UNC’s Arts & Business Seminar

We’ll be speaking today at UNC’s Arts & Business Seminar with Michelle Bordner, Artistic Coordinator for Carolina Performing Arts, Chris Wimberley of Nightsound Studios, Alexis MastroMichalis of Nightlight and Jim Dennis of Music Loft on the subject of “So Your Want To Open A Studio?” (Local professionals with backgrounds in Music, Studio Art, Design, and Dance come together to share and compare their experiences managing a small business and pursuing their artistic careers.) Our plan is to be open, honest and careful not to sugar coat the gory details of entrepreneurship. These are the questions they’ve asked us to prepare for…

-- Your background: artistic, education, work

Laura: We both come from a fine arts and design background, but I graduated from Buffalo State with a degree in Design - but I had far more English classes under my belt than art classes. Matt spent years with clevermethod, a Western New York Web Development Firm, helping build their portfolio and client base, while I became involved with the community through a local magazine, Buffalo Rising. I think what we took away form those experiences was the politics behind business and how important it is to keep your hands dirty. Having others do the work for you never works out.

-- What attracted you to the arts and what in turn attracted you opening your own business?

Matt: I was always interested in art and animation growing up. I had the chance to go to college and study art with a major in Illustration. While in Grad School, every artist I met was working for themselves. I knew that being a freelancer would be tough but I also knew it would be better than sitting in an office. I did freelance and taught a class at the local Community College. Unfortunately I wasn’t making enough money so I got a part-time job at a web design company. After working there for a few years, I gained a ton of experience and decided to try it on my own.

Laura: Well, we could say I don’t think that many other people are as organized or as responsible as I am, whether that’s true or not is a different story. I enjoy my freedom. Matt needed an outlet to use the full extent of his creativity, and not be stifled by a group of project managers, art directors and owners. He has too many ideas to be told what to do.

-- How did you go about opening your studio?

Laura: Full boar! We did some minimal research, but because writing your business plan is a never ending process, we incorporated as soon as possible and learned on our feet. The only way to learn from your mistakes is to make them.

Matt: You have start with a plan. Not just a business plan, but a plan of reality. “Do I know enough about this business to survive? Do I have the resources financial (and emotional) to handle this decision the event something goes sour. “ These are two important questions to keep in mind. Being an artists or designer is not as romantic as it may sound. Have a marketing and business plan, then follow the appropriate steps apply for a business license. Talk to as many small business owners as possible!

-- What was one of the biggest obstacles (either financial, logistical, or personal) to opening the studio?

Matt: Our biggest obstacle was meeting new people and getting new business from local owners.

Laura: We work from home and we have no overhead, so we knew the risk wasn’t high. And we knew we worked well together because The Artery Magazine ran smoothly from the start. That really only leaves sales. I had, and sometimes still have, a hard time cold selling someone on our services although I’d consider myself fairly persuasive. Or relating to them on a non-creative level. Knowing what you want to say and saying it are two different things. Also, I’m young and female; even in this modern era, that’s a difficult hurdle.

-- What has been one of the greatest advantages to owning your own business, as an artist and/or an entrepreneur?

Laura: The freedom to get up and get out when you feel creatively blocked. A bike ride, walk, or coffee in a new place can be entirely rejuvenating. When you surround yourself with the same people - office culture - day in and day out, you stop learning from them. The day starts revolving around the office happenings and not the work.

Matt: Working directly with clients and being able to do what we want. I don’t have to rely on someone else.

-- What advice do you have for young artists?

Matt: Be patient but don’t let yourself have too much free time. Being self motivated is by far the hardest part. Make a list of projects that you would love to work on and set personal goals. I wanted to have a show, so I went to several galleries and did new work. Also, I learned from those who are successful. Figure out how they got there and how you can apply your skills to that mindset.

Laura: Spend more time learning from your peers than your professors. They are who you will be competing with in the real world.

-- What do you wish you’d know before you started out?

Matt: How to sell myself. I’m a horrible salesman.

Laura: That my friends and family were right - it’s always easiest to start a business in a place where you already know people. And accounting, in all forms. 

Post by laura on 03/26
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