The Bridge Between Artist and Entrepreneur

August 29, 2011

The Bridge between Artist and Entrepreneur

Everyone knows that feeling when you’re waiting for a phone call, hoping that this time you’ll book that “big gig,” you’ve started to ruminate over how much your life will change...just ONE YES, you think to yourself. You’re at the mercy of the casting agent. You know the feeling right?
All performers do. The thing that we often forget when we’re on the other side of that table is that, we have more power than we think.

When you’re a part of a cycle where all of your success in in another person’s hands it can not only be disheartening but exhausting as well. So what if we started looking at our jobs as performers, more like ENTREPRENEURS. After all, we’re essentially building our “brand.” It’s also much more empowering to consider yourself a business person of sorts, building a dream from start to finish.

Here’s a few tips on how to bridge the gap between Artist and Entrepreneur..

1. Remember, you always have something to sell-- when you go into an audition you’re selling a specific talent, a quirk, a unique quality. There’s a lot of singers, dancers and actors out there---but not all of them are you. What sets you apart? Recognize it and use it to your benefit, SELL IT.

2. Invest in MATERIALS--- this is incredibly important. Do you have a business card? Several different headshots with different looks? How about a website? You never know when you’re going to be out and someone wants to know more about you---when the opportunity presents itself, you want to be ready. Have the materials to back up the “talk.” With the power of the web there’s no reason why you can’t have videos of your talent, photos, a resume, all online.

3. If no one is hiring you.....do it yourself--- So, you haven’t booked a job in awhile....rather than moping consider, what are you going to DO about it? Perhaps you start writing your OWN show, book a showcase-- sing all your best songs and invite everyone you know, casting directors included, you never know who will come out. Want to be in a movie? MAKE ONE. There’s nothing stopping you from doing this---if you don’t have all the skills, assemble the RIGHT TEAM.......which brings me to #4.......

check out sites like: Kickstarter.com

4. Assemble a power team--- Ultimately you are selling YOURSELF, but if you don’t have a support group to pick you up when you fall, encourage you when you’re down, tell you when your outfit is a hot mess (with the best intentions), etc. Nothing will drag you down like a group of friends who A. Don’t believe in THEMSELVES B. Don’t believe in you. Surround yourself with people that raise your vibration, people that help you SHINE.

5. Say it 30 seconds or less--- know what it is YOU have to offer and get to the point fast. Whether it’s with 16 bars, a monologue, etc. People in the industry are busy.

How do you approach business and your career as an artists? Have any tips you want to share with us??

THE BRIDGE BETWEEN ARTIST AND ENTREPRENEUR