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 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

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

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 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

Today, Stacie sits down with UK-based embroidery artist and educator Sophie Timms, founder of Mindful Mantra Embroidery and the Bloom Embroidery Academy. Sophie shares her inspiring journey from studying law to building a thriving creative business with multiple income streams, including a high-retention membership of nearly 200 embroidery enthusiasts. Whether you're dreaming of making a living from your art or already on your way, this episode is packed with wisdom about following your intuition, building a community, and crafting a business that supports your life. Today on Art + Audience: Career pivot during a pandemic: Sophie shares how she went from studying law to picking up embroidery during lockdown, and never looked back. Letting the audience lead: Her product line grew organically by paying attention to what her followers wanted most. Inside the Bloom membership: A look at how she keeps members engaged with tutorials, challenges, and rewards, while automating much of the process. Juggling business and motherhood: Sophie talks about working solo, staying consistent, and building smart systems to manage her time. When tariffs hit hard: A 65% drop in U.S. orders could have been devastating, but diversifying her income helped her stay afloat. Why community matters most: With a 93% retention rate, Sophie explains how member recognition and connection keep people coming back. Important Note: At the time of this episode's release, Sophie has temporarily paused shipping to the U.S. due to ongoing tariff issues. If you'd like to support her work, the best way is to follow her on Instagram, join her newsletter, and stay updated on when U.S. shipping will resume. Connect with Sophie Timms: Website: mindfulmantraembroidery.com Instagram: @mindfulmantra_embroidery Membership: bloomembroideryacademy.com 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

In this first part of a powerful two-part conversation, Stacie sits down with the creative and deeply introspective Andy J. Pizza, illustrator, speaker, and host of the beloved Creative Pep Talk podcast. They dive headfirst into the personal side of creativity, exploring how neurodivergence, mental health, and family background shape the way we show up in our art. Andy and Stacie share candid moments about their diagnoses (ADHD and OCD), how their creative rhythms differ from traditional productivity models, and why embracing your authentic self is the first step to making art that truly matters. From deep dives into therapy and self-compassion to reflections on parenting and redefining success, this episode is a masterclass in building a creative career that honors your whole self. Today on Art + Audience: The origin of "Andy J. Pizza": Why Andy chose this name and how it became unexpectedly perfect for his work with kids. Navigating neurodivergence: A candid look at how ADHD and OCD influence both Andy's and Stacie's creative lives. Strengths-based psychology: Andy explains how shifting focus to what works (instead of what's broken) changed his outlook. Self-expression and self-love: Why Andy believes you can't make meaningful art if you don't like yourself first. Redefining productivity: Letting go of rigid systems and learning to work with your brain instead of against it. Rethinking success and permission: Is creative freedom something you earn, or something you allow yourself to have? Connect with Andy J. Pizza: Website: andyjpizza.com Instagram: @andyjpizza Podcast: Creative Pep Talk Podcast 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 Leverage Your Art: Stacie's signature course, opening again this August 2025

In this enlightening episode, Stacie sits down with surface pattern designer Juliana Tipton to talk about launching a creative career in your 40s, navigating art licensing, and staying grounded through the highs and lows of the design world. From graphic design and higher education to licensing with top retailers like Target and Barnes & Noble, Juliana shares how she pivoted careers, learned to trust her gut, and built a successful business centered around authenticity and perseverance. Today on Art + Audience: Juliana's Unconventional Start: How she launched her surface design career in her early 40s after two previous careers. Leveraging Graphic Design: How her background gave her a solid foundation but also revealed the challenges of working solo. Licensing Lessons: From being ghosted by a fabric company to finding better partnerships—what she learned and would do differently. Pitching and Portfolios: The importance of following up, crafting one-sheets, and using classes from Bonnie Christine and Shannon McNab to hone her process. Navigating Red Flags: How Juliana discerns between fear and instinct when evaluating licensing deals—and why good communication is non-negotiable. The Truth About Money: Why licensing isn't always lucrative at first and how Juliana balances surface design with graphic design work. Honest Talk About Contracts: What Juliana looks for in licensing agreements and how she scrutinizes the fine print. Connect with Juliana Tipton: Website: julianatipton.com Instagram: @jultipdesign 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 Leverage Your Art: Stacie's signature course, opening again this August 2025

In this episode, Stacie reveals the system behind her two creative companies generating a combined $5 million in annual revenue: the STAR Productivity Method. Drawing from humble beginnings at her dining room table to leading a powerhouse team, Stacie shares the weekly rhythm that has guided her journey. Whether you're a side hustler or full-time creative, this episode provides an actionable framework to gain clarity, stay focused, and make meaningful progress even with limited time. Today on Art + Audience: The Origins of the STAR Cycle: How Stacie developed the method during her early side hustle days with only five focused hours per week. A Peek into Her Themed Work Week: Discover how Monday through Friday is structured to maximize creativity and minimize chaos. The STAR Framework Explained: S – Strategize: Set goals and dream big. T – Think & Create: Dive into the creative process. A – Adapt: Refine, polish, and prepare. R – Reach Out: Share, launch, and gather feedback. Real-Life Examples: How Stacie used the STAR cycle to plan product launches and build a new mini course. How to Apply STAR to Your Own Projects: Implement the cycle on a personal project, complete with a free printable worksheet. Resource: Download the printable STAR Cycle worksheet at staciebloomfield.com/blog Pre-Order Bonus: Get two copies of The Artist's Side Hustle and receive Art That Works, Stacie's flagship art critique course. Just email your receipts to bonus@gingiber.com 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 Leverage Your Art: Stacie's signature course, opening again this August 2025

Today on the show, Stacie is joined once again by her long-time business partner and sister, Angie Classen. Together, they pull back the curtain on how consistent email marketing helped grow their handmade brand, Gingiber, from a $100k Etsy shop to a multimillion-dollar enterprise. This episode is a deep dive into ditching the fear of self-promotion, showing up authentically, and embracing email as your most powerful marketing tool. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your product-based business, Stacie and Angie break down actionable strategies and candidly share the mindset shifts that made all the difference. Today on Art + Audience: The Myth of "Annoying Emails": Why creatives need to let go of the fear of bothering people—and start showing up consistently. The 5-4-3-2-1 Strategy: A simple and wildly effective email campaign that boosted Gingiber's sales around Mother's Day. Email is for Everyone: How indie makers, not just big brands like Anthropologie, can win with email marketing. Work Once, Use Often: How Angie turned one blog post into five effective sales emails. Product vs. Education: The critical difference in strategy when selling physical products vs. online courses. Facing Unsubscribes: Why it's okay when people opt out—and how it helps you refine your ideal audience. Slow Growth = Strong Business: A refreshingly honest look at building a profitable business without debt, flash, or burnout. Resources: Ideal Customer Avatar Generator: A brand-new tool available exclusively inside Leverage Your Art. It walks you step by step through identifying who your art is for based on your unique style and generates a detailed customer profile to guide your marketing, product development, and more. Available when the course reopens in August 2025. 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 Leverage Your Art: Stacie's signature course, opening again this August 2025

In this solo episode, Stacie opens up about a hard truth many creative entrepreneurs face but few talk about: what to do when your art business hits a plateau. Sharing a vulnerable and candid story about a product launch that flopped, Stacie reframes business stagnation not as a failure, but as a signal for evolution. With practical steps and heartfelt encouragement, she walks you through how to diagnose the root of business slowdowns, how to reignite momentum, and why a plateau might just be the push you need to evolve into your next chapter. Today on Art + Audience: Facing the Quiet After the Launch: Stacie shares the story of launching a candle line that didn't meet expectations, despite all efforts. What felt like failure was actually vital feedback. Understanding Business Plateaus: Why stagnation isn't punishment, but an invitation to rethink and grow. Step-by-Step Through the Stuck: Step 1: Diagnose the real issue – is it the product, audience, or messaging? Step 2: Make a bold move – shake things up, even in small ways. Step 3: Recommit with a sustainable rhythm – avoid burnout with intentional action. Personal Evolution: How pivoting into teaching reignited Stacie's passion, showing that evolving roles can breathe new life into your business. The Five-Hour Week Framework: A balanced approach for creatives to move forward without overwhelm. Call to Action: Encouragement to reflect, try something new, and trust that you haven't peaked—you're just getting started. 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

In this special season finale, Stacie sits down with someone very close to her heart—her sister, Angie Classen. Many people know Stacie as the face of Gingiber and Learn with Stacie Bloomfield, but behind the scenes, Angie is an essential part of the team. Together, they share the journey of working as sisters, growing a thriving art business, and the lessons they've learned about trust, resilience, and navigating the challenges of running a company with family. This heartfelt conversation is filled with wisdom for creatives looking to build sustainable businesses—especially those who may be hesitant to ask for help or delegate. If you've ever wondered what it's like to mix family and business, this episode is full of honest insights, personal stories, and valuable takeaways. Today on Art + Audience: Season One Finale: Stacie reflects on the journey of this podcast and why taking seasonal breaks is important for creative growth. Meet Angie Classen: Stacie introduces her sister, Angie, who plays a critical role in the business. They share how their careers unexpectedly became intertwined. The Importance of Asking for Help: Many creatives hesitate to delegate. Angie highlights how Stacie's ability to invite others into her business helped scale Gingiber into a seven-figure brand. Balancing Strengths: Stacie and Angie have complementary skills—Stacie's quick decision-making and creative energy meet Angie's methodical approach and organizational strengths. Together, they make the perfect team. Navigating Conflict and Growth: Family businesses come with unique challenges, but open communication, trust, and knowing when to push through difficulties have been key to their success. Scaling Gingiber: How Stacie took a big swing by trusting Angie to take on a leadership role in product management—despite conventional business advice warning against family in leadership. Making Space for Others: The power of hiring team members who bring new talents to the table, and how letting go of control creates space for even greater success. Sisterhood & Support: Beyond business, Stacie and Angie share how their bond has deepened over time, creating a foundation of support in both work and life. The Power of Creative Community: Why finding "pace setters" in business—whether a sister or a mastermind group—is essential for growth. 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

In this reflective and inspiring solo episode, Stacie invites you into her recent journey, which spans creative self-discovery, a transformative trip to Scotland, and an exciting new chapter as she reveals her second big secret. Stacie shares heartfelt lessons about slowing down, rediscovering creativity, and living an artful life—all while balancing the demands of running her art business, Gingiber. Today on Art + Audience: A Transformative Trip to Scotland: Stacie recounts her solo journey, a rare opportunity to connect with herself and focus on her well-being. From long walks and journaling to writing her upcoming book, The Artist's Side Hustle, she shares how this experience reignited her creativity and energy. Rediscovering Herself Amidst the Noise: The Scotland trip offered Stacie the gift of solitude and introspection, helping her navigate feelings of burnout and reconnect with her authentic self. The Bloom House: Returning from Scotland, Stacie closed on an old church building that she's affectionately named the Bloom House. She opens up about her vision for this space as a community hub for creatives to gather, connect, and be inspired. Living Artfully and Attracting Your Audience: Stacie explores the power of living a vibrant, creative life and how sharing personal, authentic stories can magnetize an audience. A Call to Action for Artists: Encouraging artists to embrace authenticity, Stacie emphasizes that building a meaningful art career isn't just about creating; it's about living creatively and sharing that journey with others. Resource: See a tour of the church 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