Self-Employment in the Arts (Conferences & Resources)

This was shared with us from an artist who has presented at SEA with us before. If you are in the DuPage area, this is a great opportunity to participate in an art fair for free! If you’ve never done an art fair before, feel free to reach out to us. We’re happy to chat with you and provide some tips.

Vineyard Church of DuPage in Wheaton, IL, is looking for artists to take part in their first annual Arts Fair on Saturday, June 22, from 10 am to 4pm, FREE of charge. The goal is to help artists become more visible to the community. There will be live music from local bands, free food and activities for the kids. The deadline for artists to register is March 1, 2024. For more info and/or to register for this event, go to: https://www.dupagevineyard.org/arts-fair-2024

Arts + Entrepreneurship!

We are so excited to work with the amazing team putting together the SCALE Conference in St. Louis this February. For all those familiar with the SEA Conference we did for over 20 years, this is very similar and involves many on the planning team from the SEA days. It certainly is an event you don't want to miss if you are seeking to turn your creative passions into a living! Learn more and register: https://www.scaleconference.art

It’s that time of year! FREE virtual workshop!!!

Doing your taxes as an artist can be intimidating—but we’re here to help! Join us on Wednesday, January 24 for an overview of tax basics for artists, including tax deductions, record keeping, setting up your books, and tax planning.

Alan Gregerson, Senior Stakeholder Liaison for the local branch of the Internal Revenue Service, will cover the rules and issues involved in filing taxes for creative people. Register for this free, virtual workshop: https://springboardforthearts.org/events/tax-basics-for-artists/

We are so excited to work with the amazing team putting together the SCALE Conference in St. Louis this February. For all those familiar with the SEA Conference we did for over 20 years, this is very similar and involves many on the planning team from the SEA days. It certainly is an event you don't want to miss if you are seeking to turn your creative passions into a living! Learn more and register: https://www.scaleconference.art

Free virtual workshops from Center for Creative Entrepreneurship

Events — Center for Creative Entrepreneurship Upcoming events. May 22 Minimum Viable Marketing Plan: Launching Lean Monday, May 22, 2023 1:00 PM 2:00 PM Google Calendar ICS Before you capture market share, you first must capture mind share. This class, taught by David Kelbaugh, founder of Tacklebox Brand Partners, will help you create your MVMP...

Great virtual event for those interested in arts and entrepreneurship education!

The 2023 Online Conference starts tomorrow - don't miss it!

Love seeing what our SEA community is up to! If you are a guitar player, check out the Guitar Closet with Terry (and Bruce). Terry and his wife, Jonelle, performed at SEA back in February of 2020.

Bowden B Bender Today we installed my new Bowden B Bender. Tune in to learn all about this little gem.

46: Taxes need not stress you out: 5 things you need to know — YCA Career Catalyst with Dr. Jeffrey Nytch

Great opportunity to engage with others in the field of entrepreneurship! (Virtual attendance option with some of the best tech out there to make it a meaningful experience.)

Join us virtually for the Driven By Dreams Conference! Along with many other opportunities, you will be able to connect with countless other educators who are creating new ways of engaging students every day. There will be so much to learn at the conference that you can turn around and implement this semester!

To register, visit https://www.usasbelaunch.org/2023

New York City creatives! Free opportunity

NYC-area artists, creatives, and performers of all disciplines!

You're invited to "The Profitable Artist: Strategies for Your Arts Practice," a free, in-person workshop to support your creative practice, presented by NYFA Learning's Felicity Hogan and Kelly Olshan at Brooklyn Public Library on Thursday, January 19.

While this talk will draw inspiration from topics covered in NYFA's "The Profitable Artist" book, you do not need a copy to join and participate! More: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/profitable-artist-central-library-business-20230119

Day 2 was filled with small group discussions, workshops, panels, lots of networking, and an opportunity to pitch for funding!

What an amazing first full day of ! Three awesome keynotes, interactive workshops, engaging panel discussions, delicious food,
networking and mentoring, and even a chance for a creative break!

It’s conference time! We are excited to see everyone after two long years!!! SEA Chicago 2022 is here!!!

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Catherine Borzym has been an almost lifelong entrepreneur. From thirteen, when she started her first business, she’s been a leader, risk-taker, dreamer, and doer. Her favorite part of running her own business is transforming her client’s plain documents and ideas into stunning brands, websites, and print materials.

Kiwi Avenue works with small businesses, churches, and award winning speakers to build attention-grabbing brands. She’s also worked with Columbia University and Apple to to create websites and branding that compel action and grow sales. Kiwi Avenue prides itself on being ninja fast, professionally designed and delivered on time™.
kiwiavenue.com

Don't miss Catherine and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Justin Sinkovich is an associate professor and the Graduate Program Director in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department at Columbia College Chicago. His teaching, research, and work focuses primarily on self-management, entrepreneurship, digital media marketing and music business. He is a reputable musician and music producer as well

Don't miss Justin and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

When the Blick boxes arrive, it feels like SEA’s birthday! Thank you to Blick Art Materials for donating supplies for one of our Create Breaks at SEA Chicago 2022 happening this coming weekend! https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Brent Rolland graduated as valedictorian of the International Academy of Design and Technology with a BFA in Multimedia Production and Design in 2005. Since that year, Brent has grown as an artist with Fig Media as a DJ, audio tech, drummer/percussionist, and emcee/host.

Brent has been a speaker at the SEA Conference multiple times and looks forward to being with emerging creatives to support them with their next steps in their artistry, dreams, and careers.

Don't miss Brent and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Joe Bianco is one of Chicago’s premier voiceover talents and an equity actor. He has recently performed with Drury Lane, The House, Chicago Shakespeare, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Door Shakespeare & Shakespeare Project Chicago.

Some recent voiceover clients include McDonalds, Bungie, West Suburban Bank, YMCA, Mercedes, The Onion, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and the video game “Streets of Rage 4" available on all platforms.

On camera credits include The Chi, Chicago Fire and work with Clickhole & The Onion Labs.
actorjoebianco.com

Don't miss Joe and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

John McDavitt is a designer, illustrator, sculptor, muralist, educator and speaker. He studied special effects make-up under Oscar winner, Dick Smith (The Exorcist, Amadeus, The Godfather). That skillset translated to a successful career in toy and product development (Wilton, Huffy, The Bradford Group, Big League Chew, Thomas the Train, Disney, Lamaz), product presentation and marketing.

John began his career as a t-shirt airbrush artist and after earning $11,000 in one month at age 20, he decided a career as a creative entrepreneur was the only way to go. Airbrushing led to a decade long consultancy for Badger Airbrush Company.

John has created a number of large mural commissions, including ‘unLOCK: Merging Art & Industry’ in Lockport, IL through the Ga***rd Building program, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. John’s speaking presentations encourage artists and entrepreneurs ‘they can do it, too!’

John teaches artists how to design and illustrate as well as how to make the transition to creative professional. He hosts ‘The Breakthrough Creative’ podcast.
Follow John on YouTube and Instagram ().

Don't miss John and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

One week from today! Don't miss your chance to attend SEA Chicago 2022 - focused on turning your creative talents into a living whether as a side gig, part-time, or full-time job.

Due to generous grants from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and The Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - the majority of the registration fee can be waived! Learn more: https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

Overview:
What: SEA Chicago 2022
Who: Emerging creatives interested in generating income from their creative talents (as a side gig, part-time, or full-time)
When: October 28th - 30th

Where: Sheraton Grand Riverwalk Chicago
Website: https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference
Cost: We have grant funding to cover the registration fee!
Ready to register? Email us at [email protected]

Quick glimpse of some of the sessions and activities:

- Funding pitch workshop and pitch - Need funding to help cover things like business cards, website fees, or tools like Adobe? On Saturday, we’ll have a workshop to help identify needs and discuss how to pitch for them. On Sunday, there will be an opportunity to pitch for actual funding - up to $250 for up to 4 participants.

- Two Immersive Excursion Opportunities on Friday - one to VSOP recording studio and the other an Art, Architecture, and Urban planning walking tour with artist, Denise Laurin-Donatelle.

- Small Group Discussions like Working with a Talent Agent, sfx makeup, NFTs, Revenue Streams in Music, Running a Performing Arts / Dance School, For Profit vs. Not for Profit, and many more.

- Workshops like Building Your Brand as an Artist, Launch Your Business with the Creative Canvas, LawSmarts 101 presented by the Lawyers for the Creative Arts, The Chunky Method (writing productivity), and Can I Please Quit my Job?

- Panels like Building Connections, 2022 Marketing Strategies, Financing Your Creative Pursuits and our signature panels - Making a Living in the Visual Arts, Making a Living in the Media Arts, Making a Living in Music, and Making a Living in Theatre.

Here’s a quote from a past attendee about her experience:
“The entire thing as a whole was overwhelming in such a positive way. It was a resource of everything I felt my education was lacking on how to actually lay steps to my end goal. It was all the information I was wandering through a maze for, clawing my way at walls, that was just handed to me on a platter! - Taylor McDarison, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater (Attended 2017 & 18) & now founder, Arttaysia, LLC

This is just a sampling of the more than 30 presenters that will be on hand!

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Annie Hackett is a passionate speaker who shares her entrepreneurial journey from dancer to educator to business owner with other small business professionals.

She is a certified coach for “More Than Just Great Dancing,” a licensed dance studio affiliation program that impacts over 75,000 dance students around the globe each week. Her dance and music school, the Kenosha Academy of Performing Arts, founded in 2006, has been featured in Dance Magazine and Dance Teacher Magazine. The school’s growth to over 700 students, thriving through economic ups and downs alike, is a testament to Annie’s entrepreneurial savviness.

She is the founder of the dance program at Carthage College (Kenosha WI) and has been a frequent guest teacher at Columbia College and Roosevelt University (Chicago, IL).

Annie has performed and choreographed internationally. Her choreography has been seen at professional theaters across the US.

Onstage she has performed in productions at theaters across the United States, Europe, and on cruise ships, and she is a member of the Actor’s Equity Association.

Annie’s mission is to create awareness that there are viable career options in the arts.
kenoshadancemusicdrama.com

Don't miss Annie and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Matt Hennessy is Chief Engineer, Producer, and Studio Owner at VSOP Studios. Receiving formal training at Berklee College of Music, studying both Jazz Performance and Production, Hennessy spent the next 2 decades working behind the board with the best of the best talent in the music business. Helming landmark projects with Twista, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kanye West, R. Kelly and DMX to helping newer artists emerge, like Eryn Allen Kane, Elton Aura and the O’My’s.

Regardless of where you are in your musical journey, Matt can help you bring out your best in the studio and achieve the sound you have only ever hear in your head, blast out of the speakers.
vsopproductions.com

Don't miss Matt and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Dawn Gray is president of Gray Talent Group, founded in 2008, with offices in Chicago and Los Angeles.

The mission of Gray Talent Group is to develop actors and take them to the next level of their career. There are currently Gray Talent Actors on Broadway, in movie theaters and in film festivals across America.

Gray was named the SAG agent of the month and was the second agent outside of Los Angeles and first in Chicago to receive the award.

Before becoming an agent, Gray produced the film Stray Dogs. Her other entrepreneurial venture was MOMents, a resource for working mothers. As part of MOMents, Gray produced a radio segment for WMAQ radio, wrote a column for the Chicago Tribune, created a monthly newsletter, ran support groups and gave talks on balancing work and family.

A graduate of Northwestern University, her first job out of college was working in the media as a writer/producer for WCFL Radio, UPI and CNN. Later she transitioned into public relations and held management positions at major agencies.
graytalentgroup.com

Don't miss Dawn and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Seneca, IL native, Singer-songwriter Jonelle Carter has been writing since the young age of four, accomplishing her first published piece at the age of eight. Jonelle broke onto the airways in 2004 with her first album "Listen" receiving over 200,000 downloads of her first single,"Not Your Doll" and becoming DSN's top downloaded artist of the year in 2005. Jonelle continues to write all of the material for RRT’s albums and singles while managing the bands social media, bookings, schedule and press.

Her husband, guitar player and vocalist, Terry Carter hails from Dwight, IL and adds a unique playing style and incredible vocals. Terry has toured with artists such as country superstar Sammy Kershaw and the Chicago area smash 90's band "The All Night NewsBoys". A master guitar player, Terry most recently launched the Youtube channel and blog, Guitar Closet (www.guitarcloset.net)

Don't miss Terry and Jonelle and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Attorney Edward W. Wimp, “Ed,” was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, where he earned a B.A. in Business administration with a minor in Political Science. While at Monmouth College, Ed pitched for the baseball team as well as played guitar in the jazz band. He then proceeded to attend Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, where he earned an M.S. in Entertainment Business, before attending Florida A&M College of Law where he earned a Juris Doctor. During law school, Ed participated in the Entertainment and Sports Law Society, and served as an ambassador for Themis bar review.

Before practicing law, Ed worked in the music industry as a tour manager for artists such as Earth Wind & Fire, and A$AP Rocky. After amassing substantial experience in the music industry, he authored the book Building Fans, Fame & Wealth: The 18 Revenue Streams of Music.

Ed began his legal career gaining experience defending insurance companies in Workers’ Compensation disputes at a Statewide Civil Trial Defense Law Firm. He then went on to continue to defend insurance companies in the areas of First Party Property and General Liability at one of the “Largest U.S. Law Firms” according to the National Law Journal, and “Top Corporate Law Firms” according to Forbes. Ed then took his knowledge to The Leach Firm, P.A., where he represents those that have been mistreated in employment matters such as: FLSA violations, wrongful termination, discrimination, unpaid wages, medical leave, and whistleblower cases.

The ability to provide recourse and comfort to client’s that have been wronged makes all of the hard work worthwhile to Ed. Pro Bono work is a cornerstone in Ed’s legal career, as he volunteers his time to serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for children in need, serves as a Legal Observer to protect the rights of demonstrators in peaceful protests, and aids in providing legal services to artists through Lawyers for the Creative Arts.

In addition to his practice, Ed enjoys playing music, golfing, cycling, and spending time with family and friends. Ed currently resides in Orlando, Florida.

Don't miss Edward and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month!

Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

SEA Chicago 2022 | Meet the Speakers

Patrizia Lombardi Acerra holds an MA in Pastoral Studies, an MA in Communications, and is currently writing her doctoral thesis at Salve Regina University for a PhD in Humanities with a specialization in political performance.

She is an arts consultant with a focus in mission development, entrepreneurship and non-profit arts administration. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the International Voices Project, a company which brings global playwrights to Chicago stages by fostering translation, production and play development in collaboration with consulates and cultural institutions throughout the city.

She has developed coursework for DePaul in creativity and entrepreneurship. Patrizia is a 2015-2016 Coleman Fellow at DePaul’s Coleman Center for Entrepreneurship.​

Don't miss Patrizia and the more than 30 other presenters at the end of this month! Thanks to generous grant funding from The Coleman Foundation, The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state art agency - funding is available to offset registration fees.

Learn more and register today at https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference

Less than TWO WEEKS away! Don't miss your opportunity to learn from and network with creatives in the visual, performing, literary, and media industries at SEA Chicago 2022.

What: SEA Chicago 2022
Who: Emerging creatives interested in generating income from their creative talents (as a side gig, part-time, or full-time)
When: October 28th - 30th

Where: Sheraton Grand Riverwalk Chicago
Website: https://www.selfemploymentinthearts.com/sea-annual-conference
Cost: We have grant funding to cover the registration fee!
Ready to register? Email us at [email protected] to request a registration discount.

Quick glimpse of some of the sessions and activities:

Funding pitch workshop and pitch - Need funding to help cover things like business cards, website fees, or tools like Adobe? On Saturday, we’ll have a workshop to help identify needs and discuss how to pitch for them. On Sunday, there will be an opportunity to pitch for actual funding - up to $250 for up to 4 participants.

Two Immersive Excursion Opportunities on Friday - one to VSOP recording studio and the other an Art, Architecture, and Urban planning walking tour with artist, Denise Laurin-Donatelle.

Small Group Discussions like Working with a Talent Agent, sfx makeup, NFTs, Revenue Streams in Music, Running a Performing Arts / Dance School, For Profit vs. Not for Profit, and many more.

Workshops like Building Your Brand as an Artist, Launch Your Business with the Creative Canvas, LawSmarts 101 presented by the Lawyers for the Creative Arts, The Chunky Method (writing productivity), and Can I Please Quit my Job?

Panels like Building Connections, 2022 Marketing Strategies, Financing Your Creative Pursuits and our signature panels - Making a Living in the Visual Arts, Making a Living in the Media Arts, Making a Living in Music, and Making a Living in Theatre.

Here’s a quote from a past attendee about her experience:
“The entire thing as a whole was overwhelming in such a positive way. It was a resource of everything I felt my education was lacking on how to actually lay steps to my end goal. It was all the information I was wandering through a maze for, clawing my way at walls, that was just handed to me on a platter! - Taylor McDarison, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater (Attended 2017 & 18) & now founder, Arttaysia, LLC

Space is very limited! Don't delay, register today!