The Business of Art Podcast

About The Business of Art Podcast

Welcome to the Business of Art podcast, hosted by Mark McKenna, a full-time artist dedicated to uncovering the secrets of success in the fine arts world. Through insightful interviews with seasoned professionals, Mark shares their stories, tips, and tricks for aspiring artists. Drawing from his own journey—from art education to becoming a provider for his family—Mark offers a roadmap for navigating the challenges and triumphs of the artist's life. Tune in for invaluable advice and inspiration on your path to artistic success.

Publisher

Mark McKenna

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Mar 2024

Latest episode

19 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

33 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Aug 2025

   Episode 32 - How I ‘Dreamed Out Loud’ into a Full-Time Art Career – Amanda Markel

   Join The Business of Art: https://thebusinessof-art.teachable.com/p/the-business-of-art Amanda’s Links: Website – https://agmarkel.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/a.g.markel/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AGMarkelFineArt Books & Resources Referenced During the Interview: • Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson • The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team by Patrick M. Lencioni • The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan Jordan Peterson Podcast Slaying the Dragon Within Us Dunzo Executive Assistant https://www.getdunzo.com/ UPWORK https://upwork.com Summary Sculptor Amanda Markel (b. 1994) shares how she went from self-educated beginnings to full-time artist in 2022, developing a signature bronze style that uses intentional negative space to suggest movement, “lost edges,” and co-creation with the viewer. She describes how constraints in bronze led her to innovate, why vulnerability and story live inside her pieces, and how that distinct style accelerated recognition. On the business side, Amanda urges artists to pick a specific goal, reverse-engineer a path, and “dream out loud”—a practice that directly led to her first large-scale wolf sculpture, then a three-wolf installation at Benson Sculpture Garden (ultimately installed at 14 feet). She credits community, mentors, and even trusted collectors for candid feedback, and shares practical systems for staying inspired and consistent. Takeaways • Choose a specific end goal, then reverse-engineer the steps and timeline to get there—you’ll “collapse time” versus wandering. • “Dream out loud”: say what you want publicly so others can open doors; that approach led directly to her first monument-scale commission. • Signature style came from embracing constraints of bronze—using negative space, lost edges, and implied motion to make work identifiably hers. • Telling personal stories in your work helps audiences connect; vulnerability can move people to tears and build community. • Community is a force multiplier: build mentors, peers, and even collector-friends who’ll give honest feedback and act like an advisory board. • Treat it like a business: know your ideal client, and optimize channels (galleries vs. shows) to match your strengths. • Practical studio systems sustain creativity: finish the day by resetting your space; use tiny “Atomic Habits” steps to build momentum. • Apprenticeship and critique accelerate growth—seek generous teachers and structured feedback loops. • Don’t trade passion for money; protect the joy that keeps you creating for the long haul. • Art is meaning-making: negative and positive spaces (and life’s highs and lows) both belong; that’s why art matters to culture. • A clear, distinct style makes you easy to recognize—and speeds up career traction. • Real example of momentum: a small wolf became 6.5 ft, which led to a three-wolf commission installed at 14 ft at Benson Sculpture Garden.

2. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Episode 31 - Artist Tyler Murphy on Burnout, Balance, and Building a Better Life

   Join the Business of Art: https://thebusinessof-art.teachable.com/p/the-business-of-art Tyler’s Links: Website: https://www.montanagallery.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylermurphyart/ Summary In this episode, Mark sits down with Tyler Murphy — painter, entrepreneur, and former gallery co-owner — totalk about the hidden costs of hustling in the art world and why more sales isn’t always the answer. Tyler sharesthe burnout he faced while trying to be both an artist and business owner, and how stepping back from thegallery world helped him find balance, peace, and renewed purpose. From co-running a successful gallery in Red Lodge, MT to now living intentionally in Billings, MT, Tyleropens up about rethinking success, embracing slow growth, and aligning his work with his personal values. Hetalks about making space for creativity, the mental and emotional toll of overworking, and the freedom thatcame with rebuilding a simpler art business model — one that honors both his personal life and his art. You’ll hear real insights about creating meaningful work, setting boundaries, and how Tyler turned his artbusiness into something sustainable, soulful, and still profitable. Takeaways Success ≠ Hustle: More sales don’t equal a better life if you’re sacrificing health, family, or peace. Burnout Is Real: Tyler faced physical and emotional exhaustion from overworking and managing a gallery on top of creating art. Less Can Be More: Simplifying his business model gave Tyler more creative energy and time with family. Redefine the Goal: Building a life of purpose and balance matters more than maximizing profit. Build Systems, Not Stress: Tyler now focuses on a slower, steadier approach that’s both sustainable and fulfilling. Artist Identity Crisis: Stepping away from constant production helped him reconnect with what he actually wants to paint. Marketing Authentically: Tyler shares his work in a way that’s rooted in storytelling, not just sales tactics. The Power of Presence: Time in nature and daily rhythms feed his creativity more than a packed production calendar ever did.

3. 

   15 Jul 2025

   Episode 30 - Joe Kronenberg Interview

   Join the Business of Art:https://thebusinessof-art.teachable.com/p/the-business-of-artJoe's Links:Website: https://www.kronenbergart.net/Facebook: www.facebook.com/kronenbergartBrush-Hog: www.brush-hog.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe kronenberg/SummaryIn this episode of the Business of Art podcast, host Mark McKenna interviews artist Joe Kronenberg, who shares his journey from a wildlife artist to a successful oil painter. Joe discusses the evolution of his career, the impact of galleries, and how he adapted his business model during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of sales skills for artists and offers practical advice on approaching commissions and building relationships with clients. In this conversation, Mark McKenna and Joe Kronenberg explore the multifaceted world of art, focusing on the importance of building relationships in sales, staying true to one's artistic vision, and the evolution of an artist's style. They discuss the challenges of selling art, the significance of time management, and the balance between creating original works and prints. Joe shares insights on defining success in an artistic career and the importance of continuous growth and learning in the art field.TakeawaysJoe Kronenberg began his artistic journey in second grade, discovering his talent for drawing.He transitioned from pastels to oil painting, which allowed for larger and more expressive works.COVID-19 forced Joe to reassess his reliance on galleries, leading to greater financial success independently.Galleries can provide exposure and access to collectors, but artists should also diversify their income streams.Sales experience is invaluable for artists, helping them navigate commissions and client relationships.Building rapport with clients is crucial; artists should treat potential buyers as friends.Understanding the emotional aspect of art sales can enhance the selling process.Artists should be prepared to quote prices immediately to capitalize on client interest.Creating a positive experience for clients can lead to repeat business and referrals.Effective communication and relationship-building are key to a successful art career. Art serves as a solution to aesthetic problems for clients.Building relationships is key to successful art sales.Artists often sell themselves in everyday interactions.Transitioning from a sale to a commission can be smooth.It's essential to ask for the business without pressure.Artists should paint for themselves, not just for collectors.Artistic styles evolve over time; it's natural and necessary.Time management is crucial for productivity in art.Diversifying sales through prints can reach a broader audience.Success in art is defined by personal growth and fulfillment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Joe Kronenberg's Artistic Journey02:22 The Evolution of Joe's Artistic Style08:04 Navigating the Gallery Landscape15:15 The Impact of COVID on Art Sales19:38 Sales Strategies for Artists29:09 Approaching Commissions Effectively32:24 The Importance of Immediate Pricing35:01 Pricing Strategies for Art35:49 Navigating Client Interactions39:34 Building Relationships Over Sales43:27 Creating a Comfortable Sales Environment46:54 Art as a Solution to Problems52:46 Staying True to Your Artistic Vision58:59 Evolving as an Artist01:00:24 Establishing a Productive Routine01:01:13 Time Management and Creative Focus01:06:36 Diversifying Art Sales: Prints and Originals01:14:27 Defining Success in an Artistic Career01:22:06 Advice for Emerging Artists: Finding Your path

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

300,902

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

37 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

31 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

51

Contact The Business of Art Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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