Hafa adai! My name is Michelle Pier. In this Creative Strategy Session series, I will cover a range of topics that many artists can relate to, and share from my experience and perspective. Over the past 15 years, I have learned about some of the challenges and rewards of running a creative business on Guam. As a solo entrepreneur, I don’t have employees, but I have worked with teams in putting together events and executing creative art projects, in addition to painting and selling hundreds of my original artworks on island and abroad. Throughout all of this, being a single mom added another layer of skillsets I developed to keep from going crazy or giving up on my dream.
These creative sessions are going to be a gathering of creatives in a relaxed atmosphere. I will speak a bit about my experience on a topic, such as how I charge for my art, or how I maintain the energy to keep creating, whether as a business or just for fun. Then, anyone is welcome to share or discuss. We will have some writing exercises to help identify challenges, sort out scattered thoughts and limiting beliefs, and create strategies and solutions.
Each session is 2 hours. You can engage in the session as little or as much as you choose. The 4 workshops are $120, and spots are limited. These sessions are for new or up and coming artists on Guam, but open to experienced artists who’d like to join in and contribute to the conversations. These sessions serve as a space to grow and map out a positive path forward as an artist.
Session 1: “The Business of Art on Guam” Whether on island or online, there are endless possibilities for how you can create, share, or sell your artwork. Let’s talk about the art market and buying/selling culture on Guam. Let’s discuss perspectives on style and how you choose to show up as an artist. Every artist is unique, and we can thrive when our business practices align with who we are individually.
Session 2: “Inspiration, Motivation, & Discipline.” What keeps you going as a creative artist? Do you ever get stuck in a rut? When your creative passion becomes your work, how do you stay inspired? Does your lifestyle reflect your goals as an artist and entrepreneur? Let’s identify what those goals are, and create more congruency between our creative spirit, and desired outcomes.
Session 3: “Messaging on Money & Value” What are your financial goals as an artist? How do I charge for my art? Let’s talk about knowing and articulating your value. Let’s discuss basic accounting practices as an artist and entrepreneur, and what role money plays in your life as an artist. Let’s play with numbers!
Session 4: “People and Policies: Commission Art, Project Contracts, and Handling Clients.” The reality is, when you are creating and sharing or selling, you are bound to deal with people at some point. Humans are not without their challenges, and doing business as an artist is no exception. Let’s discuss handling difficulties with clients, challenges that arise during projects, and other snags that you can protect yourself from, while still creating art you love.