The art business plan - it's that time of year!

I tend to cover this twice a year don't I? Business plans! It's inevitable because our typical UK tax year starts in April but of course we all get that itching to re-think and re-plan each January too. My year-end accounts aren't done yet (nearly! just have to enter March) but the itching has come early this time. I don't know if it's been the early warm spring weather (that disappeared this Easter weekend, alas), my studio move which is causing complete upheaval, or just a reaction to general attitudes of changes in the air (economic or otherwise)... but I wanted to do something now.

I have two business plans to recommend.

First is more traditional but structured specifically for artists:

The Craft of Planning your Art Business
http://artist-how-to.com/ArtBusinessPlaneBook.htm
by Diane Dobson-Barton who has a whole range of business and creativity books $9.99
I like this one because it draws on the really traditional parts of businessy business plans but she leads into things by asking questions more relevent to creative industries. It's worksheets start with exploring the "creative inventory" (ideals, goals, motivations) to lead into the usual biz plan structuring. The sections in the business plan include great questions to help figure out those elusive things like target market, setting up marketing plans, competition, pricing. And all in very straightforward ways that many artists think don't apply to creative work. I bought this one last year and continually recommend it when anyone asks on forums or Twitter. This is really my top recommendation for all artists!


Second is the plan I literally just bought. It's more fun, more visual, more ...well... right-brained!

The Right Brain Business Plan
http://www.rightbrainbizplan.com/
by Jennifer Lee $20
Now I will be honest and admit straight-up that things like this don't usually appeal to me. But really, this one surprised me! It has fun illustrated pages, and yes really does address those practical things too like your business overview, goals, products, marketing, financial targets, and action plans. But not too quick - all that you think about after a meditation (MP3 included in your purchase) and the fun exploratory clipping and scrapbooking of your ideas and goals.

I can see how this method could really really work well for many artists. It isn't as scary as the long paperwork version. It isn't as geek-appearing as mind-mapping (though is essentially the same idea but in pictures). Best of all I think it can still tie in nicely alongside another documentation method. In fact I think that's what I'll be doing with it - making up my collages an exploration and then converting and expanding into a written version. And of course you can end up with something more attractive than a spreadsheet or action point list to hang on your studio wall. :)

One artist asked me if it was worth $20. Is it? Well, you can have the much more comprehensive plan above for half the price. This really is more of an introduction to business plans kind of plan. But if these things scare you then you're probably not likely to buy that first book anyway! Or you'll buy it and never sit down to do it. I think an extra $10 is well worth it if you get a tool that works for you personally, and overcomes a fear for the betterment of your business.

Whether $10 or $20 both are a bargain and much cheaper than chugging along with no plan whatsoever.