The Everpresent Conundrum: Art vs. Business
Those of us with creative personalities have no doubt faced, at least once in our lives, the problem of how to remain true to our artistic selves while keeping the lights on and the bills paid. Unfortunately, most people don’t make a living from their artistic pursuits, despite how much they love doing them and how much time they spend working on them. And while many of us have romantic dreams of living a bohemian artist’s life, the reality of sleeping on someone else’s floor in your mid-forties is not what we aspire to.
So how do you keep art in your life when business has got to get done? We asked a bunch of experts around the world: “How much, if at all, does art matter in your life? How do you remain connected to art and creativity despite (or because of) your career? Do you have a job in the arts? What role does art play in your life?” This question comes up often in An MFA For Your MBA, by Phillip Scott Mandel–and it’s not an easy answer.
Here’s what our friends had to say about it.
Restructured Life Around Art
As a singer-songwriter and performer, I feel most at home when I’m on stage, collaborating in the recording studio, or working on breaking down lines as an actor for a project. It’s like casting spells or saying prayers — my voice and performance become my wand, creating magic every single time.
I actually restructured my entire life around staying connected to art. In 2020, I had this wake-up moment in NYC, spending 7-hour days in Broadway audition rooms just hoping to be seen. I realized I needed more control over my artistic destiny. Instead of being a “starving artist” relying solely on others’ decisions, I learned about manifestation, productivity systems, and building sustainable income streams that could support my art. Now I work remotely, which gives me the flexibility and stability to pursue my creative passions.
For me, performing and creating is about giving people permission to feel deeply — that’s the service I feel the most aligned with providing to the world. Whether I’m writing a song that resonates with someone’s core experience or performing on stage, I strive to create these sacred moments of connection. Every performance is an opportunity to cast a spell of emotion and truth.
My art has actually expanded beyond just performance – I now run Violet Gaze, where I help other artists build sustainable, abundant creative lives while staying true to their artistic souls. Because I deeply believe the “starving artist” narrative needs to end. We can be both financially abundant AND artistically fulfilled. It’s about finding that beautiful balance between practical systems and creative magic.
Art isn’t just what I do — it’s how I see and move through the world. It’s in how I design my space, structure my days, and connect with others. Every day is an opportunity to infuse more creativity, intention and magic into life, and in-turn, I want it to help others feel seen, heard, and given the permission to feel their deepest emotions.
Kira Violet, Singer-Songwriter, Content Creator, Violet Gaze
Running Business Selling Art Equipment
Art is an integral part of my life-it’s woven into my personal history, my passions, and my career. I’ve been connected to art from a very young age, studying and exploring it in different ways, and I’ve made it a lifelong mission to stay involved in the artistic world. Now, I channel this passion into my work, running a business that sells art equipment, particularly for printmaking. This isn’t just about selling tools; it’s about enabling creativity. Knowing that the equipment I provide helps both newcomers and seasoned artists practice their craft is deeply fulfilling.
Running an art blog alongside the business allows me to remain steeped in the creative dialogue, sharing ideas and inspiration while learning from the vibrant community around me. To keep my connection to the art world alive, I also lead artist outreach as part of my e-commerce efforts. This lets me use my platform to give newer artists a voice online and support their growth. It’s a way to pay forward the encouragement I’ve received and to foster the next wave of creators.
Art’s role in my life extends beyond work-it’s a constant source of inspiration, solace, and purpose. Whether I’m helping someone find the right tools for their project or championing an artist’s work, every effort reminds me why I started: to stay immersed in the scene and support others in their creative journeys. Selling equipment isn’t just a business-it’s a way to ensure that I’m contributing to a world where art continues to thrive.
Luke Hickman, Owner, Hickman Design
Art Is My Oxygen
Art is my oxygen. I couldn’t live without it. I went to art school straight out of high school, and I’ve been a photographer ever since I graduated. Creating something, something only I can make is what drives me every single day. Photography isn’t just a career; it’s my life. It’s where I feel most alive.
While I am primarily a creator of art, I also deeply appreciate the art made by others. I love visiting museums and watching dance performances – they’re my favorite ways to experience art. They fuel my creativity and help me feel more centered and fulfilled. Research increasingly shows that engaging with art in any form can have a significant positive impact on mental health. For me, this rings true – I feel balanced and connected when I immerse myself in the creative world.
I’m honored to be part of this ecosystem, not only as a photographer but also as a mentor. Teaching others to notice, appreciate, and capture the beauty life has to offer is deeply rewarding. Helping people find their own creative voice and connect with the world around them is a privilege. For me, art and creativity are a source of joy, healing, and connection that enrich every aspect of life.
Karin van Mierlo, Photographer / Photography Educator, Photography Playground
Using Art In Corporate Learning
Art is not just a part of my personal life-it is woven into the very fabric of my work in corporate learning and development. As someone who works at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and curiosity, I use art as a catalyst for transformation.
For me, it’s not about being artistic; rather, it’s about recognizing that creativity is innate in all of us, and essential in any field.
Art matters in my life because it’s a reminder that there’s always a new way to see, feel, and approach the world. It teaches us to see situations from a variety of perspectives, think expansively, trust the process, and be bold enough to try things that might fail. In my work with leaders and organizations, I use creativity to inspire curiosity and unlock potential-which can be through hands-on workshops with LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, or guiding leaders in discovering their unique strengths – culminating in the making of what I call a Creative Artifact, where we make something as a reminder of the work we did together during the workshop. This might be an individual or group collage, a painted rock, or even a poem!
Staying connected to art is a daily practice for me, as it is the foundation of my work. I also immerse myself and the teams I work with in artistic practices, like sketching ideas or creating tangible representations of abstract concepts, as a way to explore innovative thinking.
Ultimately, art and creativity points toward possibility, encourages vulnerability, and reminds me-and those I work with-that every act of leadership or innovation is, at its core, an act of creativity.
Van Lai, Founder|CEO| Author, What if Pigs Can Fly? A Practical Guide to Follow Your Curiosities, worksmart Advantage
Music Balances CEO Life
Being a CEO is demanding, but music remains a vital part of my life. Playing the piano gives me a creative outlet and a way to express emotions that my work alone cannot fulfill. Alongside my role as a CEO, I work as a pianist on cruise ships, which allows me to stay connected to my passion for music.
Balancing my career with my side job helps me maintain my creativity and find balance. Performing on cruise ships lets me meet new people and experience different cultures, which inspires me both personally and professionally. It also provides a break from the daily pressures of running a business, helping me stay refreshed and motivated.
Music brings joy and fulfillment to my life, enriching my experience as a CEO. It offers a way to unwind and connect with others on a deeper level. Whether I’m leading a company or performing on a cruise ship, art remains a cornerstone of my well-being and happiness.
Robert Roth, CEO, Quote For Solar Group
Art Shapes My Perspective
Art is like the heartbeat of my life, constant and vital, even when it’s quiet in the background. It shapes how I see the world, how I solve problems, and how I connect with people. While I don’t work in a traditionally “artistic” job, creativity is woven into everything I do-whether it’s finding elegant solutions to challenges, crafting words that resonate, or imagining new ways to approach a project. Art isn’t just about making something beautiful; it’s a mindset that encourages curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to look at things from a fresh perspective.
To stay connected to art, I carve out time for personal projects. Sketching, photography, or just jotting down ideas in a notebook keeps that creative fire alive. Sometimes, I visit galleries or listen to music that inspires me. Other times, it’s as simple as taking a long walk and noticing the small details-the colors of a sunset, the pattern of leaves on the ground. Art matters because it reminds me to slow down and see the world as it could be, not just as it is. Even in the busiest moments, it’s my anchor to something deeper, something that feels profoundly human.
Alex Cornici, Marketing Manager, Feed Pic
Rediscovering Art Amid Career
Art has always been a profoundly significant part of my life. From a young age, I have been deeply passionate about creating art, and it has become an inseparable aspect of who I am. However, as my career and responsibilities have grown, I sometimes feel that I am unable to dedicate as much time to it as I once did. This occasional disconnect from my artistic pursuits leaves me feeling like a vital part of my personality is missing, and I am actively working to rediscover and nurture it.
Despite my busy schedule, I strive to stay connected to art in whatever way I can. While I may not currently be working in a role directly related to art, I previously employed art in a professional capacity, particularly as an art therapist for children. In that role, I used art not only as a means of expression but also as a tool for healing and connection.
Even now, during my career break, I engage in art for myself whenever possible and aim to prioritize it amid my commitments. Art has always been more than a skill or hobby to me; it is a medium that helps me understand myself better and find emotional solace. It remains a cornerstone of my identity, and I am committed to ensuring it continues to play a meaningful role in my life.
Nikkita Narula, Founder, Subtle Chaos
Pivoted To Marketing For Creativity
I love creating, and it’s one of the things that makes me feel most alive. Whether that’s painting, writing, content creation, or another form I love to make it a part of my life. I strongly appreciate beautiful things and love nature, colors, and everything to do with it. I also feel that art brings depth of feeling in a way most other things can not. I feel art resides directly next to my soul, and if I could do anything, I would probably spend my life in a library in Italy, creating art and learning ballet.
I used to be in a very non-creative field, and decided I needed something with more interactivity and creativity, so I pivoted to marketing. I have found this 1000x more fulfilling than my previous choice, and thoroughly enjoy the projects and get lost in my work. It has entirely re-inspired my love of learning and curiosity for life.
Olivia Chiavegato, Founder, CMO, Head Writer, The Vitallist
Art and Business, or Art vs. Business?
Ultimately the question becomes: is it art and business, or art versus business? This question applies to anyone who cares about art, but can only be answered in a personal way to each individual. In other words, you have to decide for yourself. You can try to marry the two and have a career in a creative field or in the arts, or you can work to work and then pursue art and creativity outside working hours.
The choice is yours, but just make sure you don’t forget about art altogether.