From passion to profit
Many of us have tried painting at least once. Many of us hum our favorite songs in the morning on the way to college or work. We are surrounded and consume many forms of art, but very few really pursue a career in this regard. In its first edition, AntreprenoriArt set out to explore the most common problems faced by artists: the lack of material rewards, of support from those around them and the preservation of motivation despite the difficulties encountered. Its main goal is to answer a question that all those passionate about art we asked ourselves at least once: „How do I make profit from my talent?”. The solutions came from our guests, who put their soul on the tray and shared their story. The students who participated gathered advice, new perspectives on their career and found the courage to exhibit themselves artistically.
The story behind “Cuibul Artiștilor”
The day started with Victor Țăpeanu, founder of “Cuibul Artiștilor”, who presented us his journey in the field of acting. Although he entered college full of enthusiasm, he was disappointed with the education system that did not give him the chance to assert himself on stage. That is why he decided not to pursue a master's degree, and to found “Cuibul Artiștilor” instead. His goal was not money, but love for the theater, the desire to play, and the hard work he did with his team brought with him results: on November 13, 2015, they filled the hall Aula Magna for the show. However, the beginnings were not easy: in the first 3 years, the team was not financially rewarded, because money was invested in equipment, and the pandemic imposed a break in the activity. Despite these difficulties, the confidence in the project and the passion for the theatre kept the team together.
From the point of view of the entrepreneur, setting and adhering to deadlines is very important. From his perspective, creating constraints is necessary to overcome the moments when we do not feel motivated to work. Victor urged the students to do everything possible to achieve their goals and enjoy each success. Perfectionism prevents us from being satisfied with what we have achieved.
How do we use the online environment to our advantage?
Next, Alexandra Giurcan talked about how she discovered her passion for painting when preparing for architecture, and how during the pandemic she focused more on introspection and artistic talent. Her interest in business and the university degree followed in this field was a solid foundation to launch her business. Although her parents were neutral about the path she chose, those around her did not trust this profession. That is why she kept her project secret, already having a good start when it took off.
In the online environment, Alexandra knew that the rules are different from physical exhibitions. She molded herself on the wishes of her clients and followed trends on social media to promote herself. However, after several months of activity, she was disappointed by the lack of orders, despite the high interaction of users with posts. So she came up with the solution to create a painting of Buzz House for Selly. It took her 8 months to receive her first order, but she received a lot of support from her friends. A year ago, Alexandra worked 14 hours a day. How did she maintain her motivation? Through discipline and perseverance. They aided her in continuing even when she would have preferred to occupy her time with something else.
Some of the tips she offered to students are: setting the biggest goals possible, constant improvement, participation in volunteering and presence online, as offline opportunities are hard to access.
Courage doesn't cost
Last, but not least, Ada Petcu talked about how music rediscovered its place in her life in the 2nd year of college. Her approach in business was different, as she decided to document on social media her entire course in this field. Because the chosen road did not come with a set of instructions, the beginning felt terrible, but when she released her first song, „Prostuto”, she felt an extraordinary joy. Also, in the discussion she emphasized on the identity of the artist: often, people sketch the person in front of them according to their own desires, and they forget who they really are. The true ego is constantly changing and it must follow the path that brings it most joy.
Some of the most important things Ada has learned and shared with the public are to have crazy courage, to tell their dreams, since they will never know where opportunities can arise from, to go through life with the joy of accumulating as many experiences as possible. Also, in order to get through the periods when it is difficult to find our motivation, we need discipline, and the practice helps us deliver an increasingly better version of ourselves.
As Ada said, the audience holds a stone and a rose in their hands. They are ready to throw with any of them depending on the moment. That is why she urged the public to find a balance in terms of people's opinions.
Together, we deliver the message
Through the support of partners who believe in the symbiosis between art and business, AntreprenoriArt was able to run harmoniously. To get to the event, the students received a discount on Blue, a project partner. From the beginning, they were greeted by products offered by Poke House, and the goodie bags received by the participants contained articles from our sponsors: Alka, Sipit, Humanitas, Cereal Crunch. The Giveaway consisted of Nostalgia tickets, invitations to the Museum of Senses, books from Humanitas and vouchers at the Cartofisserie.
The courage to take the first step
This first edition of AntreprenoriArt brought more than just instructions for a recipe for success (online presence, dedication, work, perseverance). It brought together people who believed in their ideals and passions long enough to take the first step. Although that first step might be hopeful, calculating or frightening, it is necessary in order to achieve those very high goals that we all have. Difficulties and obstacles are inevitable, whether it be events we cannot control or the negativity of the people around us. Overcoming them brings us closer to our ideal.