It is a well-known fact that children’s learning and development potential improves significantly when they are stimulated by arts programs. Yet many schools are eliminating programs such as art and music because of funding cutbacks. After-school art programs are increasingly in demand as parents actively seek to cultivate as many of their children’s talents as possible.

And it is not just children who can benefit from art classes. Adults, too, are seeking a creative outlet, especially as the effects of stress reach epidemic proportions.

More and more people are using their creative talents to pursue alternative careers and becoming entrepreneurs in the field of art, crafts, music, and dance. Even some of the lost crafts such as knitting, sewing, and crocheting are being set up as new business ventures.

In this book I share with you my own experiences of opening my school, Jolly Good Art. This book is a blueprint to help you craft your own business using your unique artistic talents. What art school do you dream of starting? This is an exciting new venture, and in addition to having a genuine love and passion for creating and teaching art, you must remain motivated and excited at every stage. Let this book be the companion that motivates you as you start and run your enterprise. It will take your art school business from conception to profitable reality — and beyond.

If you are new to the world of business, I highly recommend that you complete all the exercises. They are intended to help you with all the brainstorming you must do, especially when it comes to charting realistic short- and long-term goals. You will get a better idea of where to start, how to cultivate your own abilities, and how to nurture your students’ creativity and talents. And the practical advice about time management should help you become more organized and therefore accomplish even more. Time is a more precious commodity than most people admit or realize!

Whether you are a new or an experienced entrepreneur, I hope the ideas in this book will spark your imagination in an exciting new direction, and help you become an even better communicator, teacher, and networker. I’m also here to remind you that your expectations at the outset should be grounded and realistic. Be honest with yourself and others, and cultivate your integrity as a respected businessperson. When it comes to operating your business, sometimes there is no right or wrong, only what you learn along the way.

This book also comes with a CD-ROM. There are extensive lists of resources, including websites and organizations.