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Can you really build a profitable art business, or is the “starving artist” stereotype still true?

In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with Miriam Schulman, artist, author of Artpreneur, and host of The Inspiration Place Podcast, to break down what actually works for creatives who want to turn their passion into sustainable income.

If you’re an artist, creative entrepreneur, or solopreneur struggling with pricing, inconsistent sales, or relying too heavily on social media, this episode delivers a clear, practical roadmap.

Miriam shares why cheaper is not easier to sell, how to shift from selling products to selling transformation, and why building an email list is far more powerful than chasing Instagram engagement. She also dives into mindset, marketing strategy, and the real reason talented artists often fail to make money.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone building a one-person business around their creative work.

What You’ll Learn

• Why underpricing your art can actually hurt your sales
• The difference between selling cheap products vs. selling transformation
• How to build an audience without relying on Instagram or social media
• Why email marketing outperforms social platforms for creatives
• The biggest mistakes artists make when trying to grow a business
• How introverted artists can market and sell effectively
• Why mindset and marketing matter more than talent alone
• What AI means for artists, and what it can’t replace
• The 5-part framework for building a profitable art business

Key Takeaways for Creative Solopreneurs

Most artists struggle not because of lack of talent, but because they focus on the wrong business levers.

Successful creatives:

• Price based on transformation, not time or effort
• Build direct relationships (like email lists) instead of relying on algorithms
• Focus on the right product, not just more output
• Develop business systems alongside their creative work

If you’re trying to grow a creative business, these shifts can dramatically change your results.

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is perfect for:

• Artists and painters
• Creative entrepreneurs and “artpreneurs”
• Content creators and designers
• Service-based solopreneurs with creative skills
• Anyone trying to turn passion into profit

About Miriam Schulman

Miriam Schulman is an artist, business coach, and author of Artpreneur. She helps creatives build profitable businesses by combining mindset, marketing, and strategy. She is also the host of The Inspiration Place Podcast, where she teaches artists how to sell their work and grow sustainable income streams.

Why This Episode Matters Right Now

In today’s “autonomy economy,” more professionals are leaving traditional careers to build businesses around their skills and passions. But many creatives fall into the trap of underpricing, over-posting on social media, and relying on outdated advice.

This episode provides a modern approach, focused on ownership, audience-building, and sustainable income, that aligns with how solopreneurs actually succeed today.

Listen + Share

If you found this helpful, share it with an artist or creative entrepreneur who’s ready to take their business seriously.

And don’t forget to follow The Aspiring Solopreneur on all major podcast platforms, including YouTube, for more strategies on building a life-first business.

FAQs

What is the best way for artists to make money?

The best way for artists to make money is to focus on selling transformation rather than low-priced products. Instead of offering cheap items to a large audience, successful artists often sell higher-value work or services to a smaller, more targeted group. Building direct relationships through email lists and personal networks is also more effective than relying solely on social media.

Should artists lower their prices to get more sales?

No, lowering prices often makes selling harder, not easier. Buyers associate higher prices with higher value and transformation. Underpricing can signal lower quality and attract less committed buyers. Artists typically see better results when they price based on the value and impact of their work rather than trying to compete on cost.

Do artists need social media to grow their business?

No, artists do not need to rely on social media to grow a successful business. While platforms like Instagram can help with visibility, they often have very low engagement rates. Building an email list, leveraging personal connections, and gaining publicity through podcasts or features are more reliable and sustainable growth strategies.

Why is email marketing important for artists?

Email marketing allows artists to directly reach their audience without depending on algorithms. Compared to social media, email typically has significantly higher engagement rates. This means artists can build stronger relationships, promote their work more effectively, and generate more consistent sales.

What are the biggest mistakes artists make when starting a business?

Common mistakes include underpricing their work, focusing on the wrong products, relying too heavily on social media, and lacking clear systems for sales and operations. Many artists also struggle with mindset issues, such as believing in the “starving artist” myth, which can limit their ability to grow a profitable business.

Can introverted artists succeed in sales and marketing?

Yes, introverted artists can be highly successful in sales and marketing. Introverts often excel at listening and building one-on-one relationships, which are critical skills for selling higher-value work. They can focus on personal connections, email communication, and smaller, more meaningful interactions rather than large-scale promotion.

What role does mindset play in an artist’s success?

Mindset plays a critical role in determining an artist’s success. Beliefs about money, value, and identity can directly impact pricing, marketing, and sales decisions. Artists who adopt a business mindset and believe in the value of their work are more likely to take actions that lead to sustainable income.

How is AI impacting artists and creative businesses?

AI can assist with idea generation and execution, but it cannot replace human creativity, taste, and original thinking. The most valuable part of creative work—the “last mile”—still requires human input. Artists who focus on originality, storytelling, and personal connection will continue to stand out.

What is the difference between selling products and selling transformation?

Selling products focuses on the item itself, often leading to lower prices and commoditization. Selling transformation focuses on the impact the product or service has on the buyer’s life. This shift allows artists to charge higher prices and attract more committed customers.

How can artists build a sustainable business long-term?

Artists can build a sustainable business by focusing on five key areas: creating the right product, pricing appropriately, building an audience (especially through email), actively selling their work, and developing systems to manage their business efficiently. Consistency in these areas leads to long-term growth and stability.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe to The Aspiring Solopreneur and leave a review to help other solopreneurs discover the show.