INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.
Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, welcomed Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes to provide another commentary in a series.
The Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes Commentaries
This article addresses the time management challenges faced by artistpreneurs, who must balance creative work with business responsibilities. It provides actionable strategies, such as setting clear goals, batching tasks, using technology to streamline processes, and outsourcing non-essential duties. The article also emphasizes the importance of routine, while allowing for flexibility to accommodate the creative process. By adopting these methods, artistpreneurs can better manage their time, reduce stress, and focus on their art without sacrificing the success of their business ventures.
Time Management Solutions for Artistpreneurs
In the world of artistpreneurs, the demand for creative output is often matched by the equally demanding responsibilities of running a business. Whether you are a musician, painter, writer, or digital artist, mastering time management is essential to sustaining both your artistic passion and your livelihood. Yet, for many artistpreneurs, time is an elusive resource, as the need to balance creative work, marketing, sales, and administrative duties can be overwhelming.
One of the primary challenges artistpreneurs face is the unpredictability of their schedule. Unlike traditional careers, where tasks may be more structured, an artistpreneur’s day might range from hours spent in creative flow to time consumed by managing emails, social media, contracts, and finances. This lack of structure can lead to inefficiency, procrastination, or burnout if not carefully managed.
To begin addressing these issues, artistpreneurs should start with clear goal-setting. Without specific, measurable goals, it becomes difficult to prioritize tasks and allocate time effectively. For instance, breaking down large projects into smaller, actionable steps can provide a sense of accomplishment and direction, reducing the stress that comes from looming deadlines or complex tasks. Additionally, setting long-term and short-term goals allows for better planning, ensuring that both creative projects and business needs are met.
Another powerful strategy for optimizing time is batching similar tasks together. For example, instead of responding to emails throughout the day, artistpreneurs can set specific times to handle all communication. Similarly, creative work, like painting or writing, should be blocked off in dedicated hours, free from interruptions. This focus on one type of task at a time increases productivity by reducing the mental fatigue caused by switching between different activities.
Leveraging technology is another solution. There are countless tools available to help manage projects, organize tasks, and streamline communication. Platforms like Trello or Asana, for instance, allow artistpreneurs to visually track their progress on various projects, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Additionally, automation tools like Hootsuite can manage social media posts, allowing artists to focus on creating rather than marketing every day.
For many artistpreneurs, outsourcing non-essential tasks is another way to save valuable time. Tasks such as bookkeeping, website maintenance, or graphic design for marketing materials can be handled by freelancers, allowing the artistpreneur to dedicate more time to their craft. While this might seem like an additional expense, it can often pay off in increased productivity and focus on higher-value tasks like creating or selling art.
Finally, artistpreneurs must learn the art of flexibility. While routines are vital for structure, creative work doesn’t always adhere to strict timelines. Learning when to adapt, when to take breaks, and when to pivot between creative work and business duties is key to long-term success. By setting clear boundaries between work and rest, and by fostering self-discipline while allowing space for creative spontaneity, artistpreneurs can build sustainable careers without sacrificing their artistic integrity.
With proper time management strategies in place, artistpreneurs can navigate the complexities of their dual roles more efficiently, freeing up time to do what they love—create.
Benjamin Barnes, is a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur. He has navigated a successful career as a classical violinist, bluegrass fiddler, and rock star while overcoming personal mental health struggles. As the founder of Culture Scholar Corporation and Bencasso Media, he empowers underrepresented communities through art and music. With over 1,20 recordings, multiple published works, and documentary about surviving catastrophic injuries, Benjamin is an advocate for mental health and artistpreneurship. He shares his expertise on balancing creative work with business, offering insights to fellow artistpreneurs through his teaching, consulting, and public speaking.
Day of the Dead Grant Recital on November 2nd, 2024, at 240 Page Street at 2:00 PM! Tickets are 25 in advance and 50 day of concert get them at https:benjaminbarnes.com/tickets
The program will feature music by Beethoven, Ponce, and my acoustic rock band, Swindlefish, with a bluegrass edge! I’ll also be giving a fun songwriting lecture during the concert with the live band—breaking down our songs and giving you insights into the creative process. It’s going to be a lively, engaging afternoon!
Tickets are $25 in advance and $50 at the door. Supported by the San Francisco Arts
Commission. #SFACfunded #fundedbySFAC #bencassomedia #bencasso #benjaminbarnes
#benbarnes #sfac #swindlefish #beethoven #ponce #bach #cellosuies #viola #violin #concert
Mozart Divertimento in D major, Presto
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/3yGlaN4cCjdm41CErHOliH?si=89b3e76a3b5e4cd9
Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09S2CVDWW? trackAsin=B09S2HK1GS&ref=dm_sh_2431-7028-848c-6259-490ff
IMAGE: Skeletonichi Ghost of Shinichi Fearsome Electric Violin Teacher and Creator of
Shinichi Electric Violin Method
Benjamin Barmes AKA BENCASSO
bencasso.org. Art images on Many Products Fine Art America
https://bencasso.org/featured/skeletonichi-ghost-of-shinichi-fearsome-electric-violinteacher-and-creator-the-shinichi-method-bencasso-barnesquiat.html
