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

• Got questions? Call the Art + Audience Podcast hotline: (479) 966-9561

• Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle

In this refreshingly honest episode, Stacie is joined by fine artist Vanessa Piche (pronounced "cliché") for a raw conversation about what it feels like to start over again. Vanessa opens up about her unexpected move from a thriving art career in Rhode Island to rural Indiana, and the challenges of rebuilding her audience from scratch in an increasingly unpredictable online landscape. Together, Stacie and Vanessa reflect on what's not working anymore in creative business. This episode is a candid exploration of transition, vulnerability, and resilience. If you've been feeling lost or like you're shouting into the digital void, this conversation is for you.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Vanessa's Journey: From art markets and a brick-and-mortar shop in Rhode Island to life on a farm in Indiana with chickens, horses, and a whole new creative landscape.

• Starting Over: What it really feels like to lose a built-in audience and begin again from zero, and why Vanessa isn't giving up.

• The Online Shift: A candid look at why platforms like Instagram aren't working the way they used to, and how creators are scrambling to find what will work.

• TikTok and Trust: The only place where Stacie and Vanessa are seeing any real organic growth, and how they're experimenting with it.

• Return to In-Person: How in-person events might be the next pivot, and why some of the most meaningful connections (and repeat buyers) still happen face-to-face.

Connect with Vanessa Piche:

• Website: vanessapiche.com

• Instagram: @vanessapiche

Connect with Stacie Bloomfield:

• Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast

• Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com

• Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart

• Facebook: @ShopGingiber

• Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber

• Got questions? Call the Art + Audience Podcast hotline: (479) 966-9561

• 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

• Got questions? Call the Art + Audience Podcast hotline: (479) 966-9561

• Get Stacie's book: The Artist's Side Hustle