When 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 practical path forward.

HIGHLIGHTS

01:00 – The emotional toll of not selling and how to approach it with curiosity, not panic

01:56 – Introduction of the When Your Art Isn't Selling guide and what to expect from this episode

03:07 – External Factors: What's beyond your control (economy, distraction, collector habits)

04:00 – The Work Itself: Has your style or message shifted? Are collectors keeping up?

05:00 – How You're Showing the Work: Venues, pricing visibility, and perceived value

06:36 – The Buying Experience: Is it easy to buy from you, or are you creating friction?

07:28 – How You're Connecting: Relationships, follow-up, and trust-building

08:54 – How You're Promoting It: Visibility, storytelling, and showing up consistently

10:10 – Reassurance and encouragement to act from insight, not overwhelm

10:52 – Three options for you

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

These episodes focus on self-sales:

She Knows Exactly How Much Her Art Income Will be with Kelly Pelfrey (ep. 162)

Increasing Self-Sales by 400% with Sarah Becktel (ep. 157)

Self Sales, Open Studios, and Relationships with Interior Designers with Carol MacConnell (ep. 171)

Increasing Art Sales with Online Events with Patricia Griffin (ep. 97)

📥 RESOURCES MENTIONED

Free Download and Show Notes:

When Your Art Isn't Selling – 44 Smart Questions for Insight

Planning Workshop:

Followers to Collectors – September 9–10

Essentials for Artist Success:

Ongoing coaching, support, and training

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/