Date: Thursdays: August 28, September 4 & September 11
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Price Per Student: $5 AMH Members | $15 Non-members
Age: All ages welcome!
Workshop Description: Seasoned Gives’ Empower Entrepreneurship Program is a 3-week, artist-centered business development experience designed to equip creatives with practical tools, strategic knowledge, and personalized guidance to transform their passion into sustainable creative careers. Rooted in equity, community-building, and cultural fluency, the program demystifies entrepreneurship for artists by offering a supportive, trauma-informed environment that merges creative identity with business acumen.
Participants will gain skills in branding, financial literacy, legal navigation, and strategic growth—specifically tailored for the realities and rhythms of working artists. Through culturally responsive facilitation and interactive workshops, this cohort-based experience fosters not only knowledge but also lasting networks and confidence.
Curriculum Overview (3 Weeks | 2 Hours/Week), There will be out-of-class work
WEEK 1: Creative Identity & Economic Power
Theme: Know Your Value, Claim Your Space
Learning Goals:
● Understand your role as an artist in the economy
● Build your artistic “why” and narrative foundation
● Identify your niche, audience, and income opportunities
Topics:
● Introduction to the creative economy
● Defining your artistic identity and brand story
● Mapping income streams: sales, services, licensing, collaborations ● Audience engagement: who are you for, and how do you find them?
Activity:
● Artist Identity Map + Income Stream Brainstorm
● Peer feedback on elevator “Why Me?” pitch
Out-of-Class Work:
● Complete Artist Statement Draft
● Reflective worksheet: “My Story, My Power”
WEEK 2: Branding, Money & Visibility
Theme: Your Creative Voice is Currency
Learning Goals:
● Develop a personal brand aligned with your creative mission
● Gain tools for financial sustainability
● Increase visibility and messaging clarity
Topics:
● Building a personal brand + artist statement refinement
● Pricing and valuing your work
● Budgeting irregular income and grant basics
● Digital presence (web, social, portfolios)
Activity:
● Brand Moodboard Workshop (digital or on paper)
● Real-time pricing scenario simulation with peers
Guest Speaker:
● Finance Professional: Understanding money mindset, pricing strategies, and grants for artists
Out-of-Class Work:
● Build or update online presence (bio, image, linktree or website starter) ● Start a basic budget or pricing tool for your practice
WEEK 3: Legal Literacy & Pitching with Purpose
Theme: Protect, Present, Prosper
Learning Goals:
● Protect your work and understand your rights
● Learn how to pitch your work confidently and clearly ● Build actionable next steps and connect with the community
Topics:
● Legal basics: copyrights, contracts, licensing, and tax tips ● Choosing a business structure (LLC, sole prop, etc.) ● Crafting artist bios, project pitches, and strategic goals ● Peer review and mentorship check-in
Activities:
● Legal Scenarios Workshop: “What would you do?”
● Practice Pitch Circle: Bio + Art Talk (with feedback) ● Closing Circle + Celebration + Certificate Presentation Guest Speaker:
● Legal Expert: Contracts, copyrights, artist rights and protections
Out-of-Class Work:
● Submit final artist pitch (written or video)
● Complete action plan: “Next 90 Days
Ongoing Support
● Mentorship Hours: Optional 1:1 support sessions
● Digital Learning Platform: Access to templates, recordings, and resources ● Community Forum: Peer exchange and accountability
What Makes This Unique
● Trauma-informed, culturally competent instruction
● Grounded in equity and accessibility—designed for BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+ and underserved artists
● Group learning + individual mentorship touchpoints
● Cohort model that builds community and peer support
● Opportunity for a final artist showcase or portfolio review
Materials Needed: None, virtual online learning platform will be provided.
About the Teaching Artists:
The program will feature guest speakers, each an expert in their respective fields and with real-world experience relevant to working artists. These teaching artists will provide insight through a culturally responsive lens, ensuring that the content is accessible, inclusive, and actionable.
Examples include:
● Finance Professionals – Bankers and financial advisors will lead sessions on managing irregular income, accessing capital, and building financial stability as an artist.
● Established Visual Artists – Creatives with work featured in major galleries and events like Art Basel will guide participants on how to price and diversify their art. They will also share how to license and monetize work through platforms like HBO, CBS, and other media channels.
● Legal Experts – Attorneys with experience in arts and entertainment law will cover contracts, copyright, licensing, and artist rights.
This multi-disciplinary approach ensures participants are hearing directly from those who’ve navigated the creative economy successfully and can offer real-world strategies, inspiration, and mentorship.