by Carolyn Edlund
Artists are always looking for ways to get their work in front of a new audience. One channel that has grown dramatically in recent years is podcasting.
Looking for more ways to get exposure for your work and reach potential collectors? Getting interviewed on a podcast is an effective way to gain an introduction to a new demographic. There are lots of opportunities, because podcasting is popular and many exist.
Thousands of podcasts focus on creativity, entrepreneurship, design, and the arts. But many more serve highly specific audiences built around hobbies, lifestyles, professions, and special interests. That means that you can search for art-centric podcasts, but it also opens the door if your subject matter fits a non-art niche that should also know about you.
Unlike social media posts that quickly disappear, podcast conversations usually run at least thirty minutes. That’s sufficient time to tell your story and explain your process or technique clearly. You can connect with listeners in a deeper way and make impact. A single podcast appearance can introduce your work to an entirely new audience.
Identify themes and niches
First, identify podcasts that would welcome an artist with your particular focus. Many podcasts focus specifically on art careers, creativity, design, or entrepreneurship. But don’t stop with programs centered on the art world. There is a broad swath of listeners who have other interests, but still love art or love a niche topic where you specialize.
For example, an artist who paints vintage cars is a natural for an audience who love old automobiles, collecting or antiques. A children’s book illustrator is a great fit for a podcast about parenting, teaching or education. Or, consider podcasts that discuss fashion, interior design, entertainment or nature, if they fit with your artwork.
Many of these niche podcasts rarely have artists on as guests, which helps you stand out even more. If you are interviewed on a podcast for entrepreneurs, your experience will add a whole new dimension to the topic. Check out my own interview on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Problem Solvers Podcast as an example.
Do some brainstorming and make a list of podcast themes. Then, search podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify, using keywords that relate both to your medium and to your subject matter. You may be surprised how many shows already exist that speak directly to the people most likely to appreciate your work.
Discover podcast opportunities
Artificial intelligence tools can make your research easier, by identifying podcasts that align with your artwork, your story, or the audience you want to reach. For example, you can prompt your AI assistant to “find podcasts related to vintage cars that interview interesting guests” or “Find parenting podcasts that might welcome a children’s book illustrator.”
You can quickly receive a generated lists of podcasts, with links to their websites, and even get summaries of the topics they cover.
Go deeper by asking AI to analyze whether a podcast might be a good prospect to reach out to. Ask about the topics it usually covers and which guests appear on the show. Get feedback on whether your work and your story is in alignment with their audience. This kind of research helps you focus on podcasts that are most likely to welcome your story, while disregarding any poor fits that would waste your time.
You may end up with a long list, so have your AI tool create a spreadsheet and track your outreach, response, follow ups, and scheduled interviews. Once you have found this to be a source for publicity and sales, you will want to continue pursuing interviews over time to grow your own audience.
Study the podcast
Once you create a short list of podcasts, listen to one or two episodes to get a feel for the show before you contact the host. Pay attention to the tone and format of the show. You’ll find that some podcasts are casual conversations while other interviews are more structured. How are guests introduceed? How do they speak about themselves? What kinds of questions does the host tends to ask?
This kind preparation helps you determine whether your story really fits the podcast. It also allows you to craft a pitch that shows you understand what it’s about and how the host works. Place yourself in the shoes of the podcast host and you will see why this approach is appreciated. Upfront knowledge is very effective at getting you in the door as a potential guest.
Write your pitch
A brief and focused message is the best way to go for an initial pitch. Introduce yourself, explain what you do, and suggest a few topics you could discuss on the show. Draw the connection between your work and the interests of their listeners. The key is to make an impression that you would be an asset to their podcast.
You might offer to tell your backstory and explain the inspiration behind your subject matter. Or, reveal the story behind a particular series you created and why that subject matters to you and your collectors. Above all, write a message that shows the host you can provide an interesting and engaging conversation for their listeners.
In your message, include a link to your website and a few images of your work. If you need assistance writing that initial pitch letter (and these should be customized for each podcast), use AI to construct a thoughtful email that checks all the boxes, then do a final edit and click “send”.
Prepare for the conversation
Once you’ve landed an invitation to appear on a podcast, take some time to prepare. Note the key points you want listeners to remember about you and your work. Practice explaining your art in clear, concise language so people outside the art world can easily understand what you do, and you can stay focused during the conversation.
Most podcast interviews aren’t scripted, but preparation is essential to hit all the points you want to make while tying it to the podcast and their audience. Planning ahead helps you feel comfortable and confident, which almost guarantees you will perform at your best.
Share the interview widely
Once your interview is published, make the most of it to keep the publicity going. Share the podcast episode link on your website, post it on social media, and include it in your email newsletter. To encourage further press interviews, add a page on your website that highlights media appearances and press mentions.
This kind of exposure continues working long after the episode airs. New listeners may discover the interview months or even years later.
Press exposure matters
Podcast audiences tend to be loyal and engaged. Listeners often spend significant time with each episode, which creates a strong connection between host, guest, and audience. For artists, that means a podcast interview can be more than simple publicity. It’s an opportunity to tell your story, share your perspective, and reach people who already care about the subjects you explore in your work.
Press exposure can pull traffic to your art website, add social media followers, and help to build your email list. It’s an important building block of a strong foundation for your creative business.
The best part is that you can do this yourself, with a bit of help from an AI tool. Do your research, construct a thoughtful pitch, and prepare to speak about yourself to the audience. Interviewing on podcasts can be a powerful way to expand your visibility and potential collectors.