Creative people are actually best equipped to succeed in business.
Not the other way 'round, as we've been told, sold and have bought in to for all these years.
Yes, there are some dramatic examples of the "starving artist". But have you ever considered that it's not being "creative" that makes them "bad at business"? Typically, it's a whole list of things that add up to get them in the starving artist category. Things like:
self-destructive behavior (not exclusive to creatives, by the way)
not knowing the right action steps
being introverted, and shy about "marketing"
having a poor relationship with their creative process
poor money management
giving over control of their career to someone else
living with unquestioned assumptions (like: I can be creative, but not good at business, or math, or whatever else) Says WHO?
The things on this list are distinctively NOT in keeping with creative behavior and abilities.
Creativity involves:
risk-taking
dealing with uncertainty
making something out of nothing
trial and error
seeing what others cannot see
emotional fluency
translating emotion into a tangible artistic "product", like a movie, painting, play or song
all produced well before the paycheck is in hand, a lot of the time
What if the creative person applied their creative genius to the acts of business? We can, if we look at business as another type creative problem to wrestle with.
When we do, we are better equipped to succeed in business than anyone who fears risk, uncertainty, emotions, and the other perils of creating on-demand.
If you can face a blank page, you can rock at business.
RE: Myths To Destruct: Creatives are Bad at Business by Barbara Winteron
Inc magazine founder Bermie Goldhirsch used to tell his writers that entrepreneurs were artists and business was their canvas. I absolutely agree that the creative spirit can transfer itself beautifully from canvas to enterprise. Keep reminding us all, Lisa.
RE: Myths To Destruct: Creatives are Bad at Business by Amandaon
This is such an encouraging and helpful post. I'm actively working to improve myself in many of the categories of the "starving artist" list. I heard a fantastic quote last night--the gist of it was that lack of self-confidence is the biggest anchor that can be put on creativity. I truly believe that, and am working on it on a daily basis.
retail therapy? If you need to go shopping now to find my recommended books on writing, creativity and being a gorgeous genius, here are the go to links. A small commission is earned, which funds my book allowance. Thank you and enjoy.
