Читать книгу Start & Run an Art Teaching Business - Tanya Freedman - Страница 10

Self-expression through visual art and through the written word are my parallel loves. My own art career started when I opened myself up to new and uncharted territories. A local minister’s wife loved my custom thank-you card, which I had produced from one of my original paintings, and she asked if I taught art. Could I do a watercolor demonstration at the next ladies’ social? Absolutely. I prepared for it, got all the materials ready, and did my best. It was well received; I even inspired some of the ladies to return to their long-forgotten interest in creating art. (One of these ladies now sells her artwork nationally!)

Next, I was asked if I could run classes at the local community center. Through these community contacts my database of interested clients grew larger. That is how simply it started for me. Word spread, and my students’ siblings, friends, and school classmates wanted to create their own artwork to be proud of. Within seven months of registering my business I seriously contemplated expanding to an even larger studio.

Being open to opportunities and suggestions, and trying something new outside of your comfort zone may pay dividends. Pay close attention to the situations in which you thrive. If you find yourself constantly returning to your passion for art or other creative activities connected to it, and this passion feeds your soul despite its lack of feasible profitability, then pay attention to what your subconscious is telling you. Maybe you have been told repeatedly to pursue a “real” career — to be professional and practical — when you spend hours of your time immersed in your art, experimenting and creating pieces everyone adores. Take serious stock of how you can combine your passion for art with the reality of earning a living. Find opportunities to start using your creativity to bring in money.

Do you feel that you are not quite ready yet? You may think that you have too many responsibilities that prevent you from starting the ball rolling. Do not let your dreams wither, however. You can still plan for the medium and long term at your own manageable pace. This will give you time to absorb new ideas and help you elevate your comfort level while plodding through life’s realities and earning a living at your regular day job. Your goals are in your hands. You have to be prepared to take great strides and climb up that rocky mountain of business success. No one will make it happen for you. Whether or not you achieve your goals depends on the extent to which you are willing to —

• delve into your psyche;

• capitalize on your strengths;

• sacrifice spare time — which means less time for watching TV, engaging in hobbies, and having a busy social life, especially at the beginning;

• learn to balance family and business time;

• face your shortfalls and improve on them;

• learn from others around you; and

• believe in yourself.

Are you hesitant, ready to forge ahead, or actually practicing some of these steps?

If you are hesitant and not quite sure where and how to start, consider doing business on a small scale. Combine forces with another business or start working with a partner. By reading this book you are on your way to starting your business. Pay attention to the exercises and advice in this book, talk to respected advisers, and network. Clarify in your mind the best place for starting your business.

Maybe you are ready and you know you have a good idea and great potential. As long as you have done your preliminary homework and are not going to start your business by trial and error with a “hope for the best” attitude, then go for it. If you have any reservations, however, take some more time to prepare yourself.