Entrepreneurship manifests in various forms, ranging from traditional startups and business ownership to contemporary side hustles, as well as those that blend personal artistic and creative prowess, like authorship and visual art. The latter involves creators who build a livelihood by producing and selling their original work.

Some may contend that authors and artists do not fit the entrepreneurial mold, but such a view overlooks the essence of entrepreneurship. When creative individuals harness their talents to generate income, nurturing a business through their endeavors, they indeed embody entrepreneurial spirit. As described on Wikipedia, an entrepreneur invests time, energy, and resources to create value for others, reaping monetary rewards and benefitting both themselves and their consumers.

Artist Entrepreneur: Leonid Afremov

Take Leonid Afremov, a Mexican-Israeli artist known for his modern impressionistic works crafted predominantly with palette knives and oils. He carved out a distinctive technique and style that set his art apart. Afremov’s pieces—vibrant landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, florals, and portraits—steered clear of political themes.

Before the rise of online marketplaces like eBay, Afremov faced challenges as an artist. Born in Vitebsk, Belarus, and residing there until 1990, he later lived in Israel (1990-2002) and Boca Raton, Florida (2002-2010). His Jewish roots barred him from participating in government exhibitions or joining art associations in his homeland. Much of his early work, circulated privately or given away, lacked documentation, with little surviving to the present day—save for one pre-1990 painting held by his family.

The 1986 Chernobyl disaster brought additional turmoil, contaminating the environment near Vitebsk with radioactive fallout and profoundly impacting the health of local children, including Afremov’s two-year-old son. Coupled with anti-Semitic discrimination, these adversities prompted Afremov to migrate to Israel when Mikhail Gorbachev’s policies permitted. In May 1990, the Afremov family took a train from Minsk to Warsaw, followed by a flight to Israel, joining the early wave of the 1990s Russian-Jewish emigration.

Today, Afremov’s family continues to sell his original oil paintings, recreations, prints, and giclées via afremov.com.

Author Entrepreneur: J.K. Rowling

Similarly, J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author behind the Harry Potter series, exemplifies an author entrepreneur. Despite the Harry Potter brand’s worth of over $15 billion, Rowling’s story is rooted in humble beginnings. An InsideBusiness.com article details her journey, marked by personal loss, a brief and tumultuous marriage, and a return to the UK as a single mother and struggling writer, bearing the early chapters of “Harry Potter” in her luggage.

Settling in Edinburgh, Rowling battled depression and poverty, writing in cafés while her daughter slept beside her. Despite experiencing what she described in a 2008 Harvard commencement speech as her lowest point, Rowling transformed her situation into a triumphant narrative that today resonates worldwide.

Arts Entrepreneurship

Arts Entrepreneurship, as chronicled by AmericansForTheArts.org, is not a modern concept. Historically, artists have embodied the entrepreneurial spirit, though formal education in arts entrepreneurship is relatively new. Institutions such as the Eastman School of Music have been addressing it since the 1970s, with over a hundred colleges and at least thirty-three Master’s programs globally now offering dedicated courses.

Academic consensus on the definition of “entrepreneurship,” “arts entrepreneurship,” “creativity,” “imagination,” or “art” remains elusive due to the subjective nature of these terms. However, the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University (SMU) delineates arts entrepreneurship as the creation of opportunity and value with the intention of profiting—financially or otherwise—by assuming risk and putting forth effort. In this realm, the art itself becomes the created value.

Reflective Questions

If you’re contemplating a career as an arts entrepreneur, here are several reflective questions for your consideration:

1. What unique value can you create through your art or writing, and how do you envision turning that value into a sustainable business model? Consider the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and the commercial aspects of running a successful enterprise.
2. How will you navigate the business challenges that are specific to the arts sector, such as intellectual property rights, fluctuating market demands, and the digitalization of creative content? Think about the strategies you might employ to protect your work while reaching a wider audience.
3. What resources, networks, and educational opportunities can you leverage to develop your entrepreneurial skills as an artist or author? Reflect on the importance of continuous learning and networking in the growth and evolution of your arts-based business.

Conclusion

The journey of an arts entrepreneur is both challenging and rewarding. It blurs the lines between the creative impulse and business acumen, illustrating that entrepreneurship is not confined to conventional business models but also thrives in the realms of art and literature. Figures like Leonid Afremov and J.K. Rowling stand as testaments to the potential that lies in the heart of the artistic entrepreneur. Their stories of overcoming adversity to create value that resonates on a global scale serve as powerful exemplars for aspiring creators. In embracing both their craft and the principles of entrepreneurship, they have paved the way for a new generation of artists and authors who are ready to turn their passion into a profession.

As we recognize the evolving landscape of arts entrepreneurship, supported by academia and a growing recognition of the creative industries as a legitimate and vital area of economic growth, we witness a promising horizon for those who dare to dream and do. This convergence of creativity and commerce marks not just a livelihood, but a dynamic and fulfilling way of life.

From the Author, Paul Segreto, CEO & Founder, Acceler8Success Group

If you’d like to discuss your entrepreneurial experiences, challenges, or aspirations, or if you need guidance or coaching concerning your small business, restaurant, or franchise, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can send an email to me at paul@acceler8success.com or you may reach me by text or phone at (832) 797–9851. I look forward to helping you.

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