Do you ever feel like no one understands the challenges specific to growing your creative business?
Are you tired of wading through a mountain of business advice and then trying to figure out how it applies to selling your art or craft?
Do you wish you could learn from someone who understands the delicate (and sometimes difficult) balance that is making money and creating the work you love?
You don’t need generic business advice aimed at everyone. You need specific, actionable advice from a fellow artist and maker who is in the trenches, doing the work.
You need someone who understands the challenges of balancing studio time, in person shows, wholesale, and online marketing.
And you need to connect with peers who are facing the same challenges selling art, craft, and handmade products that you are.
That’s why I created Artist and Profit Makers, the group coaching program for makers who want to create like artists and profit* like businesses!
Artists and Profit Makers is an online group coaching program designed to help you navigate the challenges of selling art, craft, and handmade products.
Think of it as an exclusive club where you can go to get real talk on what is and isn’t working for creative businesses.
It’s a place to help you navigate the shifting marketplace while finding a business model (or models) that supports making the work you love.
And it’s a place where you can ask questions and get answers that are specific to you and your business.
Artists and Profit Makers is for you if…
You’re passionate about what you make.
Whether that’s painting or jewelry, ceramics or textiles, photography or sculpture, illustration or mixed media, you love what you do. Yes, you want your business to make money, but you also want to make work that you love. You’re open to different business model to help pay the pills, but you don’t want to become a factory. You want to feel like you’re contributing something special to the world.
You sell your work many ways.
You understand there isn’t one path to success. You might sell to stores, sell online, or sell in person at shows and events. (Or some combination of those!) You might even take commissions, do custom work, or provide unique experiences or education. You understand that a successful creative business means balancing multiple channels, and you want help managing them all. (Even if some, or all, of them aren’t profitable for you yet!)
You want to be coached by someone who understands your business – and knows your name.
You don’t just want to be another face in the crowd. You’re tired of impersonal information and oversized groups where the creator only checks in from time to time, leaving you to figure it out on your own. You’re ready for a mentor with a more hands-on approach, someone who takes the time to understand your business and wants to see it succeed.
You want business advice that’s specific to your industry.
You want to know which shows and online platforms are working. (And which ones are a waste of time.) You want to know how to get customers to invest in your high-end pieces. You want to know how to photograph and talk about your work in a way that will entice customers to buy. And you want to know what’s working online and off for artists and makers like you.
You want to build a business that supports making the work you love.
Ultimately, you got into business because you love what you make. You’re not interested in business for the sake of business. You want to create a business that supports your art and your life. And you don’t want to sacrifice studio time to get there.
I’m Megan Auman and I’ve been selling my jewelry to stores, at shows, and online for over fifteen years. (I’ve also dabbled in a number of other creative pursuits, including sculpture, home decor, product design, painting, and textiles.) Along the way, I’ve taught business skills to makers and artists through a number of platforms.
But lately, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend. As more and more gurus, coaches, communities, and online groups pop up online, artists and makers are getting advice that’s not just wrong, it’s hurting their businesses.
Makers and artists are taking advice aimed at service providers as gospel. Well-meaning peers are spreading false rumors. And artists and makers are struggling to sort it all out.
And so I wanted to carve out a space online that’s just for you, where I can cut through the bad advice, connect with you, share trade tips and tricks, and help you grow your business. Where I can help you navigate the challenges of developing your unique creative voice and making money.
I wanted to create a safe space to ask questions about and get feedback on your creative business free from judgement and free from your customers. (Because, let’s face it, you can’t bitch about your business on Instagram when you have customers following you there!)
And I wanted a place where I can deliver the most up to date training and coaching that’s specific to your creative business, month after month.
That place is Artists and Profit Makers.
As a member of Artists and Profit Makers, you get…
New monthly trainings, on topics that are specific to running a business as an artist and maker. Plus you’ll have ability to request topics for future trainings, so you’re getting exactly what you need for your business!
One monthly group coaching call, to ask anything related to your business. These calls aren’t surface level – when you ask a question, you’ll get a deep, thorough response that’s specific to your business!
A resource library of past months’ training webinars and calls, as well as access to signature programs including the Alignment Retreat, Poetic Product Photography, and The Ultimate Pricing Template! Click here to see the full list of trainings available inside A&PM!
Access to the Artists & Profit Makers Store Database, a sortable list of over 900 stores to help boost your wholesale marketing into high gear!
A private forum (NOT a Facebook group!) to connect with fellow members, ask questions, and get feedback on your business, directly from me! (And your questions always get answered!)
Unlimited feedback and copyediting. There’s nothing like an extra set of eyes on your business, and as a member of A&PM, you can submit emails, marketing copy, product pages, line sheets, and anything else you can think of for written and/or video critique.
The ability to cancel your membership at any time. Pop in for a month or two to get answers to your most pressing business questions or stick around for a while and benefit from new monthly trainings, a supportive community, and ongoing mentorship! Artists and Profit Makers is designed to fit your needs as a creative business owner!
The peace of mind of knowing you’re getting answers from someone who has years of experience running a business like yours!
What people are saying…
“I hesitated over joining A&PM initially for financial reasons, but I’ve worked with Megan in the past and know her to be extremely experienced in business, with a deep understanding of what a product based business needs to thrive {which is very different from a service based business}, a wealth of tried and tested approaches, and a supportive tough love stance that galvanizes you into optimistic action – so in the end, as Megan would say herself, I had to ‘try it and see’! It’s turned out to be the best investment I’ve ever made in my business in terms of creating genuine, sustainable growth.
The resources and trainings are thorough and effective, covering all the things you might need, from help with social media and websites, to emails, blogging, Pinterest, and the more ‘invisible’ but equally important aspects of business, like mindset and creating a business that works with who you are. I look forward to the training and Q&A calls every month; they are a highlight for connecting and learning.
The forum is an extremely kind and supportive space; the accountability has enabled me to accomplish far more than I would have alone, and Megan’s close involvement is like having your own coach on hand for literally any question. It hasn’t been an easy year, but knowing I had access to support and practical advice whenever I needed it was – and remains – invaluable. Yes APM is an investment, but I’ve made that back many times over, both financially and in being part of a group in which we all lift and support each other too. “
–Tara Leaver, Artist
“I’ve been a member of A&PM since 2018. During that time, my business revenue has more than quadrupled, I’ve added product lines, improved my marketing, business processes, and art itself, and made friends who understand and support my goals. Without a doubt, I’ve put in the hours, but I truly think this group has been an integral part of turning my art into a living.
The A+PM forum is my go-to when I have a business conundrum, or when the challenges of running a small art business are feeling huge and heavy. I know that Megan and the others in the group will be able to give solid advice, perspective, and encouragement. Something as simple as the weekly check-in and conversation about both your business and creative plans for the week can move your business ahead dramatically. The monthly trainings now comprise a substantial library that I can and do refer back to regularly, and the Q+A calls are a space for discussion of any detail of your business, as well as a supportive gathering of people on parallel paths to your own.
Unlike many mentors in online business groups, Megan is incredibly active in the forum, and in the trenches herself, selling her own physical and digital products. She is a wealth of clear no-nonsense understanding of what is needed to succeed, and her level of engagement makes it seem like you have your own personal business coach—someone who is really invested in your success.
I’ve been a member of other online groups and masterminds, and this is hands down the best experience I’ve ever had. It is a unique combination of accountability, targeted training, and a genuine community.”
–Janet Taylor, Artist
All-access membership in Artists and Profit Makers is just $199 a month and you can cancel your membership at any time.
Or save over $350 a year when you join at the annual price of $1999.
Artists and Profit Makers isn’t some massive membership site where you never see the founder. It’s a hands-on group coaching program where I give everyone the attention they deserve! Click the button below to claim your spot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Artists and Profit Makers for?
This is a community for artists and makers who are serious about growing their businesses, whether they are full-time, part-time, or just getting started. This includes jewelers and metalsmiths, ceramicists, textile artists, painters, woodworkers, sculptors and more! If you’re looking for help selling more of your art, craft, or handmade products, or help selling more of your classes or creative services, this is the place for you!
Does my business need to be profitable (or full-time) to join?
No! We have members at all stages of their business. Some are full-time, some are profitable, and some even have employees. But others are balancing the demands of running a business alongside another job, family obligations (or both) while trying to build a profitable business. The beauty of Artists & Profit Makers is that it meets you where you are, even if you’re not yet profitable.
How do I know if this is right for my business?
Since you can cancel at any time, the best way to know is simply join for a month and get as much as you can from the community. If you choose to leave after your first month, there will be no hard feelings. But if you really aren’t sure, you can always email me at megan@craftmba.com with questions before joining! I’m happy to answer them!
Does it matter what part of the world I’m in?
No, you can access the community from anywhere in the world as long as you have an Internet connection. Most Q&A calls and trainings will take place mid-day in the US, making them easy to attend for US, Canadian, and European business owners. (But a little trickier for those in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.) All Q&A calls and trainings are recorded, so they can be watched anytime if you can’t make it live. (And there will always be an opportunity to submit questions for Q&A calls in advance.)
What sort of topics do the monthly trainings cover?
The monthly trainings cover a range of topics specific to creative businesses, with an emphasis on topics requested by the community. Some of our previous trainings include email marketing, planning and goal setting, dealing with overwhelm, line sheet and booth reviews, and more! And as a member, you can request trainings on topics you’d like to see. (Plus, ask specific questions in the monthly Q&A calls!) Click here to see the full list of trainings you get inside A&PM!
How do the monthly Q&A calls and trainings work?
All monthly Q&A calls and most trainings will take place via Crowdcast, a webinar software you can access via web or mobile browser. In addition to the video feed (which enables me to talk and share my screen, perfect for giving lots of feedback) there’s a chat feature where you can participate in the conversation and ask questions. And all calls and trainings are automatically recorded and archived, so they can be watched as many times as needed!
How does the forum work? Is it a Facebook group or something different?
The forum is NOT a Facebook group! It’s a dedicated forum housed on the Artists and Profit Makers platform. Not only does this keep us off of Facebook, it also allows us to sort conversations by topic, so you can just focus on the areas that are right for your business. (Like reaching out to stores or selling more online.)
Click here to get a sneak peek inside the platform, including the membership portal and forums!
What platform is the forum built on? Is there an app I can use to access it from my phone?
The forum is built on a platform called Discourse. The forum is set up specifically for A&PM and there are no ads or distractions to worry about. You can access the forums from any browser or you can download the Discourse app to access the forums from your phone.
How does billing work?
Once you click on the claim your spot button, you’ll be prompted to enter your credit card information. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have immediate access to all previous trainings and the forums. Your credit card will be billed monthly until you cancel your membership.
Please note that, when you pay, you will automatically be added to the Artists and Profit Makers email list, which is used to notify you of upcoming Q&A Calls and new trainings. This list is purely for communicating information about the community, and you have the option of unsubscribing from the email list at anytime. (Though we recommend you stay on it as long as you are a member so you don’t miss anything.) If you cancel your membership, you will automatically be removed from the email list.
Can I cancel and rejoin the group at any time?
There is no fixed membership period for Aritsts and Profit Makers and you can cancel at any time. You are welcome to rejoin the group at any time, but please note, if the price goes up, you will need to rejoin at the new price.
Any other questions?
If you have any other questions about Artists and Profit Makers, you can email me at megan@craftmba.com
What people are saying…
“I decided to give A&PM a try after I read Megan’s blog post titled “Your Art Doesn’t Exist to Solve a Problem”. This was the opposite of the marketing advice I had heard from other creative biz coaches, and it rang so true for me. I had been wondering how the things I made would solve a problem for anyone and now I realized they didn’t have to! What a relief!
I have only been a member for a few months now, so I am still working on implementing what I am learning from the trainings and Q&A calls, but just having such a wealth of information available to me has been game changing.
The most valuable aspect of A&PM for me is being able to interact with so many people who are working towards similar goals. The road to success for a small creative business can seem a bit hazy at times. Megan and the other members of the community have helped me feel like I have a clear path to follow, and if the path gets hazy again, I have people to turn to for support.
–Stephanie Rasulo, Textile Artist
“Joining Artists & ProfitMakers has been the best decision I have made in the last however many years that I have been seeking advice as an artist. And I am here to tell you I have spent some serious money on advice on how to use social media and how to market and sell my art.
Megan’s teachings are well thought out and explained in detail so you can put them in place immediately. She makes it her business to know what you create so she can tell you specifically how to use her advice for your specific talent. The topics she teaches are up-to-date, the ones you need to put in place now to run an art business. If you have questions, she is there to answer them personally. Everyone in the group is supportive and helps one another.
Best of all, Megan’s teachings are working and the only place I need to go to find the best way to run my art business.”
–Joyce Wynes, Artist
All-access membership in Artists and Profit Makers is just $199 a month and you can cancel your membership at any time.
Or save over $350 a year when you join at the annual price of $1999. Or save over $350 a year when you join at the annual price of $1999.
Artists and Profit Makers isn’t some massive membership site where you never see the founder. It’s a hands-on group coaching program where I give everyone the attention they deserve! Click the button below to claim your spot!