Читать книгу What Business Should I Start? - Rhonda Abrams - Страница 26

The creative process—and impulse—is alive and well in virtually every industry and field. Within this E-Type, the available options fall in to a few main categories:

Designer: “Designer” is a catch-all phrase that covers a broad range of business opportunities. Of the various definitions of “design,” the one I think fits what this E-Type does best is:

“The act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)” WordNet^® 1.6, ©1997 Princeton University

One way to think of those who are “designers” is that they are able to take existing elements and arrange them in a way to achieve something new that has a new purpose.

Just a few of the business opportunities suited for Designers are: graphic design, interior decorator, art design (e.g., photo layouts or advertising materials), space (office) planner, event designer/decorator, website design, theatrical set design, and many more.

Being a designer generally seems less risky than being an artist (see below) because what you are selling is your talent, rather than a product. After all, the customer—your client—already knows they have a need to have something designed (a brochure, a home, a computer program). You just have to convince them that you’re the right person to do it for them. Customers don’t necessarily have a need for what artists produce.

So if you have artistic talent, don’t think your only option is to go out and try to sell your paintings or sculpture. Think of ways you can bring your knowledge and skill to help clients meet a need or solve a problem.

Artist: There’s a fine line between being an artist and being a designer. Generally, the distinction is that designers have a client with whom they collaboratively develop a creation. On the other hand, artists generally create their work independently, without a specific client (although they may have work commissioned or may consider the marketability of their artwork as they create it).

When you envision an “artist,” you might picture someone sitting at an easel in their attic, then selling their paintings at a gallery.

Of course, that is one way to be an artist. But the term “artist” would encompass all non-performing artists, and I’m also using it here to include “artisans.” As such, this category covers painters, sculptors, potters, art photographers, and even those who create unique items of jewelry, clothing, and accessories.

If you want to be an artist, consider ways to sell your art in places besides art galleries. Consider street fairs, boutiques, gift stores, online sales, too.

The Trades: Construction categories such as carpentry, masonry, iron-working, tile-laying, and so on, are referred to as the “trades” or skilled trades. (Don’t confuse that with the British term “tradesmen,” which refers to merchants.)

Actually, everyone who’s inclined to work with their hands to build things—whether they’re a member of a skilled trade or not—qualifies as this E-Type.

So, if you’re the kind of person who’s always looking for a new home repair project, you might find yourself attracted to business opportunities in the building/construction industry, such as being a carpenter, painter, electrician, and so on.

But, before you just plunge in, definitely check your state’s licensing requirements. Although it may be necessary to have a license if you want to work as—or with—a general contractor or on major projects, you might be able to start first as a handyman or non-licensed repair person. Just be sure to check you don’t need a license before you pick up a hammer!

There’s more information about the building trades in the section on Construction on page 163.