These are the podcasts, books, websites, and more that inspired us, challenged us, and allowed us to grow as artists this year.
In 2025, the art world has never been more accessible to independent artists seeking to build sustainable careers. But navigating the business advice, marketing strategies, and professional development resources out there can be overwhelming.
That's why this year we asked Artwork Archive users, our newsletter subscribers, our blog readers, and our social media community to share the resources that have genuinely transformed how they approach their art careers this year.
They delivered: below is a treasure trove of entertaining recommendations and enlightening advice from a year of creativity and art business growth.
From podcasts with insightful guests and helpful insider information, to the websites with posts that moved us to create new work, to the art businesss books that we couldn't put down, to the tidbits of advice that really stuck with us, this list encompasses everything that allowed the Artwork Archive community to dig deeper into their practices this year.
Read on to find your next hit of inspiration!
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The Best Art Business Podcasts of 2025
The Best Art Business Books of 2025
The Best Art Business Websites of 2025
The Best Art Business Advice of 2025
Just Make Art
What it’s about: Each episode, artists Ty Nathan Clark and Nathan Terborg choose a quote from a well-known artist and use that as a springboard to talk about art and art making.
Favorite episode:
Why we love it: “Most episodes explore the real challenges we face in the studio and the ongoing work of getting our art seen and collected. I especially appreciate their relaxed yet thoughtful approach — they reference artists past and present and bring in ideas from across the art world. The conversation strikes a beautiful balance between the emotional and spiritual side of making art and the practical realities of sustaining a career.” —Recommended by Heather Neilson
The Great Women Artists Podcast
What it’s about: Interviews with leading women artists, with each episode focusing on one female artist who has inspired them.
Favorite episode:
Why we love it: “I love the interviews with artists on their career, or curators, writers, or art lovers, on the female artist who means the most to them.” —Recommended by Helen Klebesadel
Hello, Print Friend
What it’s about: A podcast dedicated to contemporary printmaking, with enlightening interviews with printmakers, artists, activists, curators, and print champions. They release episodes in both English and Spanish!
Favorite episode:
Why we love it: "As a printmaker and native Spanish speaker, I'm grateful for a printmaking podcast that serves both Spanish and English audiences—a rare find in the contemporary art world. The conversations are candid and informative, offering real insight into the practices of working printmakers." —Recommended by Artwork Archive's Lauren Nicole
ArtHoles
What it’s about: Self-described “former mediocre standup comic” Michael Anthony tackles art history by playfully taking icons like Picasso and Jackson Pollock down a peg.
Favorite episode:
Why we love it: “It’s both entertaining and educational, blending sharp humor with fascinating stories from art history. I love learning about artists’ lives—especially the quirky, lesser-known details that make them feel more human.” —Recommended by Heather Neilson
The Artist Business Plan
What it’s about: Weekly business advice for artists, focusing on practical ways for artists to grow their art careers.
Favorite episode:
Why we love it: “This podcast focuses on practical advice / 'real-life reflections and tips from a variety of stakeholders in the art world—artists, gallerists, art critics, art advisors, etc.—with the goal of supporting artists to make a living from their art. The topics are specific enough to be helpful and broad enough to be generally applicable, and I have found that even if a topic doesn't ostensibly apply to my practice, I take away some valuable nuggets—or invitations to look into other artists and services that I wouldn't have otherwise known about.” —Recommended by Kate DeOssie
Stop the Starving Artist
What it’s about: Host Lennon Bone tells artists the hard truths about branding, self-promotion, and getting your work noticed as an artist.
Favorite episode:
Why we love it: “This podcast has been transformational in how I view myself and my social media as an artist.” —Recommended by Rebecca Prince
Full Spirals
What it’s about: Host Stacy Parish cherishes the ways that art can create hope, healing, and personal growth.
Favorite episode:
Why we love it: “This podcast brings a mid-western sensibility to valuing creative lives at all ages and identities.” —Recommended by Helen Klebesadel
Talk Art
What it’s about: Actor Russell Tovey and gallerist Robert Diament chat with artists, curators, and their talented friends to hear what connects these creative disciplines.
Favorite episode:
Why we love it: “I’m recommending Talk Art because it brings the art world to life through real and inspiring conversations. This year, it stood out to me because of how the hosts make each guest’s story feel personal and meaningful. They talk about the heart behind art—not just the technique—which reminded me why I fell in love with creating in the first place.” —Recommended by Gracie Miner
Extraordinary Creatives with Ceri Hand
What it’s about: A mix of short, practical episodes about navigating galleries, art fairs, and other hurdles as an artist, and longer, in-depth interviews with creatives about their lives and practices.
Favorite episode:
Why we love it: “Ceri Hand has made it her mission to support creatives through membership groups, online courses and coaching. Her understanding of the art world is incredible.” —Recommended by Richelle Rich
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The Creative Entrepreneur, by Carolyn Dailey
Why we love it: "It gives practical advice for artists who want to turn their passion into a sustainable career. It covers everything from marketing artwork and building a brand to connecting with collectors, while still honoring the creative process. What stood out to me this year is how the book balances business strategies with encouragement for artistic growth, which is inspiring for any artist trying to expand their practice and reach new audiences." —Recommended by Gracie Miner
Crush Self-Sabotage and Live Fully! The Artist's Wellness Journey to Confidence and Success, by Dr. Yanina Gomez and Sergio Gomez
Why we love it: "The authors do a good job of addressing how artists grapple with the demands of the contemporary art world. They are especially good talking about the demands and consequences of the need for a constant social media presence and selling our art, leading to frustration, insecurities, and self-doubt that can affect our art business and quality of life." —Recommended by Helen Klebesadel
Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood, by Hettie Judah
Why we love it: One of the most important art books, expanding art history to include mothers." —Recommended by Richelle Rich
A Month in Siena, by Hisham Matar
Why we love it: A writer finds beauty amidst the art and architecture of this picturesque Italian town. —Recommended by Bella Soenen
Writing About Art, by Henry Sayre
Why we love it: Who doesn't want more advice when it comes to writing about art? This book guides you through the writing process, step by step. —Recommended by Artwork Archive's Anna Lyle
The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin
Why we love it: The storied producer—who has worked with musicians including Johnny Cash, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, and Run-D.M.C., to name a few—doles out the lessons he's learned from a life of creativity. —Recommended by Dawn McGreevey
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Hyperallergic
Favorite Article: "Manufacturing 'Black Fatigue' in the Art World," by Damien Davis
Why we love it: "Really incredible and detailed, nuanced essays in a time of quick quotes on pastel backgrounds." —Recommended by Jae Cameron
Colossal
Favorite article: “Barbed Wire, Chains, and Shears Cleave Through Delicate Pottery in Glen Taylor’s Profound Sculptures,” by Kate Mothes
Why we love it: “I love how it connects art with everyday life and shows that creativity has no limits. It stood out to me this year because every visit feels like stepping into a world of imagination and discovery—something every artist can benefit from when they need fresh inspiration or motivation.” —Recommended by Gracie Miner
New York Times’ 10 Minute Challenge
Favorite article: “A Modern Master Takes Us Inside an Artist’s Studio,” by Larry Buchanan
Why we love it: “[It's] a brilliant use of technology and interactivity to learn about a painting and an artist.” —Recommended by Heather Neilson
Artwork Archive
Favorite article: “What I’d Tell My Younger Artist Self About Running a Studio,” by Paige Mills
Why we love it: “This is the best artist business website hands down. It helps keep me organized and looking professional. I recommend it to all of my artist friends.” —Recommended by Rebecca Prince (Editor’s note: Thanks, Rebecca!)
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Trust Your Instincts
"I learned that painting from a place of honesty and emotion resonates more deeply with viewers than trying to follow trends or expectations. This lesson reminded me that every artist has a unique voice, and honoring that voice—even when it feels vulnerable—is what makes art truly impactful." —Gracie Miner
Be Unafraid
"From a Clyfford Still documentary, this quote about his painting: 'Here am I. This is my presence. My Feeling. My self. Here I stand, implacable. Proud. Alive. Naked. Unafraid. If one does not like it, he should turn away because I am looking at him.'" —Heather Neilson
Show Your Face
"I have been unsure about how to approach social media engagement beyond timelapse videos—concerned about protecting my professional reputation/identity, anxious about coming across as authentic as opposed to cringey, etc. I recently decided to take real-time videos of my entire day, rather than in time-lapse, and stumbled upon an 'outtakes' strategy that feels authentic but accomplishes the goal of speaking on camera (to myself), and in just the short time I've been doing it, it has been surprisingly effective at engaging and growing my (still limited :)) audience." —Kate DeOssie
Take Care of Yourself
"You can’t build community if you’re running on empty." —Lailani Gibson
Get Out of the House
"I established my first studio outside the home this year, and it has been SO liberating and empowering, both practically and emotionally, to have a fully functional, professional space to create my art in." —Kate DeOssie
Be OK With Vulnerability
"I'm learning how to be vulnerable and share myself with my audience. I find that being authentically me helps me to connect with people, and in the process, I sell more art." —Rebecca Prince
Just Keep Making Art
"This path isn't for the weak-willed or risk-averse, there are a lot of hurdles (both actual and perceived) to overcome on a daily basis, and embracing art-making as a form of resistance to, really, any other way of being, is where I find my fuel to keep going." —Kate DeOssie
Have Fun
This feels like a good one to end on: "Rest, ask for help, have fun!" —Richelle Rich
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Feel like you could use a little more art business help in 2026? No matter where you are in your art journey, getting your business side in order doesn't have to feel overwhelming. A bit of structure now can mean more time and headspace for the work you actually want to be doing.
Artwork Archive helps artists build an online portfolio, stay on top of their inventory, and create things like tear sheets and invoices in just a few clicks. Start a free trial and see how it fits into your own process.
