Art Biz Success Podcast Episode 274: The Third Path for Artists

In episode 274 of The Art Biz podcast, host Alyson Stanfield discusses a third career path for serious artists who do not identify with ambition or the traditional promotion machine. Stanfield, who has worked with artists for over two decades, outlines three paths: the ambitious path, walking away, and staying with the work on one's own terms. The third path, which she argues is often overlooked, is for artists who want to maintain a dedicated studio practice but are done with the stress of promotion, algorithms, and the business side of art. This path is for those recalibrating their pace due to aging, health issues, caregiving, or philosophical objections to the promotion machine. Stanfield also announces changes at Art Biz Success: after August 2026, the organization will no longer offer multi-month or year-long courses, instead focusing on coaching groups and private consulting. A new coaching group, The Third Path, will start in October, designed for artists on this third path. It is not a course but a collaborative space where members figure out the path together. The episode also references related episodes on artist legacy with Alissa Quart and Mary Erickson, and proactive legacy planning with Heather K. Powers. The post includes an image of a sculpture by Juel Grant titled 'Distant Horizon'.