACTICE

In this episode, I discuss the abundance of triggers liable to make you feel a little more sensitive about your career this time of year including the Miami art fairs, holiday sales, and an art market recession. I also discuss what you can do when you start feeling all the feels.

We often get in our own way when we become self-conscious about visibility. This podcast is designed to give you the tools to avoid the behaviors likely to set you back.

 Sign up Here for early access to the Vantablack Friday offer!

Relevant links:

https://hyperallergic.com/784192/art-problems-dont-make-art-to-sell-do-i-still-belong-in-the-art-world/

Do you really need an artist residency?

You know it helps a CV, but how much?

Will it help other aspects of your career?

In this episode, I talk about how to determine if you need a residency and how to find the residencies best suited to your needs. If you've been stressing over whether you should spend time at a residency or how to find one, this podcast will provide an answer to many of those anxieties.

Is your lack of tech literacy stressing you out?

Are you worried you're too old to get the hang of new technology?

Maybe you're not old, and reasonably tech-savvy, but still stymied by constant tech updates?

Today on the podcast I invite my mother, Jacqueline Johnson, to talk about her use of technology.

She is not a master of technology. But, at age 77, she has figured out how to use what she needs, and reports crying far less often as a result of the computer.

Learn how she overcame her fear of technology and how you can, too!

Is your body not working as well as it did when you were twenty? Is this affecting your studio practice? Welcome to the joys of mid-career!

In this episode of Art Problems, I speak about the importance of seeking out good healthcare so you can sustain your work in the studio.

Try different types of support.

Use what works for you.

Trust your body.

Adapt, adapt, adapt.

Learning to accept change is the key to happiness.

Relevant links:

Brad Stuhlman, Master of Change

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Change-Everything-Changing-Including/dp/006325316X

In this episode, I talk to artists Barbara Nitke, Natalya Kochak, Laurence Elle Groux (goes by Elle) to talk about how they used the Netvvrk membership to help them secure their Chelsea show Mind Body and Soul—a Chashama exhibition at 320 West 23rd Street in New York.

We go through the process of how they met, how they got the show, the resources they needed to make the show, and now, what they can do to get the show more exposure.

If you're an artist who either needs shows or has a show you want to get people out to see, there are a lot of practical tips in this episode to help you.

Ways I can support you:

The Netvvrk membership is open through Sunday. Netvvrk helps mid-career artists get the shows, residencies, and grants of their dreams. Join us today. [Link]

Relevant links:

https://chashama.org/event/body-mind-spirit/

https://www.marcalain.com/

https://www.laurenceellegroux.com/

https://www.natalyakochak.com/

https://www.barbaranitke.com/

Let me guess. You have a million things to do to move your art career forward, but you're only one person, and you're struggling to find time in the studio, let alone do all the other tasks. You need one job, not four.

In this episode of Art Problems, I discuss how to get the time you need in the studio.

The solutions I have aren't sexy, and some of them aren't even that fun.

But you know what is fun? TIME IN THE STUDIO.

If they work, and they do, use these strategies.

And if you want to do a deeper dive on this, make sure you're on my email list.

On Tuesday October 10th, I release the link to my new free webinar on how to get more shows without transforming your personality into a content creator. Don't miss this class.

Does anyone even read art criticism any more?

For years, the prevailing wisdom told us that the art industry needs art criticism to grow. And yet, today, the industry is larger than ever; the number of professional art critics in the country is dwindling, and those writing reviews aren't having them read.

So, do we need art criticism? Is art criticism itself the problem? Is it too positive to be taken seriously or too negative to qualify as anything more than clickbait?

In this episode of Art Problems, Paddy Johnson summarizes the recent online discussions about criticism, focusing on Sean Tatol's "Negative Criticism" and Ben Davis's "Is Criticism Too Positive" and explains why this conversation is relevant to artists.

If you struggle to understand the media landscape, this podcast will help you understand the stakes so you can make better decisions about where to spend your time.

Professionals discussed: Jerry Saltz, Sean Tatol, Ben Davis, Jason Farago, Joanna Freeman, Jackson Arn, Josh Baer, Jeff Poe

Relevant links:

https://www.thebaerfaxtpodcast.com/e/jerry-saltz/

https://news.artnet.com/opinion/sean-tatol-negative-reviews-part-1-2353302

https://news.artnet.com/opinion/sean-tatol-negative-criticism-part-2-2353305

https://news.artnet.com/multimedia/the-art-angle-podcast-state-of-art-criticism-2358970

https://thepointmag.com/criticism/negative-criticism/

http://19933.biz/manhattanartreview.html

In this podcast, Paddy Johnson discusses how you can participate in the art world at the level you want to participate when you are afraid that your work isn't at that level. 

What are the symptoms of self doubt?

How can simple avoidance behaviors be mitigated?

And how can more complex fear-driven avoidance be tackled?

The answers to all that and more inside today's podcast.

Relevant links:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-25-how-to-work-an-opening/id1591933339?i=1000561557530

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-towards-self-acceptance-with-julie-peppito/id1646991472?i=1000601638275

In this podcast, Paddy Johnson and artist William Powhida discuss the increasing cost of museums, art fairs, application fees, and travel impacting artists and how to beat them.

You'll learn:

• Where to stay when visiting New York that won't cost $500 or more a night

• How to avoid a large fair entrance fee

• And how to lower the cost of museum fees

The start of the fall season is upon us!

And with all fall events, so too comes feelings of excitement, mixed with overwhelm and sometimes even dread.

You might be asking yourself questions like,

"How do I get my art seen when there is so little press to cover the five million shows now open across the country?"

"How do I network at openings and fairs when no one wants to see my work unless I am the exhibiting artist?"

"How do I attend these events without bankrupting myself in the process?"

In this episode, I provide answers.

Relevant links:

Hyperallergic art fair discounts:

https://hyperallergic.com/841510/your-a-z-guide-to-new-york-city-september-2023-art-fairs/

Two Coats of Paint:

https://twocoatsofpaint.com/2023/09/nyc-selected-gallery-guide-september-2023.html

Art Haps Spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17XFl-TJwmEMvdFPAfwUDVnwSDS6W7tMvdxu94vpmV00/edit#gid=0

Gallery Platform LA

https://galleryplatform.la/events

In this episode, Paddy gives you the skinny on the Guggenheim Fellowship, one of the most prestigious awards for mid-career artists. The talk contains tips and strategies you won't find on their website, including knowing when to apply and how often. You won't find this information anywhere else, so have a listen. Even if you're not planning to apply, this episode will give you strategies for ALL grant applications.

Relevant links:

https://www.gf.org/

In this episode I talk with artist Eric LoPresti about defining success inside an industry that has few markers to gage it. LoPresti talks about his goals for his work, his approach to securing the opportunities he's gained, and a work strategy that identifies artists as either hunters or trappers. Listen to the podcast to learn more!

Relevant links:

http://www.ericlopresti.com/

Welcome to the future where down is up, up is down, and email isn't just a spam storage service.

In this podcast, I share the news that many artists aren't going to like—email is back, baby! In many ways, it never left us, but in this episode, I discuss the recent media shift to newsletters and why artists should be placing their focus there as well.

If you haven't been building your mailing list, now is the time to start. It can transform your career.

Relevant links:

https://www.threads.net/@ezraklein/post/CvlcRaWuO21?hl=en

https://substack.com/

https://convertkit.com/

A gallery with an incredible curatorial record, a publishing wing, a 90% sales split to the artist AND 5% resale royalties may sound like an artist's fantasy, but it exists! Enter Testudo, a new online-first gallery dedicated to inclusivity, transparency and security.

In this episode of Art Problems, I speak with John Dennehy of Testudo, the gallery he co-founded with his partner Kirby Voigtman in 2021. We discuss the gallery model, its importance to artists and collectors, and the company's goals.

Relevant links:

https://testudomkt.com/

https://testudomkt.com/editorial

https://testudomkt.com/editorial/about-testudo

https://testudomkt.com/artist/courtney-puckett

https://www.vvrkshop.art/blog/is-site-specificity-relevant-to-a-generation-of-nomads-not-really

In this episode, William Powhida joins Paddy Johnson to talk about the changes in the art world, since 2017. Powhida and Johnson focus on Upstate Art Weekend and a recent New Yorker profile of Larry Gagosian to examine these changes, and use Powhida's 2017 show, "After the Contemporary" at the Aldrich Museum of Art, which imagines the art world of the future, as a starting point. 

Relevant Links: 

The World According to Larry Gagosian. FT.com

Upstate Art Weekend

How Larry Gagosian Reshaped the Art World. The New Yorker

After the Contemporary -The Aldrich Museum of Art

Oh, this episode is a doozy! In it, Paddy discusses how Netvvrk artists secured nearly a million dollars in grant funding for artists in just two years. The breakdown is in this episode if you want to know what Netvvrk artists are doing to secure awards like the Guggenheim Foundation Grant, The Pollock Krasner, JMF funding, and more. 

The tally, currently at $755,000, represents the dedication of the artists who join Netvvrk and the strength of the membership. And if you want to know more about the membership, I'll talk about it live Tuesday, July 18th, at 7:30 PM EST. 

Register Here  

Does having a day job make you feel a little self-conscious about the status of your art career? If so, you're not alone.

Prompted by a recent discussion on the VVrkshop Instagram, Paddy speaks with Catherine Haggarty, co-founder of NYC Crit Club, and an artist and Macon Reed, artist and Netvvrk member about the day job stigma for artists. We dive into subjects like:

How class and privilege support the expectation that artists work full-time in the studio, starting in art school

How acknowledging that you didn't come from privilege, can feel like you're breaking an unspoken set of rules.

The importance of defining success for yourself rather than letting an industry set those terms for you.

Plus, Catherine coins the term "Art Math" for us and breaks down her formulas.

Relevant links:

https://www.nyccritclub.com/

https://www.camsummer.org/

https://www.catherinehaggarty.com/

https://www.maconreed.com/

https://www.bearcoaches.com/m4w

In this episode, artist and critic William Powhida joins Paddy Johnson to discuss the context surrounding an expanded art fair cycle in New York. What once lasted a week now spans two, which, in this year's depressed market, amounted to a much longer timeline to lose money.

We discuss Frieze, NADA, Future Fair, and Spring Break, and why the growing exclusiveness of the fairs hurts art.

Relevant links:

Hat tip to Michael Anthony Farley and Whitney Kimball for their summary of Spring Break in BMore Art.

https://bmoreart.com/2023/05/cigarettes-ceramics-and-curatorial-chaos-spring-breaks-secret-show.html

In this episode of Art Problems, I speak with Luke Blackadar lawyer, and Deputy Director of the Arts and Business Council, about the Supreme Court's Ruling against the Warhol Foundation in AWF vs Goldsmith. Amongst the areas of possible impact, we discuss appropriation artists who use screen printing, A.I. renderings using artist work, and copyright trolls.

Listen up. This one's a great one.

https://artsandbusinesscouncil.org/luke-blackadar/

We all talk a lot about artist statements, instagram, going to openings and getting studio visits as a means of securing shows, residencies and grants.

The unspoken truth, though, is that if nobody wants to look at your art, the best artist statement in the world won't make a difference to your career.

Here's the thing, though. Making better work requires research and feedback, all actions you need to take to develop all your support materials.

A holistic approach to your practice will help you realize your full artistic potential.

In this episode, we dive into what a holistic practice looks like and why goal setting is key to your success.

Free live masterclass, How to Get Seen in the Art World, Tuesday, May 9th, 7:30 PM EST

The second in my podcast series examining which support materials can get you seen in the art world and the exact process we use inside Netvvrk to create member assessments that allow you to hone those materials.

In today's episode, I talk about the importance of your Instagram, and why you need to be on the platform to get your work seen. But I also talk about the social media recession we're currently experiencing and what to do about it.

spoiler alert: It doesn't mean stay off social. It does mean, though, that you need to be more intentional in your use.

And that's exactly what I talk about in this podcast.

Have a listen!

Free live masterclass, How to Get Seen in the Art World, Tuesday, May 9th, 7:30 PM EST

The first in my podcast series examining which support materials can get you seen in the art world and the exact process we use inside Netvvrk to create member assessments that allow you to hone those materials.

In today's episode, I talk about the importance of your website, how the most common mistakes I see will keep curators and dealers from contacting you, and the simple steps you need to take to avoid those mistakes.

Nothing I will discuss requires special skills or knowledge.

And everything I talk about is part of the personalized assessment process we follow on Netvvrk, that gives our annual members specific feedback on the areas of their practice that will get them connections and show opportunities the quickest.

Free live masterclass, How to Get Seen in the Art World, Tuesday, May 9th, 7:30 PM EST

In today’s episode, I’m answering the question that plagues so many artists: How do you navigate all the scams and pay-to-play schemes targeting artists is not easy.

They’re everywhere! And if you’re not careful, you can get sucked into something that seems fine on the surface. 

Today, I’m walking you through the scam taxonomy I established for these schemes, and how to identify them in any circumstance. We’re covering it all— instagram, email, pay-to-play, application fees, and publication and copyright scams. I even share with you how I nearly got scammed and what I do now to avoid it. 

Don’t miss this. 

Link: 

Meta Verification

In this episode, Paddy builds on her latest piece in Hyperallergic, "How to Get A Public Art Commission," by diving into the details. In this tactical podcast, you'll learn everything you need to know about how to get public art commissions, from what language to avoid to where to find calls that don't require pre-existing experience.

Relevant links: https://hyperallergic.com/809184/art-problems-how-do-i-get-a-public-art-commission/

In this episode, I talk about five ways artists can give up networking while building a larger network than ever.

Sound too good to be true? It probably is, but you'll never know unless you tune in.

Can you grow out of self-doubt? In today’s episode, I talk with Netvvrk member Julie Peppito about the trappings of childhood precociousness and how her negative art school experiences impacted her sense of self-worth and even her participation in the art world. And we talk about how she navigated out of negative experiences into a space of greater self-acceptance and artistic fulfillment.

Julie Peppito
The Camp Gallery

Julie Peppito Biography

Julie Peppito (b.1970, Tulsa, OK) combines multiple materials to create creature-like sculptures, layered tapestries, installations, collages, and playground art. The hybrid forms are about connection, waste, and escapism.

Peppito holds an MFA with a concentration in sculpture from Alfred University in Alfred, NY (2004) and she received her BFA from The Cooper Union in New York, NY (1992). Peppito’s work has been the subject of 10 solo exhibitions. She has exhibited at many New York non-profit and commercial galleries including: Kentler International Drawing Space, curated by Charlotta Kotik, The Long Island Children’s Museum, Heskin Contemporary, Art in General, PS122, Momenta, and Ethan Cohen Gallery, among others. Peppito received a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Sculpture (2001). You can see her playground art at J.J. Byrne Playground (completed 2012) and James Forten Playground (completed 2007), both in Brooklyn, NY.

In 2022, Peppito created a “bird condo” that was on display at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens as part of the exhibit “For the Birds”. Peppito creates, teaches art, and lives in Brooklyn, NY with her partner Gideon Kendall and their son.

What All the Most Visible Artists Are Doing

I spent the last two months reviewing artist work, CV, Instagram, and websites and found that the most visible artists do the same four things.

On this episode of Art Problems, distill what I learned from doing over 250 artist assessments into these four actions you can take too.

And if you like what you hear here, you’re really going to love my free masterclass How to Get Seen in the Art World, because I do an even deeper dive into how you can build towards bigger and better venues and opportunities.

Claim you spot here

Even when the A.I. chatbot ChatGPT gets everything wrong, it still sounds right. And that's some uncanny valley right there. 

In this episode of Art Problems, I talk about ChatGPT and the larger A.I. field, some of the ethical issues involved, and see just how much the bot knows about the art world. Spoiler alert: it still can't write your artist statement. Boo.

It's goal-setting time! Welcome to 2023! 

The biggest problem I see artists need help with when setting 2023 goals is figuring out what to do to achieve them when so many opportunities seem to come randomly from friends and connections. 

I'm here to tell you it's possible! Join me as I walk through my top 5 steps to creating a 2023 visibility plan and what you need to do to ensure it leads to results.  

Plus, I share some inside tips that I will talk about in my live intensive workshop this Thursday. Listen in; you don’t want to miss this episode!

In this episode, artist William Powhida joins Paddy Johnson to discuss changes to social media and what we expect to see in 2023. 

Mentioned: 

Bluesky - a decentralized social network protocol that allows social media networks to interact.

Mastodon - A twitter alternative

Emily Weiner's Instagram

Peer Review - A publication of reviews for artists by artists

What Affected Artists Most in 2022 

Looking to take stock of what happened in 2022? Let’s do it. In this podcast I talk about changes with social media, art fairs and in person networking. I also review the impact of the economic downturn, the increased sway of art stars and art advisors, and how to capitalize on opportunities you don’t yet have. 

Miami Art Week, the largest art event in the United States, takes place every year during the first week of December. In honor of this event, Paddy Johnson breaks down how these fairs operate, why most of us find them soul-crushing, and how to make the most out of them, regardless of how they make us feel.

LINKS:

https://www.artbasel.com/miami-beach

https://untitledartfairs.com/

https://www.newartdealers.org/programs/nada-miami-2022/viewing-rooms

https://www.satellite-show.com/

Artist Run Club talk with Paddy Johnson, Dec 1st, 6:30 am, South Beach, beach entrance at 8th and Ocean Dr.
https://www.newartdealers.org/programs/artist-run-club-featuring-paddy-johnson

In this episode, I talk about the relationship between art and politics and why I think we need to think critically about the things we love, so that we can better understand and advocate for their value. If we can imagine a better world, we can create it.  

Why do artists feel so much fear and self doubt around money? I sat down with artist and accountant Hannah Cole to discuss how fear of money impacts what we do and how to reframe that fear into pleasurable experiences. And no, I’m not joking—in this episode we talk about how to enjoy the act of bookkeeping! Other topics include, how a lack of tax education in this country impacts artists and what you can do to, as she says, “find more twenty dollar bills in your pocket.” 

If you like this podcast, I bet you’ll like her free Masterclass on how to simplify your taxes and grow a stash of F-You money

https://go.sunlighttax.com/free

She’s also got a great podcast you can subscribe to called Sunlight

https://www.sunlighttax.com/podcast 

OTHER RELEVANT LINKS

Why Doing Taxes is so Hard - Hasan Minhaj

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xQQkzWhMOc 

Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans From Filing Their Taxes for Free

https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-free

Reply All, Dark Pattern

https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all/6nhgol

The Estate Tax: An Economic Justice No Brainer

https://www.sunlighttax.com/blog/2017/5/19/the-estate-tax-an-economic-justice-no-brainer

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Austin-based gallery owner, artist and graphic designer Phillip Niemeyer. I met Phillip more than 10 years ago through an artist, and was immediately struck by his passion, creativity and drive to pursue ideas he found exciting. Our episode today is about how we navigate unconventional career paths and change in artistic careers. 

Phillip's Gallery

https://northern-southern.com/

Names mentioned:

Lisa Yuskavitch

Dana Schutz

Kerry James Marshall

Amy Smith Stewart

Carmen Herrera

Leo Castelli

Laura Lit with Northern Southern at NADA Miami

Frederic Goudy

In the first episode of The Netvvrk Podcast, Art Problems, you can expect to learn more about what you can expect in the episodes that follow, why Paddy is launching a Netvvrk specific podcast, and what makes Art Problems different. 

In this episode, Paddy examines the unique structure of the art industry, and why making art for love creates the most impactful cultural expression while simultaneously seeding the conditions for exploitation. How this empowers you: Understanding the conditions you're working in will you help you better navigate them. 

In this episode Paddy discusses some of the huge changes we're seeing in the art industry. You'll hear about the impact of artists moving away from bigger cities, the reduced effectiveness of large networking events and platforms, and the conditions fueling an increasing risk averse industry. And you'll learn about the steps you can take to build your career in this environment. 

Join VVrkshop founder and art critic, Paddy Johnson, as she shares thoughts and insights on the challenges artists face, easy to understand, step by step education, from industry experts that you can apply to your practice, and behind the scenes stories from artists and other professionals so you know you’re not alone.