Effectively Balancing Business and Art  

with Queen Allotey- Pappoe

Art & Ambition: Effectively Balancing Business and Art is designed for creative entrepreneurs who are building something bigger than themselves, yet often struggle with the tension between passion and profitability, creativity and commerce, vision and burnout.

In this workshop, Queen Allotey-Pappoe founder and creative director of Queen Adeline, guides fellow creatives through the essential strategies to balance the demands of running a business with nurturing a thriving art practice—and doing so without sacrificing personal well-being. Through Queen’s empowering and practical “BART” framework, participants will learn how to assess their ventures, structure for growth, and build habits that support both economic sustainability and creative excellence.

An Introduction to Legal Issues for Artists  

with Luke Blackadar 

Should I set up an LLC? Is my work protected by copyright? Do I need a written contract for all my projects?

If you're a creative looking to build the business of your arts practice, then this workshop is for you! Luke Blackadar, an attorney from the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of MA, will introduce some of the legal issues that are common to creative small businesses. Major topics will include business organizations (sole proprietorships, LLCs, etc.), intellectual property (with an emphasis on copyright law), and contract best practices. This session will also introduce some helpful business habits. Creative workers of all artistic disciplines and at all career stages are welcome.

Making a DIY Marketing Plan  

with Sarah Dudek and Sara Hartmann

As a creative solo entrepreneur, developing a focused marketing plan can feel challenging, and it is often difficult to know where to best concentrate your energy. This workshop is designed to provide the foundational knowledge required to build a strategy that helps you effectively target consumers without wasting valuable time and resources. We will cover key elements such as understanding your target audience and their customer decision-making process. Attendees will also learn how to select the most appropriate marketing and communication channels for their specific goals. The concepts introduced will also serve as a useful primer for upcoming workshops on Pricing Your Work (October) and Branding for Creatives (November). 

Pricing Your Art and Creative Work  

with Sara Hartmann 

Pricing your creative work can often feel like one of the most daunting aspects of building a sustainable artistic or design practice. This workshop is designed for artists, designers, and creative freelance entrepreneurs who want to confidently value their talent and services. Sara Hartmann, a faculty of Massachusetts College of Art and Design, will explore key considerations, practical frameworks, and best practices for calculating your prices, alongside strategies for understanding customer price sensitivity and buyer behavior. Learn how to avoid the common traps of underpricing or working solely for "exposure," ensuring your efforts are properly compensated. This workshop aims to help you develop a robust pricing strategy that supports the growth and longevity of both your business and your creative practice.

Branding for Creative Business  

with Sarah Dudek 

A strong brand is a critical success factor for any creative business. In this workshop presented by Sarah Dudek of Massachusetts College of Art and Design, current and aspiring creative business owners will be exposed to the fundamentals of crafting a brand identity. We’ll explore the process of identifying your unique selling proposition, creating brand guidelines, and communicating your brand in a compelling and consistent manner.

Students will leave this workshop with an understanding of what branding can do for their business, and a toolkit for creating their own brand identity.