In the beginning, all you wanted to do was practice your art. You probably started in your bedroom, garage, tiny studio, etc. You earned enough to go on to the next project and then to the next. Somewhere along the way you became a business — with employees, office space, and maybe even a 401(k) plan. The bigger you got, the more and more the business subsumed (as opposed to consumed) the art, so much so that each became largely unrecognizable without the other.
So you are there. You have a real business with real clients that is self-sustaining. Now how are you going to change the world?
When I ask the question, most often the response is a blank stare or an indignant — I just want to plan weddings, be a florist, photograph life events, etc. Almost no one answers the question.
My answer is that the world is how you define it and the people you want to reach in that definition. An over-simplification of all creative businesses is that they are megaphones for your art and you as an artist. The business gives you the platform to reach many more people than any single piece of art you might produce. If your intention as an artist is to move your audience, then why should your business be any different?
I am a firm believer that intangibles like passion, emotion, connection and relatedness can be structured into the fabric of your business. The best organizations are those that become living organisms in their own right. Think about Zappos', Apple, and even Microsoft. And don't forget about David Rockwell, Frank Gehry or Alberto Alessi. If you think "going corporate" will kill your creativity and what your business is all about, then you're just scared of what could be or, more likely, unable to think of your business as alive. Either way, what a disservice to you, your art, and all those people who will never get to experience what you have to give.
Art IS what changes the world. Your business should just make your world bigger every day.
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Wow, Sean! You have no idea how much I needed that this morning. I hope you have a fantastic day!
“I am a firm believer that intangibles like passion, emotion, connection and relatedness can be structured into the fabric of your business…”
Gosh…this sentence has never been more true for me than right now! As always, thanks for sharing, Sean!
I like the megaphone analogy. I frown on businesses in the creative fields that were simply started as an easy way to cash in on demand without having real creativity at their root. But, what can we do but our best to share and express, and leave prospering as a lesser priority. especially in the present economy.
I LOVE this post. I used to be a neuropsychologist – helping brain-injured patients. However, the pull of art and creativity was too strong, and I had to follow my passion – working with flowers and creating events. For a long time I felt guilty because I was no longer “helping people”, but over the last year, once my business has settled into it’s niche, I have found many ways to still help: by using green practices and promoting green practices both within one’s business and in the services your business offers. I feel since I am lucky enough to do what I love everyday, I am also somehow giving back and helping make the world aware that every little bit counts, and that any business can ‘green things up.” Thanks for your inspiration Sean! See you at Engage09.
This is the toughest question for me… must mean it is the one I really need to answer! Thank you for sharing your insight here, it helps so much.
Thanks for solidifying this, Sean! I’ve always thought of my product as peace of mind for my clients. Seeing it spelled out here, I’m firmly convinced that selling Warm Fuzzies is a completely viable business model and one that can be seriously pursued.