Creative Business Specialization: Transform Passion into Profit

A Realistic Look at the Artist Lifestyle

In this lesson, I will provide a realistic look into what it's like to be an artist. It can be a very romanticized and exciting career, so it's important to understand the day-to-day realities as well.

Goal Setting: Your Art, Your Vision

Your passion for your art should be one of the most important catalysts behind your drive to become a professional artist. In this lesson, I will briefly discuss the importance of prioritizing and staying true to your art and vision. Finally, I will help you to do some goal setting by teaching you how to set goals successfully.

Having a career as an artist means that you will need to wear a lot of hats! In this lesson, I will address what those different roles are. We'll look at which parts you can do yourself and which jobs you might choose to upskill or outsource.

Wearing Multiple Hats

Discovering Your Customers and Collectors

It's important to know as many details as possible about the people who will buy your art. In this lesson, you will discover and analyze the characteristics of your art collectors.

Business and Branding Setup

It's finally time to set up your business and brand! I will guide you through this process now, all the way from designing a logo and picking a name to buying insurance.

14m

Physical Setup and Start-up Costs

To conclude this unit, I will go through the physical elements you will need to set up for your business and how much it will cost, including your creative space, technology and tools, inventory, and more.

Your Message, Artist Statement, and Artist Biography

In this lesson, I will define what marketing is before offering advice on how to write your artist statement and biography. Let's dive in!

Digital Marketing

We're so lucky to live in a world of digital marketing! In this lesson, I will home in on the pros and cons of different social media platforms, and also discuss email lists and ad spending.

20m

Traditional Media

How is traditional media still relevant and helpful in marketing? Let me tell you! I will touch on mediums such as magazines, newspapers, radio, and real-world involvement.

Multiple Streams of Income

One of the ways to make yourself more secure in your art career is to have multiple streams of income. In this lesson, we will look at what that means and what those streams could be for you.

Figuring out the Finances

I will now teach you how to price your artwork by sharing how I price mine. We'll go over how to fund your business, manage your expenses and budget, and organize your taxes.

Taking Action and Making Plans

In this lesson, you will learn how to set up a list of actions so you can get the ball rolling and make a start on your art business. To finish, I will help you to write up a concise business plan made up of all the hard work you've done throughout this entire course!

Introduction to the Art Business

Module 3

What if your creativity could pay the bills—and then some? Hannah Stelter proves it’s possible, blending artistic passion with smart business strategy. Dive into the essentials of running your own art-based venture, from managing finances and tracking expenses to selling online and staying legally sound. Build a business that reflects your art and supports your life.

14 lessons (3h 6m)

In this lesson, you will explore various avenues for selling your art, from traditional galleries to modern online marketplaces. You'll learn about different business models for artists, such as product-based businesses, and the pros and cons of platforms like Society6 and Redbubble.

Challenges and Opportunities for Small Creatives

In this lesson, you'll explore the practical challenges and opportunities facing small creative businesses. You'll learn strategies for overcoming common obstacles such as exposure and funding, discover the importance of community engagement, and explore options like presales and Patreon to support your artistic endeavors.

This lesson explores various methods for pricing your artwork, focusing on overcoming imposter syndrome. We discuss the differences between original paintings and reproductions, including open edition, limited edition, and embellished prints. Methods for setting prices include pricing by the hour or square inch, with practical examples and tips on using a spreadsheet for accurate pricing.

Setting up your prices 1

This lesson delves deeper into pricing artwork by the hour and square inch. We calculate the average time spent on pieces and set an hourly rate. We use examples for square-inch pricing to find a consistent rate for reproductions and originals. A detailed walkthrough of a pricing spreadsheet is provided to help artists manage their pricing, including adjustments for custom and ready-made artwork. This lesson emphasizes the importance of continually updating your pricing as your career progresses.

Setting up your prices 2

17m

Fair Events: Dos and Don’Ts 1

This lesson covers the importance of participating in art fairs to sell your artwork. I share my experiences and the types of fairs, categorized into four levels: mini markets, craft shows, juried art fairs, and top-rated juried fairs. We discuss the investment required, booth setup, and strategies for success. Emphasis is placed on the significant income potential from in-person sales and the importance of engaging with customers effectively.

Fair Events: Dos and Don’Ts 2

In this lesson, we discuss essential tips for setting up your first pop-up display. Key points include using tablecloths that reach the floor, having clear signage, and arranging products at eye level. Testing your booth setup at home is crucial. Ensure prices are clearly marked, bring business cards, and adhere to event guidelines. Taking photos of your booth is important for future applications and improving your setup.

Setting up Your Online Shop

In this lesson, you will go through the step-by-step process of setting up an online shop. You'll compare different e-commerce platforms, learn about their costs and features, and discover how to integrate them with drop-shipping services to optimize your art business.

Marketing Your Art Online

In this lesson, you will learn effective strategies for marketing your art online. From harnessing the power of social media to understanding the intricacies of email marketing, you will gain insights into building a brand and engaging an audience that resonates with your artistic expression.

Bookkeeping and Expense Tracking

This lesson will guide you through the essentials of financial management for artists. You'll learn about different bookkeeping methods, how to track expenses and income effectively, and the importance of separating personal and business finances.

15m

Profit First Methodology

In this lesson, you will be introduced to the Profit First methodology, a financial strategy tailored for irregular income streams typical in art. You'll learn how to allocate funds across different accounts to ensure the sustainability and growth of your art business.

Essential Resources for New Art Entrepreneurs 1

In this lesson, we discuss valuable resources for new art entrepreneurs. Key topics include using YouTube for learning, the value of reading books like "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz, and strategies for staying organized with project management tools. We emphasize the need to track habits and recommend starting small by focusing on one or two products before expanding.

Essential Resources for New Art Entrepreneurs 2

In this lesson, we explore financial resources like grants and loans, emphasizing the importance of writing solid proposals for grants. We discuss artist residencies, which often provide stipends and free housing. The lesson also highlights the importance of discovering your unique style through practice and the value of small business resource centers for additional business guidance.

18m

Essential Resources for New Art Entrepreneurs 3

In this lesson, we focus on bookkeeping and financial management tools for artists. WaveApps is recommended for free bookkeeping, while QuickBooks offers more features and is widely used by accountants. We also cover point of sale (POS) systems like Shopify and Square, social media management tools, and the benefits of using apps like PageFly for customizing landing pages on your website.

Navigating Business Registration and Legalities

This lesson covers the legal aspects of establishing and running your art business. You will learn about different business structures, the importance of legal advice, and strategies for networking and mentorship to enhance your business's success.

Module 4

Step into the world of digital entrepreneurship and uncover how your unique artistic voice can become the foundation of a successful freelance graphic design business. From defining your niche and creating digital products to managing finances and building an online presence, this experience equips you with the tools to grow creatively, sell confidently, and build a brand that truly reflects who you are.

14 lessons (2h 3m)

Finding Your Niche

First, you'll learn how to identify what makes your art unique and carve out your niche in the digital art world. I’ll share strategies for understanding customer needs and finding your creative voice.

Creating a Business Plan

Go beyond design by exploring alternative ways to monetize your talent. I’ll discuss how to define your mission, understand your audience, and identify products you can create for sale.

Choosing the Best Sales Platform 1

Discover how to choose the best sales platform for your products. I’ll guide you through the pros and cons of different platforms, helping you find the right fit for your business.

Choosing the Best Sales Platform 2

I'll continue showing you the pros and cons of working in each sales platform. Besides, I'll show you other options that you can use.

Workflow from Concept to Product

In this lesson, I will show you my step-by-step creative process, from brainstorming and conceptualization to product development and final execution.

Developing Your Artistic Style

I will share with you techniques to develop a personal artistic style that stands out in the competitive market and resonates with your audience.

Essential Tools and Software for Creating Digital Art

During this lesson, I'll introduce you to the tools and software I use, like Procreate and Adobe, and offer tips for setting up an inspiring and efficient workspace.

Creating Products for Sale: Design Tools

Get an inside look at my process for creating unique brushes and digital tools for Procreate, with tips on how to create your own.

Creating Products for Sale: Art Designs

Learn how to create designs for print-on-demand websites and product listing images for Etsy, turning your creativity into sellable products.

Setting Up a RedBubble Artist Account

I’ll walk you through the practical steps of setting up and optimizing a Redbubble Artist Account to start selling your designs.

Setting Up an Etsy Store

Let's learn the essentials of setting up and optimizing an Etsy Shop, making it easy for customers to find and purchase your products.

Marketing and Social Media

Discover effective strategies for using social media to grow your audience and promote your products, making social media work for your business.

Customer Service and Community Building

I’ll share best practices for managing customer relations and building a supportive, engaged online community that loves your work.

Business Essentials

Get the basics of financial management, legal considerations, and overcoming common challenges in freelance graphic design. I’ll share with you everything from taxes to pricing your work.

Module 5

Imagine turning scrolls and likes into loyal customers and a thriving business. That’s exactly what Sapphire Bates did—and now she’s ready to share how. With ventures launched entirely through social media and features in Forbes and The Huffington Post, she reveals how to harness digital platforms, craft standout content, and build a brand that truly resonates. Your business journey starts here.

12 lessons (2h 20m)

Creating a Strong Idea

We will start by discussing how to know if your idea is good. As an example, we'll take a look at the story of The Coven and work out how to mould your own idea into something with real potential.

Market Research

What is a Unique Selling Point (USP) and why is it important to have one for your online business? This is what I'll explain in this lesson. I will also tell you about the power of market research, and you'll see how to conduct your own to ensure you are offering exactly what your audience needs.

The way you brand your business will determine the first impression it makes on the audience. To help you better understand this, I will explain what branding is and why it is important.

Branding

Choosing Your Social Media Platform

Nowadays, there are quite a few social media platforms that exist. How do you figure out which one is right for you and your business? This is what we'll discuss next.

Creating Content and Showing up Online

The basis of your social media account will be the content you post on it. How do you come up with this content? What exactly should you be posting to boost your business? I'll be giving you my best advice.

19m

Launch Strategies 1

Let's focus now on having an incredible launch for your online business. I will walk you through how to put together a good launch system that you can apply no matter what the product or service you want to launch next is.

20m

Launch Strategies 2

You've set your goals, now what? Here I will give you some advice on what more you could be doing to make sure your launch is successful.

Growing on Social Media

Posting on social media is good, but how do you find your audience and how can it grow? Here I will be talking about engagement, Instagram tools, and a good sense of timing.

19m

Building a Community

In this lesson, I am going to explain how you can try and turn the following you've developed into an engaged online community.

Instagram Myth Busting

Last here, I want to bust some myths about Instagram and make sure you are utilising the platform as much as possible for your business launch.

Ignore Hustle Culture and Prioritise Your Mental Health

I want to discuss prioritising your mental health. I've been a business owner who worked 24/7 (almost literally). I lived and breathed hustle culture and, in doing so, burned myself out twice. This wasn't a healthy or sustainable way to run my business, something had to change and that something was actually someone – me!

Your Next Steps after a Successful Launch

In this lesson, we will be covering all of the things you finally need to know to get on your way. I'll tell you about trademarking, terms and conditions, late fees, customer service, insurance, taxes, staff and much, much more.

15m

Module 6

Clare Seal believes that facing our finances head-on is one of the most empowering things we can do—and she’s here to help you do just that. With her experience guiding creatives and entrepreneurs toward financial clarity, she shares practical tools to take control of your income, spending, and mindset. Build a system that supports your goals and brings peace of mind.

12 lessons (1h 42m)

The Importance of Money Management

I will talk about why learning to manage money correctly both in your business and finances is so important, from the mental health benefits to the business benefits of having your cash flow under control.

What Do You Need In Your Toolkit?

Here, I will introduce the final project: your creative money management toolkit. Then, I will explain how each tool works and how they work together to give a comprehensive money management kit.

Business Finance vs Personal Finance

This lesson explores the relationship between business finance and personal finance; it’s essential to keep them separate and how interdependent they are.

Case Study Intro

To help me illustrate how you’ll create and use our creative finance toolkit, I’m going to be talking Chloe through the process of creating hers. Chloe is an illustrator, designer and stylist working as a freelancer, and like many of us, she’s looking for a way to manage her money.

Setting Challenging but Achievable Financial Goals

This lesson will focus on goal setting. I will encourage deep thought about the goals and a good structure for getting them down on paper.

Planning Your Income, So That You Don’t Get Caught Short 1

Planning your business income is essential, even when your business is in the creative industry! In these couple of lessons, I'll show you how I manage it.

Planning Your Income, So That You Don’t Get Caught Short 2

Here, you'll continue creating a simple income planner to help you to keep track of where projects are at and how much income you're expecting.

14m

Creating a Budget That Allows for a Flexible Income

The last tool in the kit is a second Excel spreadsheet that works with the income planner to give you a picture of your personal finances and helps you to feel in control of your money.

20m

Using Your Toolkit

There are many different uses for these tools, from the practical use of filling them in regularly to the conclusions and lessons that you can draw from them.