So if you have artistic talent, don’t think your only option is to go out and try to sell your paintings or sculpture. Think of ways you can bring your knowledge and skill to help clients meet a need or solve a problem.
Artist: There’s a fine line between being an artist and being a designer. Generally, the distinction is that designers have a client with whom they collaboratively develop a creation. On the other hand, artists generally create their work independently, without a specific client (although they may have work commissioned or may consider the marketability of their artwork as they create it).
When you envision an “artist,” you might picture someone sitting at an easel in their attic, then selling their paintings at a gallery.
Of course, that is one way to be an artist. But the term “artist” would encompass all non-performing artists, and I’m also using it here to include “artisans.” As such, this category covers painters, sculptors, potters, art photographers, and even those who create unique items of jewelry, clothing, and accessories.
If you want to be an artist, consider ways to sell your art in places besides art galleries. Consider street fairs, boutiques, gift stores, online sales, too.
The Trades: Construction categories such as carpentry, masonry, iron-working, tile-laying, and so on, are referred to as the “trades” or skilled trades. (Don’t confuse that with the British term “tradesmen,” which refers to merchants.)
Actually, everyone who’s inclined to work with their hands to build things—whether they’re a member of a skilled trade or not—qualifies as this E-Type.
So, if you’re the kind of person who’s always looking for a new home repair project, you might find yourself attracted to business opportunities in the building/construction industry, such as being a carpenter, painter, electrician, and so on.
But, before you just plunge in, definitely check your state’s licensing requirements. Although it may be necessary to have a license if you want to work as—or with—a general contractor or on major projects, you might be able to start first as a handyman or non-licensed repair person. Just be sure to check you don’t need a license before you pick up a hammer!
There’s more information about the building trades in the section on Construction on page 163.
You may be this E-Type if . . .
1.You like to work with your hands. Most of the businesses for this E-Type involve some manual work—whether it’s drawing sketches, hammering nails, manipulating computer input devices, or the myriad other ways you use your hands (as well as your mind) to create.
2.You have skills and/or talent. Critical to being able to succeed as a Builder/Creator are the skills necessary to do the work. Whether you’re a carpenter building a cabinet or an interior decorator selecting furniture and fabrics, you’ve got to have enough innate talent and experience so that customers will be satisfied with your work.
3.You respect details. No doubt about it—many of those in this E-Type are definitely very creative. But one key to being successful in most of Builder/Creator fields is an ability and willingness to take care of the details that someone who was just a hobbyist would overlook. If, for instance, you are a medical textbook illustrator, your illustrations not only have to be accurate and well-executed, but you’ll need to be able to deliver it to your client in the formats they need. It’s not just about the artistic merit of the work—it’s about the professional details as well.
Obvious (and Not-So-Obvious) Business Choices for This E-Type
4.You are able to sufficiently subordinate your own creative vision to meet the needs of your client or the marketplace. Even when you’re working in a very creative capacity, and your client leans on you for your vision, you still have to understand that your job is to enable them to reach their goals, not yours. You’re likely to find yourself very frustrated if you’re truly an artistic visionary who always has to march to the beat of their own drummer.
5.You are not totally afraid of sales. Unless your goal is to be a starving artist, you’ve got to become comfortable either selling your artwork or selling your talents. Even if you are in the building trades, you’ve got to be able to market your services and explain to general contractors or clients why you are capable of