COLLECTION NAME:
Graduate Thesis Collection
Record
Title:
Art-ministration: A Business Framework for Freelance and Entrepreneur Artists and Designers
Creator:
Ramlogan, Sapna G.
Subject:
Thesis (M.A.) -- Arts Administration
Subject:
Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Arts Administration
Rights:
Copyright is retained by the authors or artists of items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Abstract:
This thesis evaluates what business skills are necessary for artists and designers to possess before becoming self-employed or working as a freelancer in today’s growing creative industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 60 percent of artists are freelancers or entrepreneurs. This expanding field is becoming highly competitive while the economic business climate is becoming more challenging. Furthermore, advancements in technology have made the world more connected such that artists can work virtually with a global network of clients, as they are no longer confined to their geographic locations. This limitless environment has made it easier to conduct business but has also posed challenges because these artists and designers are faced with competition not only on a local level but globally. In order to differentiate themselves from the crowded marketplace, artists have to be more aggressive and savvy in their business practices. Therefore, artists need to learn how to be good
art-ministrators to enjoy lucrative careers utilizing their talents.
art-ministrators to enjoy lucrative careers utilizing their talents.
Abstract:
For artists or designers to be creative entrepreneurs, they have to engage in business activities such as finance, accounting, payments, legal contracts, self-promotion, marketing, networking and presenting to clients to be successful in this field. As their companies grow, they have to hire other artists and lead creative teams. Artists tend to shy away from non-creative duties but in order to run a thriving business, they have to embrace this side of the business as well. In order to allow artists to be prepared to face these new challenges, this thesis will examine what skills are required to survive in today’s creative industry and evaluate how this industry has changed over the last few years. The researcher has used the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) as a sample institution to study its alumni, students, services and curriculum using mixed method research techniques. Through qualitative interviews with alumni who freelance or are entrepreneurial artists, the skills artists have had to acquire and the challenges they faced when creating their own creative business practices have been investigated. Through surveys with current students, the researcher highlights the knowledge young artists possess in the business realm and their career goals. Interviews with faculty who teach business courses to artists and with professionals working in the field validate the importance and requirement for these skills. Additionally, the researcher identifies the business resources that currently exist for artists and designers.
Abstract:
For further investigation, recommendations will be made to ensure student artists are knowledgeable about how to successfully launch their own freelance careers and creative businesses in today’s challenging but global environment by providing them with business resources to help them transition from school to the professional field. This thesis will enable artists to understand the state of the changing industry and what skills are required of them to be successful art-ministrators of their careers for the 21st century.
Publisher:
Savannah, Georgia : Savannah College of Art and Design
Date:
2011-06
Format:
PDF : 112 p. : ill