If you are serious about your art business you need some business Moxy!
If you sell your art you are in business! Whether you are just selling your art as a hobby, to make extra income or you are going all out in your art business you need to learn about business. More than likely you went to art school and not business school but don’t worry the learning about business is not out of your reach. One of the things I have found in teaching business to hundreds of students is that those with an art background did not have a problem “getting it” and in many respects excel because of their creative talents.
Hopefully since you are reading this blog I probably don’t have to convince you that business skills are an important part of any creative career whether you are in business for yourself or you work for someone. The business world has changed and many of the things that have worked in the past may be less effective or not effective at all. Having a good grasp on how business works will help ensure the success of your creative enterprise or make you more valuable to your employer.
How Do Artists Get Business Skills?
Well you probably are not going to get them in art school! A few art programs have business as a part of their curriculum and more seem to be adding them. If you are in art school and they offer business courses you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t take advantage of them. For everyone else here are a few ideas:
1. Go to business school
A friend of mine who was the Director at a fine art photography school has a great saying when aspiring photographers asked him, “I just got my BFA in Photography, what graduate school should I go to?” His answer, ”Any school with an MBA program!” If going to business school for a couple of years and spending tens of thousands of dollars isn’t your thing, don’t worry there are other alternatives. I wish more art students would get their MBAs maybe some of their creativity would rub off on the other business students!
2. Learn as you go
This seems to be the general model for artists and a whole lot of other business types as well. Read all you can about business, take advantage of the web and your local library, you will find a wealth of information out there. There is nothing wrong with learning from your mistakes but in the business world some mistakes could be fatal. Don’t get me wrong, even if you go to business school and read everything you can find on business you will still make mistakes, hopefully they will be new ones.
3. Learn from other successful creatives in your field
This is a great often overlooked way to gain business knowledge. In order to make it work, it is up to you to find a mentor, convince them that you are willing to learn from them and you are worth investing their time. Some mentors have knowledge that is relevant to now and others may have knowledge that is relevant for all times – you need both! In the area of mentorship, an interesting organization has been created at Metropolitan State University of Denver called Create MSU Denver – they offer a virtual business incubator for artists and provide mentorship – check it out. There are organizations who provide mentors for many industries and subjects – Google it!
4. Take some classes
There is no shortage of organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, the SBA, and colleges (community, adult learning) that offer business courses. Meet with their representatives or counselors to see which classes would benefit you. Start with the basics and then take classes in the areas where you feel you need some help. Some of these classes are low cost or free and others may require you to enroll as a student. Check out programs such as the Center for Innovation (Metropolitan State University of Denver) that offer Artrepreneurship and other courses where students can get business training without being enrolled in the business program.
5. Hire a consultant
A good consultant will not only show you what to do but they will also teach you how to do it. When choosing a consultant make sure there is a fit, they have great credentials and most importantly references. We live in a world where anybody can be a consultant or coach, choose them carefully and make sure they can help you with your particular needs. Don’t forget that your accountant and business lawyer should be a part of your consulting team.
6. Specialized programs/workshops that teach business to artists
There are a growing number of programs that are designed to teach business to people in the arts. Some of these are just a basic business program with the words Art or Artists added to the name. Others are designed specifically for creative people with real life examples and terminology directed at the creative sector. In any case, you should expect that upon completion that you have the knowledge and resources to move your art business forward. Make sure that the program covers the basics; it is relevant and provides you with the new tricks of business as well as the old.
7. Get The Artist’s Business and Marketing ToolBox – How to Start, Run and Market a Successful Arts or Creative Business
I wrote the The Artist’s Business and Marketing Toolbox specifically for artists and creative professionals. It has been used by hundreds of artists and many colleges as a basic business and marketing handbook. The book is available in both eBook and Softcover versions. Every artist in business should have a copy of this in their bookshelf. You can learn more here: The Artist’s Business and Marketing ToolBox
A final word
Whether you decide to teach yourself, take some classes, hire a consultant or any combination of the above – just do it! Business learning is like learning any other subject, there is always something new to learn or a new way to look at the world – this is what makes successful artists and companies.
Neil McKenzie is the author of The Artist’s Business and Marketing ToolBox – How to Start, Run and Market a Successful Arts or Creative Business available in softcover from Barnes & Nobleand Amazon and as an eBook from iTunes, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. He has developed and teaches the course “Artrepreneurship” at the Center for Innovation at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and is also a visiting professor at University College at the University of Denver.
Neil has over 30 years’ experience as a management consultant and marketing executive, working with some of the world’s top brands. Neil is a frequent lecturer to artists and arts organizations, a guest columnist for Colorado Biz Magazine, where he covers the creative sector of the economy, and the author of several articles for Americans for the Arts, a national arts organization. Follow Neil on Twitter: @neilmckenzphoto
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