The Professional Artist Podcast: Art Business Transformations

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary painter Bethany Stephan is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world’s fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.
Bethany is a realist painter based in Arizona whose work is inspired by the landscapes of the American Southwest. Working primarily on panel, she is known for bold color choices, dynamic compositions, and a willingness to break traditional rules.
After more than two decades in a demanding IT career, Bethany built her practice nights and weekends before transitioning to full-time painting. Her persistence led to national recognition, including acceptance into major Oil Painters of America exhibitions.
In this deep dive, Bethany shares what it truly takes to move from a day job into a sustainable art practice… not through urgency, but through long-term planning. She explores how artists recognize when their work has outgrown their current life, how peer support and accountability accelerate growth, and why building a sustainable rhythm matters more than working endlessly, while also offering practical insight into pricing, and navigating the emotional realities of leaving a stable career.
This episode offers a grounded, honest look at designing a life around your art. One built on timing, peer support, and rhythms that allow both the work and the artist to endure.
“How long can I stand to continue to do the job I don't want to be doing anymore? My soul was starting to feel like I am wasting time. I need to be doing what I am supposed to be doing, which is painting.”
— Bethany Stephan
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Bethany's Transition from IT to Art
01:54 Overcoming the Fear of Failure
02:28 Knowing When to Commit Fully to Art
03:09 How to Build a Sustainable Rhythm
05:12 The Emotional Challenges of Transitioning
07:27 Building an Art Business
10:12 Professional Recognition and Benchmarks
13:55 The Importance of Community and Peer Support
15:34 Pricing and Visibility Strategies
17:50 Expanding Artistic Practice
20:27 The Value of One-on-One Coaching
23:56 Overcoming Isolation in the Art World
25:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:
https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/bethany-stephan
Links to artworks discussed:
Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
Resources
Scottsdale, Arizona art school: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/
OPA (Oil Painters of America): https://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/
Connect with Bethany
Website: https://www.bethanystephan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethany_stephan_art/
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration:
https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter
Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator
Free training and resources:
Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, painter Tyler Loftis is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.
Tyler is a Professional Artist Association member and an American painter trained at the New York Studio School and the New York Academy of Art. His work moves fluidly between abstraction and figuration, driven by process rather than predetermined outcomes. At the core of his practice is a commitment to democratizing access to the art world.
His direct, disciplined, and deeply authentic approach to both art and business led to something rare: the sale of a single painting for seven figures through a private collector relationship, completed outside the traditional gallery system.
In this deep dive, we look beyond the headline moment to examine the years of intention, responsibility, and structure that made it possible. Tyler breaks down what artists often misunderstand about high-value private sales, how collectors decide who they trust with major investments, and why treating your practice with professional seriousness is essential at every level.
This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how long-term collector relationships are built, how trust compounds over time, and what it truly takes to reach your highest price points while staying fully aligned with your vision.
“You’re not trying to sell paintings. You’re trying to find people who believe in support and who connect with your work..”
— Tyler Loftis
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:00 The Importance of Authentic Connections
02:50 Art as a Journey
05:10 Dropping Out and Finding Purpose
07:50 The Business of Art
11:20 Forging a Path Outside the Gallery System
13:50 Art as Service and Community
16:00 The Impact of Major Sales
18:00 The Role of Collectors
21:30 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: 
https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/tyler-loftis

Resources
- New York Studio School: https://www.nyss.org/
- New York Academy of Art: https://www.nyaa.edu/
- Global Green: https://globalgreen.org/
Connect with Tyler
- Website:  https://www.tylerloftis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerloftisart/
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
- Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration:
- https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter
- Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator
Free training and resources:
- Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: 
https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
- Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: [https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report]
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, Professional Artist Association member and contemporary sculptor Lisa Roet is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.
Lisa is an Australian artist whose work examines the shared DNA and emotional terrain between humans and primates. Working across monumental public sculpture, film, installation, and research-based practice, her art asks urgent questions about biodiversity, evolution, and what it means to be human—making complex ideas visible at a public scale.
For more than three decades, Lisa has built an international career outside the traditional gallery system. Her projects are frequently realized through grants, institutional partnerships, and cross-sector collaborations, requiring long-term vision, rigorous research, and sophisticated logistical planning.
In this deep dive, Lisa offers a rare and transparent look at what it takes to sustain large-scale, public-facing art. She breaks down how artists can navigate funding bodies, structure partnerships that protect creative control, and balance artistic risk with the practical realities of production.
This episode offers essential insight for artists interested in public work, ambitious projects, and alternative career models—showing how research-driven practice, strategic collaboration, and persistence can support a long-term, impactful art career beyond the gallery system.
“ You have to be careful with understanding how markets are working… who your client base is, being genuine with yourself and being careful with your practice while at the same time taking risks.”
— Lisa Roet
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:32 Importance of Research in Artistic Practice
04:10 The Influence of Jane Goodall on Lisa's Work
08:10 Creation and Concept of "Golden Monkey"
12:38 Challenges of Large-Scale Public Art
16:44 Overview of Business and Income Streams
20:52 Navigating Funding Applications
23:35 Lessons Learned from the Art Market
25:42 Balancing Risks and Integrity in Art Practice
26:22 Conclusion
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:
https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/lisa-roet
Links to artworks discussed:
Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
Resources:
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology: https://www.rmit.edu.au/
McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery: https://mcclelland.org.au/
Serpentine Galleries: https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/
Connect with Lisa
Website: https://www.lisaroet.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaroet/
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration:
https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter
Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator
Free training and resources:
Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary sculptor Daniel Lai is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.
Daniel is a Malaysian-born, self-taught artist based in St. Petersburg, Florida, best known for his narrative sculptures that combine books, clay, and metaphor. Through playful yet intellectually charged forms, his work examines the human experience and addresses social issues with clarity, curiosity, and depth.
Transforming discarded and everyday materials into story-rich sculptures, Daniel has built an internationally recognized practice, earning major awards and cultivating a dedicated base of collectors drawn to the emotional and conceptual accessibility of his work.
In this deep dive, Daniel shares the pivotal moments that shaped his artistic path—from finding his voice to sustaining a meaningful studio practice. He reflects on the importance of patience, long-term thinking, and relationship-building in developing a resilient art career.
This episode offers thoughtful guidance for artists seeking to leverage their unique perspective, build authentic connections with collectors, and navigate the challenges of creating a sustainable art business rooted in purpose and storytelling.
“You cannot deny who you truly are. I knew that if I were to follow the conventional path , get a nine to five job or teaching, it will eat up my soul..”
— Daniel Lai
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 The Importance of Following Your Heart in Art
02:09 Transitioning from Academia to Full-Time Art
03:47 Exploring His Narrative Sculpture, "Together, We Rise"
08:10 The Role of Found Materials in Daniel's Work
11:30 The Journey from Mundane to Socially Engaged Art
14:30 The Process of Connecting Dots in Sculpture
19:00 Inviting Collectors into the Artistic Narrative
22:30 The Value of Building a Supportive Email List
25:30 Navigating the Logistics of a Traveling Art Career
29:30 The Impact of Weather on Outdoor Art Shows
31:00 Confronting Social Issues through Art
33:00 The Importance of Patience and Preparation in the Artistic Process

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:
https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/daniel-lai
Links to artworks discussed:
His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
Connect with Daniel:
Website: https://www.artbydaniellai.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbydaniellai/
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration:
https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter
Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator
Free training and resources:
Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, contemporary artist David Palmer is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.
David is a U.S.-based painter whose work blends the bold visual language of pop art with a refined classical sensibility. Drawing from dreams, childhood memories, nature, and contemporary culture, his paintings are known for their distressed surfaces - layers of color revealed through wear, evoking aged frescoes and weathered billboards.
His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the U.S. and Europe and is held in numerous public and private collections. Before fully dedicating himself to painting, David built a successful career in digital effects, contributing to major films such as The Polar Express, Spider-Man 3, and Harry Potter… an experience that continues to inform his visual storytelling.
In this deep dive, David shares how he transitioned into outdoor art fairs and learned to sell work directly to collectors. He breaks down the realities of booth presentation, audience engagement, and the mindset required to thrive outside the traditional gallery system.
This episode offers practical insights for artists navigating hybrid career paths—balancing gallery representation with self-directed sales—while building lasting collector relationships through story-driven connection.
“It doesn’t matter what you say; nobody cares. The consequences of not doing it and taking a chance are a lot worse than the consequences of doing it wrong.”
— David Palmer
Timestamps: 
00:00 Introduction
01:27 David's Unique Career Path and Film Work
03:00 Juggling Art and a Day Job
06:15 Early Inspirations and Education in Art
09:30 Transition to Graduate School and Mentorship
12:20 Influences from Renaissance and Pop Art
15:00 Shift to Outdoor Art Fairs
18:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Art Fairs
21:30 Navigating Gallery Relationships and Sales Strategies
25:00 The Impact of Popular Culture on Art
29:30 Embracing Curiosity and Persistence in Art
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:
https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/david-palmer
Links to artworks discussed:
His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
Connect with David:
Website: https://davidpalmerstudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidpalmerstudio/
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration:
https://professionalartist.com/podcast/#join-free-artist-letter
Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator
Free training and resources:
Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.