Shows
Behind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyIt's Not Too Late: Practical Tips for Growing Your Art Career with Kristin Cooney Meet self-taught artist Kristin Cooney, who made the unexpected leap from dentistry to painting. Drawing inspiration from vintage photographs of glamorous women, Kristin transforms historical moments into joyful coastal scenes, florals, and abstracts. She shares the creative process behind her vibrant work and the surprising parallels between art and dentistry—especially value contrast. Kristin also offers practical advice on the business of art, from shipping large paintings through UPS and Shopify to rebuilding her audience after a hacked Instagram account. She highlights the power of email marketing, creating quality prints, and generating passive income. Her story encourages art...
2025-11-2547 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyWhen You Don't Feel Good Enough As An Artist Feeling like you're not good enough as an artist? You're not alone—and that doubt might be your greatest teacher. In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey opens up about overcoming comparison, from social media envy to measuring herself against masters like Monet and Sargent. She reveals how embracing individuality unlocks creativity and purpose. Kelly reminds us that art isn't a competition—it's a celebration of beauty in all its forms. Through practical steps like taking workshops, building community, and staying creatively consistent, she shares how humility and dedication shape lasting growth. This epis...
2025-11-1820 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyThe Honest Artist: How Grief Shaped Kendal Blanchard's Path to Purpose How do you turn personal loss into purpose? In this episode of Behind the Brush, artist Kendall Blanchard shares her inspiring journey from the bayous of Louisiana to recognition across Alabama. After losing her father, Kendall found healing through art, evolving from teacher to full-time artist and collaborating with brands like Society Social. She discusses using Instagram to build authentic partnerships, balancing motherhood with creativity, and transforming collage and texture into her artistic signature. Kendall also offers practical advice on preparing for art shows, managing inventory, and staying productive. Her story is a moving reminder th...
2025-11-1146 min
The Art BizThe Strategic Artist: Zero Debt Art Degrees with Stephanie Brown (247)Too many artists graduate from art school with crushing debt and then spend years figuring out how to make money while trying to maintain a studio practice. Stephanie Brown did the opposite. She graduated from a private art school debt-free, secured a fully funded MFA, and has been treating her art career like a business from day one. In this conversation with host Alyson Stanfield, Stephanie breaks down exactly how she did it, and why being strategic about money doesn't make you any less of an artist. 🔦 HIGHLIGHTS 02:00 Why interactive art transforms viewers int...
2025-11-0636 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyEpisode 11: A Studio That Sparks Joy (and Creativity) --Creating Space for the Work You're Called To Do Feeling overwhelmed by your messy studio? You're not alone. In this episode of Behind the Brush, artist and host Kelly Pelfrey kicks off her "When You Feel Overwhelmed By…" series with a candid look at studio chaos and how five minutes can change everything. From dirty paint water to piles of canvases, Kelly shares real-life confessions and practical tips for turning clutter into calm. Learn how simple systems, like giving everything a home, organizing supplies, and setting a quick timer, can transform your creative space and mindset. Whether you thrive in a littl...
2025-11-0432 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyDoes 10 Minutes a Day Really Make a Difference? Michelle Brunner on How it Transformed her CareerMeet Ohio-based artist and educator Michelle Brenner, who beautifully balances her passion for painting with her longtime teaching career. What began as a 2017 New Year's resolution to paint every day evolved into a thriving art practice, with her work now featured in galleries and private collections—including Meg Young's Nantucket home. Inspired by the calming landscapes of Lake Erie, Michelle shares how her experiences as a teacher shape her creative process and how her growth as a professional artist enriches her students. In this inspiring episode, Michelle discusses finding balance, building a consistent practice, and investing in qu...
2025-10-2854 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyThey Forgot About You (Until You Emailed) Can artists really afford to ignore the power of an email list? In this episode of Behind the Brush, we uncover how building a strong email community can elevate your art career far beyond social media. Learn how to attract genuine subscribers, craft captivating emails, and turn collectors into lifelong supporters. Forget the spammy tactics—this is about authentic connection. We dive into tools like Mailchimp, Flodesk, and ConvertKit, plus share creative strategies for storytelling, giveaways, and irresistible subject lines. Whether you're just starting or ready to grow, discover why your email list is the heartbeat of a...
2025-10-2137 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyWhere Art Meets Business: Kayla Cole Pacana on Collectives & Community Discover how to build a thriving art business and creative community with special guest Kayla Cole-Pacana. From a background in science to becoming a leader in the art world, Kayla shares her journey and passion for collecting original works that tell powerful stories. Together, we explore the upcoming KP Collective 2025—a digital platform empowering artists to grow their visibility and independence. Kayla and I dive into the importance of artistic collaboration, retreats, and education, highlighting how face-to-face connections spark growth. Learn how to choose the right collective, strengthen your business foundation, and embrace flexibility in your creative pa...
2025-10-1429 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyWhere Do You Need Help? (And Why It's the Smartest Question in Your Art Business) What if freeing up your time could make you a better artist? In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey shares how learning to delegate transformed both her art and business. From managing the KP Collective and launching new projects to balancing family life, Kelly opens up about knowing when to ask for help. Discover how hiring a virtual assistant streamlined her workflow and reignited her creativity. She also explores the benefits of outsourcing web design, bookkeeping, and marketing, as well as the growth that comes from collaboration. Packed with insight and encouragement, this episode will i...
2025-10-0721 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyBalancing Art, Life, and Business with Shelby Monteverde Artist Shelby Monteverde opens up about her journey from painting commissioned dog portraits to embracing her authentic artistic voice. With honesty and courage, Shelby shares how pivotal advice from fellow artist Lily Wallace inspired her to pursue personal collections that genuinely resonate with her. Kelly and Shelby discuss the importance of saying no to projects that don't align with her values and how that decision reshaped her career. Listeners will also gain practical insights into studio routines, pricing strategies, and how mood, environment, and family life influence her art. From delegating administrative tasks to finding joy in...
2025-09-3051 min
The Splatter Effect57. Three Reasons Every Artist Should Join a Digital Collective (Yes, even you)Community is the new currency and digital collectives are one of the most powerful ways for artists to grow, connect, and sell in today’s art world. In this episode, we share three compelling reasons you should consider joining a digital collective: expanding your network, building professional art connections, and getting real feedback that can refine your business.
Plus, a big announcement: Kayla is officially launching The KP Art Collective, in collaboration with Kelly Pelfrey, a new digital collective designed for artists who want to expand their network and join a community of dedicated and talented artists. Ap...
2025-09-2932 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyBehind the Scenes: The Art of Commissions Commissions are more than custom artwork—they're opportunities to transform memories into lasting treasures. In this episode of Behind the Brush, professional artist Kelly Pelfrey reveals why commissions make up 95% of her business and how they build deeper connections with clients. She shares a moving story of creating a piece that honors a family's late mother, illustrating how commissioned art can become an emotional legacy. Kelly also offers practical advice on navigating the commission process—setting pricing, balancing client requests with creative freedom, and handling feedback with confidence. Learn how deposits, communication, and collab...
2025-09-2335 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyGallery Success and Signature Style: Lessons from Artist Shannon Woodford Artist Shannon Woodford joins Behind the Brush to share her creative journey from a childhood surrounded by art to building a thriving gallery career. She opens up about early experiences in faux painting and murals, the lessons learned from workshops, and how she developed her nature-inspired style using brushes and palette knives. Shannon also offers candid advice on navigating gallery relationships, overcoming rejection, and finding the right fit for your work. Her story highlights the resilience, passion, and joy that fuel a sustainable art career—and the beauty of seeing nature through an artist's eyes.
2025-09-1637 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyMaking Money as an Artist: My Monthly Planning Process What if your art could fund your life and impact your community? In this episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey shares how art sales have provided both financial stability and the freedom to give back. Learn practical strategies to diversify your income through commissions, small sales, and goal-setting, while embracing consistency as the key to growth. Kelly opens up about balancing family needs with building an art career, why community collaboration matters, and how artists can inspire one another. This conversation is your reminder to create with intention, value your work, and see...
2025-09-0927 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyKate Schultz on How Daily Painting Fuels Creative Growth & Gallery Success Contemporary artist Kate Schultz joins Kelly Pelfrey on Behind the Brush to share her journey from a creative childhood to a thriving full-time art career. Kate reflects on early influences and how she grew from early struggles to gallery partnerships. She opens up about balancing studio time with admin work, navigating painter's block, and the role of nature in her creative process. Kate also shares candid insights on marketing, self-promotion, and the realities of turning art into a business. Her story is a reminder that staying true to your artistic vision is key to building a meaningful a...
2025-09-0940 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyFrom Driving and Dreaming to a Full-Time Art Career What if you could turn your passion for art into a thriving business—even while balancing single motherhood and a full-time job? In this first episode of Behind the Brush, Kelly Pelfrey shares her journey from teaching to becoming a full-time artist. She opens up about the challenges of juggling responsibilities, building confidence, and learning to sell and ship art. Kelly also breaks down the importance of consistency, valuing your work, and creating studio habits that stick. Whether you're just starting or ready to grow, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement to help you pursue your own...
2025-09-0927 minBehind the Brush with Kelly PelfreyWelcome to Behind the Brush Podcast!Behind the Brush is a podcast for artists who dream of turning their creativity into a sustainable career. Hosted by artist and art business owner Kelly Pelfrey, each episode dives into the behind-the-scenes of building a thriving art business—offering honest insights, practical tips, and inspiring conversations with artists who've done it. Whether you're juggling painting and parenthood or scaling your studio into something more, this show is your weekly dose of encouragement, strategy, and community.
2025-09-0801 min
The Art BizClean Your Email List to Improve Deliverability and Engagement (236)Most artists focus on growing their email list—but what if the real power comes from trimming it? In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through why and how to clean your email list. This isn't just about numbers—it's about improving deliverability rates, boosting engagement, and building trust with the people who are actually listening. If you want to email with more confidence—and stop second-guessing who's on the other end—this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE Why list hygiene is essential for delivera...
2025-08-1413 min
The Art BizWhen the Art Sales Stop: 6 Areas to Investigate (235)You've shown up. You've posted, emailed, exhibited, maybe even launched something. And yet... the sales aren't coming. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield walks you through six insight areas to investigate when your art isn't selling like it used to—or like you believe it should. These aren't quick fixes, but reflective prompts that can lead to real clarity and intentional next steps. Whether you're feeling stuck, confused, or just curious about how to improve your results, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and reassess—with empathy and a prac...
2025-08-0712 min
The Alli Worthington ShowThe Business Side of Art: What Creatives Need to Know with Kelly PelfreyWelcome back to Smart Girl Summer! Today, I’m sitting down with my coaching client and dear friend, Kelly Pelfrey — a wildly gifted artist whose work is as breathtaking as her story. I call her the modern Monet (even though it makes her blush).
Since we started working together, Kelly has tripled her income, discovered her creative rhythm, and built a business that honors both her art and her well-being. Her success is a reassuring sign that you can find a balance between passion and profit—you can have both.
So, if you’v...
2025-06-0939 minThe Splatter Effect40. How to Know if Your Revenue Streams Are Actually Working for YouIn this episode of The Splatter Effect, Kayla Cole Pacana (Art Business Coach who helps artists grow their income), Kendal Blanchard (Fine Artist based in Fairhope, AL, known for her collage botanicals), and Kelly Pelfrey (Fine Artist based in South Carolina, specializing in southern impressionist art) team up to discuss five powerful questions every artist should ask about all of their revenue streams.
They break down how to assess whether each income source in your art business brings you peace of mind, financial benefit, and positive energy—because making money is important, but how you make it ma...
2025-06-0244 minThe Splatter Effect39. Turn Your Art Into Income: 15 Money-Making Ideas for ArtistsIn this week’s episode of The Splatter Effect, Kayla Cole Pacana (Your Favorite Art Coach) and South Carolina artist Kelly Pelfrey share 15 creative and practical ways to turn your art into income. Whether you're looking to boost your revenue, add new income streams, or think beyond traditional sales, this episode is full of real ideas that artists are using right now to grow their businesses.
From products to workshops, licensing to commissions, Kayla and Kelly break down each strategy with honest insight and actionable takeaways to help you make more money doing what you love.
...
2025-05-2656 minThe Splatter Effect36. Persistence Pays: Building an Art Career with GritIn this episode of The Splatter Effect, Art Coach Kayla and South Carolina artist Kelly Pelfrey dig into the often misunderstood (but always necessary) ingredient to creative success: grit. What is it, how do you get more of it, and why does it matter so much in the art world?
From pushing through creative blocks to bouncing back from rejection, Kayla and Kelly explore the mindset, discipline, and quiet persistence that fuel long-term growth for artists. Whether you're building your portfolio or launching your next collection, this honest conversation will remind you that staying in the game...
2025-05-0546 min
The Art BizThe Artist's Guide to Confident Decision-Making (219)As an artist, you have the freedom to shape your career—but with that freedom comes the challenge of making decisions that align with your goals and values. Decision-making can feel overwhelming, especially when every opportunity seems promising. In this solo episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield breaks down the Artist's Decision-Making Framework to help you prioritize what truly matters. She shares practical strategies for assessing opportunities, trusting your instincts, and using policies to protect your time and energy. Alyson discusses: Why decision-making is one of the hardest parts of running an ar...
2025-03-1314 minThe Splatter Effect27. Products We Love: From Paint to Face Serum | With Kelly PelfreyIn this fun and informative episode of The Splatter Effect, Kendal and Kayla are joined by their South Carolina-based permanent co-host, Kelly Pelfrey, for a deep dive into their favorite business and life products. From the paint that transforms their art to the face serum that keeps them glowing, this dynamic trio shares the must-haves that keep their creative and personal lives running smoothly.
Because let’s be real—artists and business owners are people too, and the right tools (whether for work or self-care) make all the difference! If you’re a product junkie or just love d...
2025-03-0345 minThe Splatter Effect24. Shipping Art: Kendal's take on Getting Your Work into the WorldIn this episode, join our hosts as they dive into the ins and outs of shipping art—from the perspective of someone who knows the importance of getting each piece safely to its destination. Kendal's experiences of packing, shipping mishaps, and triumphs, provides tips on everything from choosing the right materials to navigating those pesky shipping costs.
Tune in for a blend of practical advice and plenty of hot tips as we talk about turning your art into a household name, one well-packaged shipment at a time!
It can be lonely selling art every week wit...
2025-02-1044 minThe Splatter Effect🎙️ Chasing Your Creative Dreams: A Check-in About Courage and CallingIn this inspiring episode, Kendal dives into Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson, a book about pursuing bold dreams that feel bigger than life. Kendal shares her reflections on her grandmother's life and what it means to embrace courage, faith, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
With relatable stories and practical insights, we unpack how this book resonates with all of us navigating the complexities of creativity, self-doubt, and purpose. Whether you're an artist, a writer, or a creative soul yearning to "chase your lion," this episode will leave you feeling empowered to take risks...
2025-02-0314 minThe Splatter EffectPainting the Financial CanvasIn this episode of The Splatter Effect, your hosts—Kendal, Kayla, and Kelly, who have spent years navigating the intersection of creativity and commerce—tackle the often daunting topic of finances in the art world. From setting pricing strategies to managing income and everything in between, they break down the essential steps every artist and creative entrepreneur needs to take in order to thrive in the money side of their craft.
Tune in as they share personal stories, practical tips, and hard-earned lessons on how to make sure your artistic practice doesn’t just survive, but flourishes. Whethe...
2025-01-2746 minThe Splatter EffectThe One About Rebranding Mishaps and Publix CookiesIn this episode we are sharing our rebranding mishaps and introducing the new brand of the podcast: The Splatter Effect. You won't want to miss the story of how we rebranded in three days after we had been prepared for three months...
It can be lonely selling art every week without a solid group of like-minded friends. Meet your new best gal pals, Kayla Cole Pacana , Kendal Blanchard , and Kelly Pelfrey. A few art entrepreneurs dissecting all things life, art, and business. Join them to figure out the ups and the downs of running your own creative bu...
2025-01-2011 minThe Splatter Effect2025: New Year, New Art, New Name and New Goals.In this episode, we dive deep into the art of goal-setting specifically for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Whether you're just starting your art business or looking to take it to the next level, having clear, actionable goals is key to your growth and success.
We’ll explore how to break down your big dreams into achievable milestones, how to set both short-term and long-term goals, and the strategies that will keep you motivated and on track. From financial targets to expanding your audience, we'll discuss how to align your artistic vision with practical business goals that propel yo...
2025-01-1337 minThe Splatter EffectThe Power of Pivoting with Kelly PelfreyHas a hurricane ever come so close to your house that you stared up into the eye from your backyard?! That entire week was a pivoting moment. Coming to you from SW Florida, I got to sit down with Kelly Pelfrey to chat about pivoting {hurricane or not}. Kelly inspires us to lean in to the pivotal moments of life and business. If you need a pick-me-up... this episode is for you.
It can be lonely selling art every week without a solid group of like-minded friends. Meet your new best gal pals, Kayla Cole Pacana & Kendal Blanchard. Two art...
2024-10-2838 minThe Art BizCreating Demand for Your Art: Why It Matters and How to Start (ep. 206)Host Alyson Stanfield delves into the necessity of creating demand for your artwork in order to achieve a certain level of success. She discusses the balance between ambition and practicality in the art market and offers five essential tips to assess and cultivate demand effectively. Alyson stresses the importance of setting realistic expectations, refining your unique artistic voice, and nurturing genuine relationships. Through examples from past episodes and insightful advice, she aims to help artists understand and thrive in their respective markets. 00:29 Understanding the Art Market 01:46 Being Unrealistic in Your Art Marketing Strategies 02:48...
2024-10-0318 min
The Art BizThe Internet Might Be Ruining Artists' Livelihoods with William DeresiewiczA deep discussion about the significant impact of the internet on the arts economy and the evolving role of artists in today's market that is ruled by the internet. Host Alyson Stanfield talks with William Deresiewicz, author of The Death of the Artist: How Creators are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech. Bill discuss the challenges of discoverability and financial instability while emphasizing the importance of community support as artists navigate this changing landscape. Bill offers valuable insights on adapting to new opportunities in the digital era, helping artists feel...
2024-09-2646 minThe Splatter EffectSelling out without SELLING OUT- With Kelly PelfreySelling out a collection is the dream for most artists. Today we sit down with Kelly Pelfrey to debunk the myths and tell the secrets to selling out a collection without selling out to the trends. Kelly breaks down her process, encourages us, and gives invaluable advice in an episode you won't want to miss.
It can be lonely selling art every week without a solid group of like-minded friends. Meet your new best gal pals, Kayla Cole Pacana & Kendal Blanchard. Two art entrepreneurs dissecting all things life, art, and business. Join them to figure out the ups...
2024-09-0355 minThe Art BizHow to Be a Guest on The Art Biz (ep. 194)Host: Alyson Stanfield If you've ever thought about sharing your artist story on a podcast—or pitching to anyone for publicity—this episode is for you. Join host Alyson Stanfield as she dives into the value of being a guest on The Art Biz and provides solid tips for pitching your art to any podcast for maximum publicity. (This information can also be adapted for any pitch you make for any reason.) Every artist has a unique journey, and sharing it can attract more fans, followers, and collectors. Alyson provides straightforward advice on how to craf...
2024-06-2714 min
The Art BizSmart Strategies for Artist Income Growth with Monique Carr (ep. 193)It's possible to make more money and find a little more peace of mind by making a few tweaks in how you approach your art business. In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Monique Carr about how she has done it. When she reached out to Alyson a couple of years ago for a private coaching partnership, Monique was aiming for doing half the work, making twice the money, and having fun in whatever she did. She's not quite at the twice the money part, but things have...
2024-06-2035 min
The Art BizReinventing Your Art Career with Ali Cavanaugh (ep. 189)host: Alyson Stanfield In 2014, Ali Cavanaugh had 11 galleries representing her work throughout the U.S. and even overseas. It was all she could do to paint fast enough to supply these galleries with new work. What a great problem to have! But it was still a problem. Then she started asking for it to be returned to her. She was rethinking her art and what her business model looked like. She worked hard to get to that point, the way things were going no longer worked well for her. She decided to take...
2024-05-1649 minThe Splatter EffectSpecial Guest: Kelly Pelfrey | How To Streamline Your Commission ProcessThe commission process can be daunting if you don't know how to organize it. Today we sit down with the commission queen herself, Kelly Pelfrey, to discuss all things commissions. Kelly breaks down her process, encourages us, and gives invaluable advice in an episode you won't want to miss.
It can be lonely selling art every week without a solid group of like-minded friends. Meet your new best gal pals, Kayla Cole Pacana & Kendal Blanchard. Two art entrepreneurs dissecting all things life, art, and business. Join them to figure out the ups and the downs of running you...
2024-05-1354 min
The Art BizProving It's Possible to be an Artist and Mother with Elizabeth LeMaster (ep. 188)host: Alyson Stanfield Elizabeth LeMaster, my guest for this episode of The Art Biz, has, like so many of us, more to balance than her studio practice and business. She has a family. A young family. A big family. A growing family. How do you find time for working on your art when you have 6 kids under the age of 8? 😳 Elizabeth and I talk about how she has done it because she wanted to share her tips with all artist-mothers out there. She is also very honest about the bumps along the road....
2024-05-0942 min
The Art BizRethinking Mailing Lists for Artists (ep. 182)Host: Alyson B. Stanfield Your list is something unique to you and your career. No one has this same list. No one makes art like you do; no one knows the same people as you do; and no one has the exact vision that you have. Nobody! Your list is almost worthless to anyone else, yet it's invaluable to you. It is the primary tool you use to share your art with the world. It's your #1 marketing asset, but worthless if you're not using it. The definition of a mailing list isn't as...
2024-03-2108 min
The Art BizSelf Sales, Open Studios, and Relationships with Interior Designers with Carol MacConnell (#171)Carol MacConnell has built a strong business foundation over her long art career. I was particularly interested in talking with her about how she works with interior designers. You'll hear us discuss: Carol's income streams, 30% of which comes from working with interior designers and the vast majority through open studio events. How she, as an artist who is legally deaf, navigates conversations. How she segments and uses her list of 2,000 interior designers and 2,000 other subscribers. What the working relationship with interior designers is like. You'll also hear me plead my case for contracts that spell...
2023-11-3043 min
The Art BizRaising Prices on Your Art, Valuing Community, and Balancing Motherhood with Bri Larson (#166)In this episode, Bri Larson and I talk about her decision to raise her prices and how she overcame the mindset that her art needed to be affordable. We also discuss: The value of her artist community—how they have supported her growth as an artist and her journey into motherhood. How she has been able to maintain a studio practice with a baby, including how she structures her days around the baby's schedule. What kind of work she would give to a studio assistant and how she'll know when to hire. The decision to focus on...
2023-10-1241 min
The Art BizShe Knows Exactly How Much Her Art Income Will be Every Month with Kelly Pelfrey (#162)Lately, I've been diving into money on The Art Biz. As much as I do NOT want to talk about money, I know it's necessary. I also know it's more necessary for some artists to make money from their work than for others. If you're lucky enough to have outside support for your art business—even if it's from a day job—count your blessings. Because the pressure on the work is real when you don't have that extra source of income, which is why I will continue to bring up the topic of money. Let...
2023-09-0755 min
Seize Your MidlifeLight, hope and dream chasing in Midlife: An interview with Artist Kelly PelfreyArtist Kelly Pelfrey shares her journey to love, light and chasing her dreams. If you could use hope today and in midlife, don't miss this episode. Kelly is delight in human form and she will fill your soul.
Kelly's Website
Upbeat Indie Folk LesFM | https://lesfm.net/
https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
2022-03-3038 min