This is a subscriber-only article. Join Entrepreneur+ today for access

Learn More

Already have an account?

Sign in
Entrepreneur Plus - Short White
For Subscribers

What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from the Business Successes (and Failures) of Artists Surprisingly, artists face many of the same career challenges as people in business.

By John Boitnott

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Carl Court | Getty Images

In business, there's a common misconception that the world of the visual arts and the corporate world are diametrically opposed. Artists — so this misconception goes — work purely in pursuit of a passion without concern for financial gain. On the other hand, starting a business is all about financial success.

Yet visual artists (as well as other working artists such as musicians, actors, poets, novelists and others) face many of the same challenges as entrepreneurs do when building their careers. Many artists will frankly tell you that, first and foremost, they are an entrepreneur—and that it's a cutthroat business.

Related: Brutal Lessons From 4 Failed Startups

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Living

Discover Your New Favorite Show or Movie with This App, Now $39.99 for Life

Think of this app as your very own, personalized guide to streaming film and TV.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2023

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2023.

Business News

McDonald's Is Making a Major Change to Its Burgers in 2024

The beloved Big Mac will also be getting a big makeover.

Thought Leaders

3 New Ways to Develop Laser-Like Focus

To boost focus in the face of distractions, you need a new approach to success.

Growing a Business

Serial Entrepreneur Turned VC Reveals 4 Numbers You Need to Know to Scale Your Company

If you're looking to attract investment or simply seeking to scale your business, there are four key numbers you should use as your guiding light.