Carroll County Arts Council

Business Fundamentals for Artists

Description:

This 60-minute presentation is designed to demystify the business planning process for artists. Many creatives shy away from business planning, feeling it doesn’t align with their vision or values, but a well-structured plan is the foundation for a sustainable creative career. This session will guide artists through understanding and structuring essential components of a business plan tailored to their unique goals, values, and artistic style.

Agenda:

- 0:00 - 5:00 | Welcome and Introductions: Overview of the session and participant introductions.

- 5:00 - 20:00 | Why Business Planning Matters for Artists: Discussing unique challenges artists face, the importance of a structured plan, and common misconceptions.

- 20:00 - 40:00 | Core Elements of an Artist’s Business Plan: Breakdown of key sections, including mission, target audience, income streams, and resource planning.

- 40:00 - 50:00 | Practical Tips for Business Plan Development: Writing, revising, and maintaining a dynamic business plan.

- 50:00 - 55:00 | Q&A: Audience questions and tailored advice.

- 55:00 - 60:00 | Business Basics Course Overview: Introduction to free Business Basics courses that further support artists in applying these skills.

Takeaways:

Participants will gain clarity on why and how a business plan can support their unique goals, empowering them to create a roadmap for a sustainable artistic career.