Balancing Artistic Creativity and Entrepreneurial Responsibilities: Practical Tips and Strategies

Here’s to the artist entrepreneurs who try to build an art business. 

Who dare to engage in the unique struggle of balancing artistic creativity and entrepreneurial responsibilities.

Who engage in the tug-of-war between getting lost in a work of art and developing a business opportunity.

Do you paint, apply for that juried art venue, or develop your Patreon channel?

Do you paint or create a reel for your social media platform?

I often wonder how both sides of my brain can function at the same time.

The artist in me just wants to disappear into my art room. The entrepreneur insists on creating another lesson for our Luna Arts & ED business (https://www.instagram.com/luna_arts_and_ed/)

Both bring me tremendous satisfaction.

Both involve creative processing. 

Both compete for my time. 

Like a wrestling match, they clasp hands as the struggle ensues.
Often art business bends personal painting low to the table.
Neither gives up.
Both fight to the finish.
Who will win?
It’s a draw every time. 

So, if you’re an artist entrepreneur, I salute you! 

Know you’re not alone.

There are more of us out there wrestling with personal painting and business

development. 

Practical Tips and Strategies for Managing Competing DemandsGo with what inspires when you have free time.

Contracts demand commitment (i.e. art professional development training, art for community days, virtual art lessons, consultations for Social and Emotional art lesson choice).

But when there’s free time, I follow fleeting inspiration that graces.

Don’t wait! Start that new painting.

Watch out for burn out!

When art is your business, it’s easy to forget to paint for pleasure. When you feel exhausted and lack inspiration, you’re experiencing burn out.

Try setting aside some “me time” to create whatever you want.

Contracts closed at the end of the school year. I was determined to paint an idea I’d had in my mind for months.

My summer obsession is painting on my new creation: “All God’s Children Great and Small.”

Juggling the emotional and mental demands of these two roles can be difficult. But, I’ve found both increase my capacity as well as improve my skills.

I’m growing as an artist and as an art business owner.

Seek support for your personal painting!

I have a group of artists who inspire me and who give me feedback.

They are always there to encourage and support:

Gina Wilson Art, https://www.instagram.com/gina.m.wilson/

https://www.instagram.com/rickr.wilson/

https://www.instagram.com/lynnettesartspace/

Elya Moline Creations

Join an Art Association

I joined a local art association that meets monthly: https://murrietaartists.org, and then decided to offer support by running for vice president.

I also recently joined Temecula Valley Art League.

Platform Building SupportJoin an online community. I joined Your Platform Matters, “We’re a community led by a professional writing coach committed to helping writers reach readers in meaningful ways. We believe your message matters, so your platform matters.” -Ann KroekerAlthough primarily for writers, the endless resources taught me how to build various social media platforms. They also helped me develop an email list and a host of other necessary tools for building my art business. One of my other passions is writing. This platform has helped me move my next book towards publishing.Develop a business model that uses your artistic ability and career experience. My business, Luna Arts & ED, combines my former experience as a district art coach with my artistic abilities. Our art presenters bring professional development in the arts to educators. We offer virtual art lessons for students. We also give art lessons for school community celebrations.

I also offer a mini magazine, Artistry Unleashed: Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. There are feature artists who share their ability and encouragement. There are also links for video tutorials for improving your art skills. You can download a digital copy: https://jodeelunaart.com/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives/

Subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss an issue: https://mailchi.mp/5210fe4b3ab8/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives