This workshop helped me with things that no one talked about at school. We didn’t have any classes or information on job searching and this workshop really caught me up!
Profound changes have impacted how creatives work...
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Growth of the creative economy
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Technological developments
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Global connectivity
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Online marketplaces
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Work/life values​
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Socio-economic-cultural movements
...creating new opportunities to pursue:
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Full-time work
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Part-time work
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Self-employment
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Freelancing
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Starting your own business
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This practical workshop gives a basic overview of the entrepreneurial mindset, processes, and tools you can use to develop your aspirations.
Whether you launch a business or side-hustle, or lead a department within a shop or company, your understanding of strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, and management,will provide greater opportunities for success in your future career.
Workshop Format
Given the scope of our workshop, topics are presented in a condensed manner to be most efficient with our time. As a result, I focus on breadth rather than depth, covering the most critical and essential information necessary to achieve your learning outcomes. At the end of the day, it's more important that you know what questions to ask and where to look for information rather than know the answers.
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We will draw on the required reading, videos, podcasts, interviews, articles, and other media to illustrate concepts and examples covered in the workshop.
Teaching Philosophy
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This workshop is an opportunity. Take advantage of it. I am here for you as your instructor, resource, and guide. Connect with me in between sessions to receive instruction that is customized to you and your needs.
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I don't lecture. I facilitate your knowledge of concepts, present information, and provide tools for you to act on.
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Be curious, open and critical. Embrace a diversity of viewpoints and ways of knowing. When you are learning something new, don't dismiss a concept out of hand without first seeing its merit. Then, test it in real-life and form your own opinion.
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Yes, you can. I believe in building your confidence and know-how so you can use your creative talents to craft the career you want.
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My success is based on the impact I have on yours. How will you measure your success?
Contact Info
Jenifer Simon
jenifer@honorsinart.com
201.312.4888 cell
Office hours: virtually and by phone via email appointment​
Dates and Times
Zoom Info
Class starts promptly at 5:30pm and ends at 7:30pm EST
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Monday, September 13, 2021
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Monday, September 20, 2021
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Monday, September 27, 2021
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Monday, October 4, 2021
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Monday, October 11, 2021
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Monday, October 18, 2021
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83462570564?pwd=ZjVYeUVEaXRNYmJtOGdTVXkyMjhCUT09
Meeting ID: 834 6257 0564
Passcode: 12345
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There are five required homework assignments. All assignments will be clearly explained during class before their due date. Questions during and in-between sessions are encouraged.
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All assignments are to be emailed to me via a Google Doc or Microsoft Word at jenifer@honorsinart.com by 11:59pm on the due date. If using a Google Doc, make sure to it share with me under "share".
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Name the file "First Name.Last Name. Assignment #." For example, "Jenifer.Simon.Assignment 1".
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Late assignments may be accepted only if you have exceptional circumstances. FYI If you want to run your own business, missing deadlines can be detrimental.
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You will choose a business idea in order to apply the knowledge and tools you learn in this workshop.
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If you have an idea for a business for your first assignment to conduct the SWOT analysis, great! Use that idea. If you don't have an idea, here are three different business ideas. Choose one of them:
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You've decided to remain where you're currently located after you graduate. You're going to create and sell specialized period garments/items (like corsets, hats, masks, or shoes), to clients both inside and outside of the performance industry. Your clients can be theatre, dance, film, commercial or anyone who wants to purchase the specialized garment(s) accessory(ies) or object(s) that you make. You received a grant of $1,000 from your University to start your business.
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You're going to start a small storefront/shop/studio in a new, affordable economic arts development district in a downtown section of a city or hub like Chicago, Houston, Detroit, Raleigh, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, etc. Your space will be largely subsidized by the city, so it will be cost-effective for you to have your space for the first 2 years. This includes the arrival of several new theatre, dance and other performance companies that will be opening in the area as part of this arts development initiative. So, you have new potential clients waiting in the wings.
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You have a large network of contacts (producers, actors, designers, and other shop owners) who work on Broadway shows in NYC. You're starting to receive requests from interested parties to bid on costume projects.
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You can and are expected to redefine, tweak and/or modify your business based on your assignments and process of the Business Model Canvas.
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Due Sunday, September 19, 2021
1. Reading: Intro pages 3-4, Chapters 1 & 2, The Profitable Artist.
2. Conduct a SWOT Analysis of your proposed business or business idea using this template and respond to the questions. Send to me per instructions above.
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What services do you provide?I can help you, your organization or company fulfill your mission through strategic and operational planning, effective marketing and outreach, impactful education and programming. If you're an individual creative, artist, or professional, I can help you find or further your career through coaching sessions, resume/cover letter review/creation, job search techniques and networking building.
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Who do you work with?I work with mission-driven, arts and culture-based non-profits, for-profits and social enterprises including: - organizations - institutions - communities - government agencies - businesses I work with individuals engaged in the arts (performing, visual, digital, literary, multi-media, mixed-media, etc.) whether you're an artist/creator/creative/maker and/or administrative arts professional. If you're just looking for a job in and through the arts, let's talk!
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What results can you help achieve?Measurable results and impact are based on your unique goals, cooperation, and budget. They can be very specific, but frequently fall into the following categories: 1. Increased awareness of your organization, mission, programs, etc. 2. Increased virtual or in-real-life engagement with current or new audiences/constituents. 3. Increased impact of your services/programs/outreach such as increased participation, program satisfaction, financial support, and transformation in and through the arts.
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Why should I work with you?I'm known for creating innovative programs and partnerships, bringing back-burner projects to fruition ("We've always wanted to do that!"), and producing the best possible- measurable - results with limited resources. I'm proactive and work with a sense of urgency and efficiency. Clients have told me that I do the work of two people. I'm fueled by a fervent desire for actions to speak louder than words. That's why I'm driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of experience. Read what others have said about me and my work here.
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How much do you charge?When we collaborate, I do my utmost to meet and exceed your expectations of value and satisfaction. Working productively together, we will utilize my knowledge, expertise, and experience to produce positive and cost-effective results. My hourly rate begins at $75. Depending upon circumstances, a sliding scale may be offered. If you have a set budget for a project or consulting services, I will be happy to discuss what we can expect to achieve within the constraints of your budget.
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How do I hire you?We will first discuss your goals, expected outcomes, budget, and your timeline. I will then draft a proposal, including the scope of my work and the estimated costs. Once we agree upon the terms and conditions, we will execute a contract and I will begin working on your behalf. Let's get started!
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I don't see what I'm looking for.I'm sorry! Contact me through this form or directly at jenifer@honorsinart.com. Thank you!
Due Sunday, September 26, 2021
Conduct a thorough Market Analysis of your proposed business or business idea using this template. Send to me per instructions above.
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Reading: pages 159-210, Chapters 11 & 12
Due Sunday, October 3, 2021
Create a start-up budget for your business using this template. You must provide the source you consulted to determine each expense item. Other instructions are on the template. Send to me per instructions above.
Reading: pages 101-156, Chapters 6-10
Due Sunday, October 10, 2021
In this assignment, you have two options to choose from. Option 1 is a request for a bid. Option 2 is an analysis of a Terms of Service Contract from a Costume Shop. This document contains the instructions for Options 1 and 2. Send to me per instructions above and indicate which option you chose for your assignment.
Reading: pages 43-93, Chapters 3-6, The Profitable Artist.
Due Sunday, October 17, 2021
Your assignment is to complete the Business Model Canvas worksheet and prepare a creative presentation via Zoom. You can use Powerpoint, KeyNote, whatever works for you to conduct a dynamic presentation. You will have 3-5 minutes to present your Business Model Canvas to the rest of the class. You are presenting to us as a group of potential investors for your business. Be prepared to answer questions from the group. Send to me per instructions above.
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You can download the Business Model Canvas as a PowerPoint Slide with editable sections here. Register for your time slot for the class presentation here by Wednesday, October 13, 2021. If you do not sign up for a time slot, you will be assigned one.
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It is everyone’s responsibility to participate in Monday’s final session by asking questions of your classmates in response to their presentations. This can be done via chat or by unmuting yourself.
Your presentation should include an explanation of your business and an overview of all the components of your Business Model Canvas organized in a professional manner. This can be done via PowerPoint, Google Slides, KeyNote, etc. I encourage you to be creative, as I have done in my class PowerPoint slides.
Your presentation should be clear, informative, and get us excited about supporting your business.
If you have any questions or would like feedback on a draft presentation, please contact me. I’m happy to provide any guidance you need.
Reading: Conclusion, pages 258-265, The Profitable Artist
Examples of Completed Business Model Canvasses
