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comic book

Six podcast picks for animators and animation fans 

Looking to break into the animation industry? Or maybe you’re already a successful animator and want insights and inspiration to enhance your work. We’ve got you covered with this list of animation podcasts that’ll educate, entertain, and inspire you.

  • Useful resources
Robot hand reaching out to human hand. AI-assisted creativity concept.

Seven AI tools to power your creative business

Love it or hate it, Gen AI is transforming the future. So it’s well worth exploring such technologies to see how they can benefit you. Here are seven fascinating tools that could spark new ideas and even give your creative business a competitive edge.

  • Useful resources
Online seminar on screen - zoom dive concept.

Seven most popular Zoom Dive Recordings in 2023

Zoom Dives are one-to-one conversations with creative industry experts about the business topics creative entrepreneurs need to know about. We record all our Zoom Dives so you can catch up on anything you’ve missed at your leisure. Start with our top seven in 2023…

  • Events
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Our top ten How-To guides and useful resources in 2023

From ‘how to define your target audience’ to the ‘best podcasts for artists, performers and designers’… these are just some of the topics creative entrepreneurs have been eager to read about in our Journal during 2023. Catch up on our most popular articles here.

  • Special feature
  • Useful resources
Person wearing red trainers walking up stairs - success concept.

Five reasons why brilliant creative businesses succeed

It’s a well-known fact that many startups sadly fail in their early years. So what’s the secret to succeeding? Knowing the success factors for thriving creative businesses could help you overcome any stumbling blocks you’re facing so you can take action and pursue your dream.

  • Useful resources
Yellow and red rollercoaster - entrepreneurship concept.

Zoom Dive Recordings | What my entrepreneurial journey has taught me

The best way to prepare for the ups and downs of creative entrepreneurship is to learn from someone who’s been in your shoes. Discover entrepreneurial lessons from Sophie Billi-Hardwick, the co-founder of Billi London, the world’s first biodegradable legwear brand.

  • Events
Close up view of a keyboard with black and white keys.

Six brilliant stock music websites (with clear licensing terms)

Need royalty-free music for your creative project but are stuck on how to find great tracks to suit your budget – which also have easy-to-understand licensing? Read about six excellent stock music websites offering free or cost-effective royalty-free music.

  • Useful resources
Fashion model walking on catwalk runway.

Milan Fashion Week 2023: six buzzworthy shows to catch up on

Milan Fashion Week 2023 is in full swing – here’s how to experience the glam and elegance on the catwalks from the comfort of your armchair. We explain how to watch the Milan fashion shows live online, and where you can catch up on the best ones that have already taken place.

  • Industry insights
  • Useful resources
Target concept with arrows hitting the bullseye.

How-To Guide | Defining the target audience for your creative business

Getting clarity on your target audience is a vital first step when creating your business plan and marketing strategy. Get this wrong, and you’ll end up marketing to the wrong people, wasting time and money. Follow our tips to get the process right from the start.

  • How-to guides
  • Special feature
  • Useful resources
Robot with human-like face AI concept.

Zoom Dive Recordings | The impact of Gen AI on creative entrepreneurs

Gen AI has been making the headlines lately for the opportunities it can bring to businesses. But what benefits can this emerging technology bring to you as a creative entrepreneur? Could it replace the work you do? Find out in our latest Zoom Dive with Paul Dowling, co-founder of Mindstream-AI.

  • Events
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Seven podcast gems for visual artists and art lovers

Love podcasts? Us too – they’re great for learning something new. Whether you’re a visual artist looking to gain recognition for your work or just want to discover the world’s most fascinating artists and artworks, here are some podcasts you should add to your audio library.

  • Useful resources
Mobile phone screen showing social media icons.

Seven social media tools to save time (and keep you sane)

Love it or hate it, a social media presence is a necessity when you’re trying to grow your creative business and your audience. Fortunately, there are some excellent tools around to help you navigate your social media obligations with minimal effort. You’ll want to bookmark this one!

  • Special feature
  • Useful resources
Design and innovation concept - lightbulbs

Six world-leading exhibitions at the London Design Biennale 2023

The London Design Biennale is the place to see some of the world’s most extraordinary and forward-thinking designs – like a humanoid robot capable of creating beautiful art. Here are six highlights you shouldn’t miss if you’re planning to visit this June.

  • Useful resources
Empty monthly planner on desk

Seven things creatives can do when freelance work slows down

Being a creative freelancer or solopreneur brings many perks – you get to do what you’re passionate about and work flexibly. But a variable income can be worrying, especially if you hit a slow patch. Here’s what to do when work dries up.

  • Useful resources
Photo by Daniel Dorsa for Forbes

Special Interview: Investor Laura Callanan, founder Upstart Co-Lab: Rocket fuel for creative entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs in the creative sector – vs tech and other sectors – getting investment is a special challenge. CE Founder Carolyn Dailey sat down with groundbreaking investor Laura Callanan in Upstart Co-Lab’s New York offices to learn about how they are connecting $8.4 trillion of socially responsible and impact investing capital with entrepreneurs in the $877 billion creative economy.

  • Interviews
  • Special feature
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Zoom Dive Recordings | The power of email marketing for creative businesses

You might be surprised to learn that email marketing is still incredibly effective, despite the rise of other channels, like social media and messaging apps. In this Zoom Dive, email marketing expert Alex Fearon, founder of Maybe Later, explained how creative entrepreneurs can tap into this medium for business growth.

  • Events
Magazine next to coffee cup filled with black coffee.

Seven inspiring online magazines creatives will love

Nothing beats sitting down with a cuppa to absorb a good magazine. Whether you’re looking for inspiration to spark a new idea or just like to keep abreast of the latest happenings in your creative field, look no further for your next good read.

  • Useful resources
Supporting International Women's Day 2023

International Women’s Day 2023: five inspiring women creatives who are embracing equity

International Women’s Day 2023 is based around the theme #EmbraceEquity, which is all about ensuring everyone is treated fairly and equally; that everyone can access what they need to be successful, no matter their circumstances. We’re shining a light on inspirational women and women-led initiatives in the creative industries that embody this theme.

  • Useful resources
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Zoom Dive Recordings | How to master Google Analytics for your creative business website

A website is essential in developing an online presence for your creative business. But it really comes into its own once you understand your visitors and how they’re engaging with your content. In this Zoom Dive recording, web analytics expert Dimitris Zotos talks about the importance of Google Analytics and how to get the most value from it.

  • Events
Sculpture against a blue background

Cultural events to keep on your radar in 2023

Passionate about the world of arts and culture? We’ve highlighted eleven events scheduled in 2023 that focus on fashion, films, dance, art and books. Mark them in your calendars – most of them you can watch or read about online, and others you could attend in person.

  • Useful resources
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Members only

How-To Guide | Opening a shop: some savvy secrets

Do you dream of opening your own shop? Perhaps your vision is vivid, with the colours, signage, merchandise and typical clientele fully formed in your mind’s eye… but you’ve not yet taken the plunge. Here are some savvy secrets that’ll help you bring your ambition to fruition.

  • How-to guides
Laptop screen showing Zoom event online

Seven of our most popular Zoom Dives in 2022

From NFTs and experiential design right through to creating an entrepreneurial strategy – these are some of the Zoom Dive topics that have caught the attention of creative entrepreneurs in 2022.

  • Events
  • Special feature

Launching our new Podcast | Conversations we need to hear now

Carolyn Dailey, Founder of Creative Entrepreneurs, introduces our brand new podcast in which she interviews the most innovative and inspiring people across the creative startup ecosystem — founders, investors, educators, policymakers and cultural leaders — the people who are building and championing creative businesses. While the creative outputs of their efforts are widely known and largely adored, the business back story is rarely told. That’s what we’re here to do now.

  • News
Colour palettes in design concept

Eight brilliant graphic design resources to bookmark for your next project

Graphic design resources like pre-existing fonts, imagery and icons can speed up your creative process and spark an idea when your creative flow gets jammed. Here’s a list of free or cost-effective resources that you can tap into when time is tight, your creativity is staling, or the budget won’t stretch to cover something bespoke.

  • Useful resources
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How-To Guide | Save thousands doing your own PR 

A common myth about PR is that it’s complicated, confusing and costly (and only experts know how it works). This How-To Guide debunks that myth. Discover how it’s actually easy, effective and economical to do your own PR – and use our empowering hints and hacks to get started.

  • How-to guides
  • Special feature
Colourful design

London Design Festival 2022: seven unmissable exhibitions and installations 

The annual London Design Festival places UK’s capital as a powerhouse for the creative industries. For nine days every September, designers from around the globe come to London to showcase their latest works through thought-provoking, contemporary installations. Check out seven that caught our eye.

  • Useful resources
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How-To Guide | Secrets to selling your products in shops

Dream of seeing your products on the shelves of high street stores? Hold your horses. Here’s a guide that helps you weigh up whether selling through a retailer is actually the best route for your brand before giving you plenty of hints and tips on how to approach retailers.

  • How-to guides
Clapperboard with popcorn, movie concept

Eight buzzworthy movies showing at Venice Film Festival 2022

The world’s oldest film festival is now underway in Venice! This annual shindig celebrates and promotes international cinema and attracts glittering movie stars, filmmakers and cinema-goers from around the globe. We’ve rounded up eight movies from the lineup that are getting a lot of buzz right now.

  • Useful resources
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How-To Guide | A coach can help you develop your personal brand 

A skilled coach draws out areas that make you come alive and reflects these back to you to help you develop a personal brand that’s closely aligned with your values. Discover how working with a good coach will help you find your niche, your voice and your ‘why’.

  • How-to guides
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How-To Guide | Woo journalists and get them to promote your brand

Following our How-To Guide on going from PR virgin to pro, this article contains even more hints and tips to help you get your creative business in the press. Learn how to write a good (enough) press release, promote your coverage and measure success.

  • How-to guides
Model walking down a fashion show runway

Eight eye-opening fashion shows from Paris Haute Couture Week

The prestigious Haute Couture autumn/winter 2022–2023 fashion shows in Paris have just come to a close. Only the lucky few were able to attend in person but thankfully all the shows were filmed for fashion lovers everywhere to enjoy. Prepare to be awed and inspired… here are eight shows to watch first.

  • News
  • Useful resources
Podcast microphone against orange background

Zoom Dive Recordings | Getting started with podcasts

Starting your own podcast is a brilliant way to grow and scale your creative business. It can act as a valuable promotional tool, helping you build authority in your niche and expand your target audience. Getting started is easier than you’d think, as podcast expert David Pérez explains in this Zoom Dive event recording.

  • Events
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How-To Guide | Go from PR virgin to pro

Unsure whether you can do your own PR? You absolutely can. Read our How-To Guide to discover helpful hints and brilliant hacks that’ll rapidly grow your confidence in contacting journalists and giving them your story.

  • How-to guides
London buildings with red phone box in the foreground

2022 London Festival of Architecture: what to see and do if you’re visiting

The 2022 London Festival of Architecture – the world’s biggest annual celebration of architecture, design and city-making – is underway! We’ve rounded up eight things you’ll want to see and do if you’re interested in London’s built environment and are visiting the city this month.

  • Useful resources
Smartphone showing social media icons.

Organic Social Media: new Masterclass now available

Should you put yourself out there on social media? How can you use social media to grow your business organically? Kassy Cho explains everything you need to know about the new age of social media in our intensive, new Masterclass. Learn how to devise a winning social media strategy and create compelling content your audience will love.

  • Useful resources
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How-To Guide | Launching a business if you’re not a ‘business person’

In the early days of her (now massively successful) entrepreneurial career, Hannah Philp was advised, “You need to work with a business person,” to which she replied, “No! I need to BECOME a business person.” She most certainly did that. Here, we share twenty helpful tips to help creatives starting out in business, inspired by Hannah’s experience…

  • How-to guides
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How-To Guide | Hiring a brilliant team

Hiring the best talent can be challenging especially if you’re in the early stages of business. This How-To Guide is packed full of tips to help you assemble your dream team, including how to attract talent even if you don’t have big bucks, how to recruit for a role you don’t understand and what to do when a hire doesn’t work out.

  • How-to guides
  • Special feature
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Zoom Dive Recordings | Diving deeper into NFTs: what creatives need to know

Already know the basics of NFTs but have some deep questions such as how to take NFTs beyond an image or piece of artwork, create a whole collection or build a following? In this Zoom Dive recording, NFT expert Tim Jarvis answers the grittiest queries creatives have about succeeding in this exciting new space.

  • Events
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How-To Guide | Play the game to make your name – a guide for artists

If you want to be a professional artist, your talent alone might not be enough to put your name in lights and money in your pocket. You need to find your niche, build your brand and be seen in the right places to get noticed. Here’s how to play the game and become an artful artist.

  • How-to guides
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‘Sources of Funding’ Masterclass: access part two now

Already got your creative business up and running and now want to expand? Part two of our ‘Sources of Funding’ Masterclass explores four advanced routes to funding along with the benefits and limitations of each option.

  • Useful resources
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Eight of the most anticipated artists at Coachella 2022

Coachella, the massive California-based annual music festival is back, for the first time since 2019. Whether you’ve been lucky enough to get a ticket or you plan to watch it online, you might want to know which artists are worth looking out for. Here’s our roundup of the acts you won’t want to miss.

  • Useful resources
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Zoom Dive Recordings | Brand and community building in the world of NFTs

What’s the secret to making an NFT project successful? Pavan Bahl, the founding partner of Bellwether Culture and organiser of Revealed, believes the answer lies in branding and community building. In this Zoom Dive session, we talked to Pavan about what it takes to achieve success with NFTs. Listen to the recording here.

  • Events
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How-To Guide | Make your fashion business eco-friendlier

Striving to make your fashion brand successful and as sustainable as possible? This How-To Guide explores the price of being sustainable, whether eco-friendly fabrics are as friendly as they seem and how to gauge a fair wage when recruiting overseas workers.

  • How-to guides
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Learn the basic ways to finance your business with our new Masterclass

Need business finance but not sure of your options? Watch our latest Masterclass to pick up (or brush up on) funding basics. Lloyd Gunton explains the benefits and limitations of the four main sources of finance to help you decide which is right for your creative business.

  • Useful resources
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How to squeeze every penny out of your paid social advertising 

Investing in a little paid social media advertising is worth considering when you’re just starting out in your business journey, to help drive traffic and start gaining some valuable insights. Here are ten ways to maximise your budget and make your paid social media count…

  • How-to guides
Cryptocurrency concept

Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine partners with World of Women to bring NFTs to screens

Actress Reese Witherspoon bought her first NFTs created by female artists back in October 2021. Recently, she’s taken her NFT venture a step further – her company, Hello Sunshine, has just announced a partnership with NFT collective, World of Women. This exciting deal involves bringing NFTs to screens. Read Carolyn’s view on this big news story…

  • From our community
  • News
  • Special feature
Fashion show models walking the catwalk

Designers champion glamour, drama and sensuality at London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week returned this February with a fabulous range of shows that ranged from fantastical and mystical to regal and seductive. Whether you’re looking for catwalk trends to fill your wardrobe or inspiration for creating your own fashion designs, you’ll find plenty of ideas in our roundup of the best designer presentations.

  • Industry insights
  • Useful resources
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Zoom Dive Recordings | Behavioural finance for creative businesses

Getting to grips with money management is a necessity when you’re running a creative business. To do this successfully, you need to look beyond accounting fundamentals and explore the role your mind plays when making economic decisions. Listen to finance consultant, Krystle McGilvery, explain about connecting money to the mind.

  • Events
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How to set attainable goals for creative business success

Goal setting is a powerful process – it helps you focus your attention, stay motivated, and drive for success. If you’ve not set business goals for this year yet, or your existing ones need overhauling, read this how-to guide for six top tips on setting achievable goals.

  • How-to guides
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Embrace uncertainty if you want your business to thrive: Sam Conniff explains

Sam Conniff is the founder of the Uncertainty Experts, an interactive documentary and educational journey that helps entrepreneurs embrace uncertainty and use it to create thriving businesses. We interviewed Sam to learn why uncertainty freaks us out, why we should embrace it for business success and how his course can help.

  • Interviews
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Best bits of the BRITs: the big moments that rocked the awards

Adele scooped the big ones, Ed Sheeran rocked the stage and Anne-Marie made sure her show went on at the 2022 BRIT Awards Ceremony. As always, it was a spectacular show that celebrated the very best British and international artists over the last year. If you missed it, here are some of the key moments to know about.

  • News
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Introduction to Growth Marketing: new Masterclass just launched

Growth marketing isn’t a fancy marketing method reserved purely for the big guns. In this practical and actionable Masterclass from marketing and growth expert Daniel Johnson, discover the power of growth marketing and what it can do for your enterprise – whether you’re just starting out or are ready to scale.

  • Useful resources
Popcorn and clapperboard on yellow background

Sundance Festival 2022: eight brilliant films to watch out for 

The annual Sundance Film Festival brings the newest, most innovative indie films to cinema buffs around the world. This year didn’t disappoint! From nail-biting thrillers to charming love stories, we’ve rounded up eight new films you’ll want to add to your watchlist.

  • Useful resources
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Zoom Dive Recordings | A beginner’s guide to NFTs

In one of our most popular Zoom Dive events ever, Tim Jarvis (NFT expert, co-founder of Fabrik and founder of Infinifty) explained everything you need to know about NFTs: what they are, how they work and how to create and sell them. Here’s the recording of it in case you missed it the first time around!

  • Events
  • Special feature
Menswear fashion show - man in suit walking the runway

Paris Fashion Week: eight double take-worthy menswear shows

Surrealism, eclectic flourishes, tapestries and fur-sprouting footwear were just some of the catwalk trends noticed recently at the Paris Fashion Week menswear shows. Take a look at some of the most jaw-dropping presentations from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Kenzo and Y/Project.

  • Industry insights
  • Useful resources
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How to train your brain to build resilience

Human civilisation has evolved enormously over the past 200,000 years, yet our emotional brains haven’t really changed. Modern mini disasters can trigger fight or flight mode – causing anxiety overload and stress-related illnesses. Here’s how to survive and thrive in current times.

  • How-to guides
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How to stay close to your clients in uncertain times

The past couple of years have been a struggle for many businesses – new, old, big, small. So it’s important to focus on looking after our clients as dedicatedly and resourcefully as we can. Here’s how to nurture rock-solid relationships in an uncertain world…

  • How-to guides
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How to make working for yourself work 

Ready to leave the safety net of employment and become your own boss? It’s an exciting decision, going solo. Whether you’re founding a new business or taking the plunge to go freelance, here are some useful tips to help you make a smooth transition.

  • How-to guides

The rise of NFTs and their impact on the creative world

“NFT” (non-fungible token) has been named word of the year by Collins Dictionary. Collins describes an NFT as “a unique digital certificate, registered in a blockchain, that is used to record ownership of an asset such as an artwork or a collectible.” The past few months have seen new emerging creatives take the spotlight with their NFT successes, but household names, like Ozzy Osbourne and Reese Witherspoon, are also going all in. Our founder Carolyn Dailey weighs in on the impact of NFTs on the creative world.

  • Industry insights
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How to create a winning digital marketing strategy

Beginners to digital marketing tend to make this common mistake: trying to get onto every platform at once. Find out why this is a bad idea, plus discover how to get your digital marketing journey off to a promising start with plenty of dos, don’ts and toolkit necessities.

  • How-to guides
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Eight of the best email platforms that work for creative businesses

Email marketing is essential in helping to build and nurture customer relationships, drive engagement and increase sales. Picking the right platform for your needs and budget is no easy task, as there’s much to consider by way of features, pricing and software limitations. To kick off your research, here’s an overview of some of the best solutions around.

  • Special feature
  • Useful resources
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Workplace wellbeing: how to put a smile in the heart of your business

Happy workers are productive workers. Positivity increases resilience. And praise is a better motivator than fear. But in the daily bustle of running a business, we don’t always adhere to these edicts. If workplace wellbeing is something you want to prioritise more, ask yourself these important questions…

  • How-to guides
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How to do good in the world and do well as an entrepreneur

Want to help others by running a social enterprise – but also want to put food on your own table? If so, structuring your business as a CIC (Community Interest Company) may be the answer. Read on to discover how this business model lets you use your profits for the public good…

  • How-to guides
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Zoom Dive Recordings | How to create your entrepreneurial strategy

Being a creative entrepreneur can often feel overwhelming and chaotic. There may be billions of tasks and projects you want to focus on but how do you juggle everything and still meet your business goals and milestones? An entrepreneurial strategy can help you stay on course (and keep you sane). Learn more.

  • Events
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How to grow big gracefully – secrets to successful scaling

Startups are often in a hurry to go global. But scaling a business isn’t a sprint – it’s a marathon. You need to earn your stripes, build credibility locally, then take your learnings and expand into the bigger markets. Read on for some guidance on how to go slower and do it well…

  • How-to guides
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Our top ten business Masterclasses of 2021 according to CE members

One of the best things about a CE membership is getting access to our brilliant business Masterclasses on important topics like leadership, finance basics and marketing fundamentals. We’ve ranked our most popular Masterclasses in order of most-watched this year. Check out this list to make sure you’ve not missed any.

  • Useful resources
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How to nail advertising on social media

Feeling stumped about social media marketing? Wondering how and when to target whom with what, and where? Fear not. In this how-to guide, we demystify social media to help you map out a clear and effective strategy – while identifying the common mistakes to avoid.

  • How-to guides
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How to turbocharge your crowdfunding campaign

About to launch a crowdfunding campaign? Check your plans against this hints-and-hacks-packed guide and make sure you’re on track for success. Get timing tips and success secrets, plus discover common mistakes and how to avoid them.

  • How-to guides
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The top ten most popular Journal articles of 2021

From DIY website builders and creative industry podcasts to funding fundamentals and storytelling: these are just some of the topics that creative entrepreneurs have enjoyed reading about in the Journal this year. Revisit our most popular articles here.

  • Useful resources
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How to crowdfund your creative business

The world of crowdfunding is bustling – lots of product launches and campaigns are reaching their funding targets sooner than anticipated. So if you intend to launch a business venture and you’d like to give crowdfunding a try, here are some pointers.

  • How-to guides
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Our top five Zoom Dives of 2021

PR, personal branding, sustainable fashion, trends and insights and presenting yourself online… These are all burning topics that creative entrepreneurs want to know about, according to our top five Zoom Dives this year so far. If you missed these popular virtual events the first time around, catch up here.

  • Events
  • Useful resources
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Zoom Dive Recordings | How to hire a great team

Behind every successful creative business is a great team. But finding the right talent is challenging, especially if you’ve never hired anyone before. So, where do you start – and what are the common pitfalls to avoid during the hiring process? Don’t miss these brilliant insights from Maria Hvorostovsky, founder of HVO Search, in our latest Zoom Dive.

  • Events
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Find your values, mission and vision with our new Masterclass

Trying to make a difference in the world as a creative entrepreneur, but feeling a bit stuck or without a sense of direction? This Masterclass, delivered by coach Phil Askew, is packed full of teachings and insights to help you connect the dots and bring clarity and focus to your business vision.

  • Special feature
  • Useful resources
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How to keep innovation alive, to help your business survive

Innovation… it’s a new solution to an old problem. A radically different approach. A way of unlocking value in a niche where no one else is looking. In this detailed how-to guide, discover why you need to keep innovating even when your company is well established…

  • How-to guides
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How to be money savvy from the get-go

Running out of cash is the top reason young businesses don’t succeed. That’s why it pays to start thinking about the money side of things from the very beginning. Or bring in an accountant pre-launch, who really ‘gets’ your business and can work alongside you from the outset. Here are some tips on artful accounting and how to find a made-for-you accountant…

  • How-to guides
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Ten epic photography podcasts that’ll capture your attention

Whether you’re a hobbyist photographer looking to transition to pro or you’re already running your own successful photography business, here are ten inspiring photography podcasts you’ll want to add to your playlist in a flash! Discover the latest photography trends and tips for business growth – and feel as though you’re hanging out with like-minded friends.

  • Useful resources
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How to ace your own PR: a DIY guide

PR isn’t just about appearing in traditional media. Everything you do in the public eye (podcasts, interviews, public speaking or just responding to someone on social media) is a representation of you and your business. Here are some savvy DIY tips for promoting your personal brand…

  • How-to guides
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Zoom Dive Recordings | Building your first tech product

Ever wanted to build a tech product, but don’t know where to start? Prepare to be enlightened! In this Zoom Dive, Sophie Hebdidge, founder of Techniclarity, explains the stages involved in tech product design and launch, the common pitfalls to avoid, and much more.

  • Events
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How to put more ‘O’ in your SEO

Successful SEO increases the quality as well as the quantity of your website traffic – because attracting lots of visitors is only good if they’re the right kind of visitors, i.e. potential customers. Here’s how to get started with maximising the pulling power of SEO…

  • How-to guides
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How to make your buoyancy bouncier and your positivity peppier 

Mindset is so important when it comes to success that elite athletes train themselves in nine mental skills alongside their physical training. Learn what these are – so you can apply them to your own work to help build your resilience.

  • How-to guides
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Zoom Dive Recordings | Getting your product in front of retailers

Coming up with a fantastic product idea is one thing. Getting it onto shelves ready for customers to buy is another! In this Zoom Dive, global retail expert, Nicole Higgins, shares a wealth of information about the crucial processes to go through to get your product retail-ready.

  • Events
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Founder Files: how Roksanda created her phenomenal fashion brand

As an ambitious creative entrepreneur, there’s nothing more inspiring than hearing the backstory of someone who has been in your shoes and gone on to make a name for themselves – literally. In this Founder File, discover how Roksanda created a brand that’s the talk of the fashion world today.

  • From our community
  • Interviews
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How to create video on a budget – part one

Have you previously shied away from creating videos, imagining this to be expensive or complicated? Well, shy no more. All you need to make brilliant business-boosting films is your smartphone and these deceptively simple hacks…

  • How-to guides
  • Special feature
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Zoom Dive Recordings | How to become a thought leader

Thought leadership is all about becoming a remarkable thinker or change-maker in your industry. In this session, we talk to Deborah Rey-Burns, founder of Propela, about what it takes to become a thought leader and how to get paid for your knowledge.

  • Events
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Eight brilliant e-commerce platforms for creative businesses

Scratching your head over which e-commerce platform is best for selling your products online? There is an abundance of solutions available each offering different features, plans and pricing. Kickstart your research into online store builders here.

  • Useful resources
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Members only

How to build a successful e-commerce website

Building a website is easy. Building momentum to get your business off the ground can be trickier. Read on for some secrets to putting the ‘commerce’ into your e-commerce site.

  • How-to guides
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Members only

Mistakes to avoid when planning your content

Why learn from your mistakes when you can learn from other people’s? So if you’re just starting out and planning your content, here’s a bunch of errors entrepreneurs often make – but you can swerve.

  • How-to guides
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Members only

How to devise a winning content strategy 

Just as important as deciding ‘what’ content to create, is stepping back to consider ‘why’ and ‘how’ this will help your business right now. Here’s a quick guide to sharpening up your strategy so your content is more on track with your business goals.

  • How-to guides
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Avoid invoicing woes: the dos and don’ts for creative businesses

Invoicing can go from being merely tedious to downright bothersome when issues arise (like having to justify costs or dealing with debtors). We’ve put together some essential dos and don’ts to help you make invoicing a straightforward process.

  • How-to guides
  • Special feature
  • Useful resources
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Zoom Dive Recordings | How to sell artists’ work

Marine Tanguy is the founder of MTArt, the world’s first talent agency that invests in, and supports, up and coming visual artists. In this session, Marine talks to our founder, Carolyn Dailey, about why and how she built her creative business.

  • Events
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Members only

How to tell your story to sell your business

Nothing pulls on the heartstrings and captures the imagination quite like a good story well told. Read on to learn how to tell your story skilfully, to help your business live happily ever after…

  • How-to guides
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The best DIY website builders to help you get online

As a creative business owner, it’s essential to have a professional-looking website that showcases what you do. We’ve whittled down the best platforms for creatives who want to design their own brochure website, online portfolio or blog.

  • Special feature
  • Useful resources
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How to stand out in a busy marketplace

When you’re starting out on a small budget, how do you make a big enough noise to get yourself noticed? It’s easy to feel intimidated by the competition or dwarfed by huge companies. Here are some tips on stealing the show.

  • How-to guides
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Ten art business resources to help you sell your work

One surefire sign of success as an artist lies in the ability to sell your work. From selling platforms and marketing tips to managing your inventory; we’ve put together a list of handy resources that’ll help you turn your art into a profitable creative business.

  • Useful resources
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How to grip your audience through the power of storytelling

If you could take someone on a journey – if you could invoke strong, impacting emotions – why wouldn’t you? Storytelling enables you to create an immediate connection with customers and clients. Here’s how to harness this art to captivate your audiences.

  • How-to guides
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How to collaborate with influencers to boost your brand

Influencer Marketing is BIG business. As of 2020, 86% of marketers have introduced Influencer Marketing into their marketing strategies. It’s a £2B industry. Learn how to choose and collaborate with the right influencer for your business.

  • How-to guides
  • Special feature
UAL graduate shows

The graduate shows: our annual glimpse into the future

The annual graduate shows by the UK’s leading creative universities are massively inspiring. Here, Creative Entrepreneurs founder, Carolyn Dailey, shares her views on these innovative and exciting events.

  • News
  • Stories and case studies
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How to build a brand on truth

Being authentic is an essential ingredient for a brand’s success. You need to come from a place of truth and stay constantly attuned to your audience. Here’s how to get started with building a brand that’s true to your vision.

  • How-to guides
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Zoom Dive Recordings | How to run a social enterprise

Want to make a difference to the lives of others by building a social enterprise? Here, Ajay Pabial shares his mission to champion and support budding creatives, through his not-for-profit arts organisation, Art Clubbers CIC.

 

 

  • Events
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Zoom Dive Recordings | Making money out of funny

Our Zoom Dive with Clara Heimerdinger, founder of Nice ‘n’ Spiky Comedy Club, is packed full of insights and inspiration for anyone looking to break into the business of entertainment, comedy or media.

  • Events
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Ten noteworthy sessions at Cannes Lions Live, 2021

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is a highly anticipated annual gathering of the global advertising and creative communications industry. This year, the event is fully digital – here’s what to look out for if you’re planning to tune in.

  • Useful resources
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How to get started with digital marketing

Digital marketing is all about understanding your market so you can send the right promotional messaging to the right people. If you’re just starting out, you probably have a limited budget – so here’s how to work smart and put your pennies where they’ll count.

  • How-to guides
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How to be a brilliant leader

Leadership isn’t a certificate you stick up on your wall – it’s an ongoing journey of self-improvement. Great leadership is all about empowering, enabling and inspiring your team – and knowing when to step back or step in.

  • How-to guides

Zoom Dive Recordings | How might we empower diversity in the tech sector?

Mo Lishomwa is an award-winning, results-driven Senior Digital Business Leader with a passion for people & technology. She’s also a key member of BIMA, the voice of the digital and tech communities. In this 60-minute session, Mo discusses the results of their recent white paper on diversity in the tech industries and shares her own experiences of working in the sector.

  • Events

Ready, set, book! Our Summer Events Series is now live

From exploring ways to fund your startup to using ‘experiential design’ to shape the customer experience – our Summer 2021 Events Series is packed full of how-tos, deep insights and actionable takeaways. Registration is now open!

 

 

  • Events
  • News

Essential reading for budding creative entrepreneurs

If you want to start a business, you’ll need advice on where to start, what pitfalls to anticipate, and how best to spend your time and money to get your idea off the ground. There are tons of books out there with this kind of advice, but we’ve curated our favourites for you. Whether you’re an aspiring fashion designer or an artisan looking to sell your work, these are some of the most insightful books to help you grow your business.

  • Useful resources

Patreon 101: How to get paid for pursuing your passion

Do you ever wish you had a patron – someone who supported your talent and paid you to do what you love doing, so you could do more of it (and worry less about money)? Well stop wishing and start making things happen with the help of ‘Patreon’…

  • How-to guides
  • Special feature
Members only

Zoom Dive Take-Aways | Money Talks: financial planning and accounting for creative startups

We Are Practice was founded by Nick Maynard, a Chartered Accountant, and strategist who has worked in the creative industries for over a decade across retail, e-commerce, tech, and not-for-profit. He noticed a gap in the market for a radically new sort of support system for start-up founders in the creative industries. Recognizing the need for professional services to evolve and support the booming creative economy, Nick launched Practice in 2019 to bring first-class, integrated, and affordable support to founders of exciting high-potential creative brands.

 

  • Events

Meet Kevin Osborne, Founder of MeWe360

We are thrilled to be speaking to Kevin Osborne at The Founder Files in April, A person who has spent the last 30 years tirelessly leading, producing, and developing creative industries with supporting BAME talent.

  • Industry insights
  • Interviews
  • Special feature

Simone Rocha x H&M | All roads lead to Fashion East

Simone Rocha’s cult “fashion insider” brand has exploded onto the world stage with her H&M collaboration. Like so many other pioneering British brands, her entrepreneurial success has its roots in Fashion East.

  • News
  • Stories and case studies

Listen Up! Fashion Podcasts Round-Up

Podcasts are a great way to gain insider information and glimpses into the creative world. In this round-up, we look at some of our favourite Fashion podcasts so you can get the story behind the clothes. Whether you are looking for insider business information, trend tips or the history of your favourite garment, there is something in this list, for you.

  • Useful resources

Zoom Dive Take-Aways | Inclusivity in Design with Jessica Ryan-Ndegwa

Jessica Ryan-Ndegwa has become a successful designer and curator, despite suffering from Cerebral Palsy – designing both regular household products and beautiful products for disabled people through her Design for Disability project. . In last weeks Zoom Dive, she discussed how we should focus on the human aspect of the design process as well as the product itself

  • Events
  • Interviews
Source: https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/amanda-gorman-poet-amazon-biden-inauguration-1234889368/

The amazing entrepreneurial story behind Amanda Gorman’s ring

Who wasn’t captivated by Amanda Gorman, the 22 year old who electrified Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony with her poem “The Hill We Climb.” What we discovered is the amazing entrepreneurial story behind Gorman’s Aviary Classic Ring from mother-daughter creative entrepreneurs and founders of jewelry brand Of Rare Origin.

  • News
  • Stories and case studies

Announcing our new Quarterly Events Programme

Here at Creative Entrepreneurs, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Quarterly Events Programme. With our extensive events offering, we wanted to make it easy for you to view a whole season at a time and book your calendar well in advance.

 

  • Events

Zoom Dive Take-Aways | Starting from zero, PR on a shoe-string budget

Jessica Barlow got her start in the world of PR & Communications with no budget and no contacts. But with planning and big creative ideas, she was able to gain worldwide press coverage for the Karma food waste startup she then worked for, helping propel it to success. Since then, Jessica herself has gone viral multiple times and started her own business, No Agency Method, which supports startup businesses in getting their PR strategy right, last week we spoke to Jessica about how she made it happen.

  • Industry insights
  • Interviews

How to build a brand on diversity

As US Black History Month sheds light on the need for diverse voices in business, we hear from Charlotte Williams, founder of diversity-focused marketing agency SevenSix.

  • From our community
  • Industry insights
  • Interviews

The CE Lockdown Survival Guide

Many of us are still dealing with lockdown of some form or another, often putting strain on our businesses and our wellbeing. We’re here to help, with a quick guide to surviving and even thriving during this challenging time.

  • How-to guides

The best advice I ever had…

We asked six members of the Creative Entrepreneurs community what great advice they received when starting out. From diversifying revenue streams to saying no, here’s what they came up with.

  • From our community

Why the prototype is the creative tool you never knew you needed

A prototype isn’t always an expensively assembled product. It could be as simple a sketch on a napkin, a book title, a short film of a Lego model. But it might just help you to get to the “aha” moment that takes your business to the next level.

  • How-to guides
  • Useful resources

Ten ways to get set for 2021

Philiy Page is the founder of the mentoring and content network Creative Women International. She shares her ten top tips for getting you and your business primed for success in 2021.

  • How-to guides

Founder Files Takeaways | Nicolas Roope’s career lessons

The founder of the pioneering Poke digital agency, and the inventor of the iconic Plumen lightbulb, Nicolas Roope is an icon of the design world, both online and off. In our Founder Files talk, he shared his lessons from 25 years in the industry.

  • Industry insights
  • Interviews
  • Special feature

The fine art of goal-setting

Goals are easy to set, but when we set them wrong they can be a source of frustration and angst. But set your goals just right, and the path towards them become more fun and rewarding. Our tips below will help you become a more motivated and brilliant creative entrepreneur.

  • How-to guides
  • Useful resources

CE’s top ten podcasts for creative entrepreneurs

Podcasts have become ubiquitous water-cooler conversation starters. But which are the most helpful to the creative entrepreneur? We’ve picked our top ten, covering everything from the products of the future to how to build a startup.

  • Useful resources

How to produce your first podcast

Podcasting is a great way to reach your audience. And with numerous tools and tutorials available, it’s easier than ever to produce and market your own podcast from your own little studio, aka your bedroom. But where to start? Read on for some handy hints…

  • How-to guides
  • Useful resources
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Our 15 life-saving tools for micro-business owners

Micro-businesses, with nine employees or fewer are the backbone of the British economy, accounting for 96% of all businesses. We’ve rounded up 15 of the top tools for creative micro-businesses, helping you with everything from design to legal advice.

  • How-to guides
  • Useful resources

How to run your own PR campaign on a tight budget

Want to know how to use Twitter to connect with journalists, how to pitch like a pro, and the different PR approaches for journalists and influencers? Nicola Snell of PR platform Press Loft has the insider secrets for a successful DIY campaign.

  • How-to guides
  • Interviews
Winnie Awa Antidote Street

Q&A: How Winnie Awa left the straight and narrow

Nigerian-born Winnie Awa had stints at Net-a-Porter, ASOS and LVMH before founding Antidote Street, a beauty brand for anyone with curly, afro or multi-textured hair. Here, she shares her journey from A-Level business student to kickass founder.

  • Interviews
Best Kickstarter Campaigns

How to beat Father Time and get truly productive

If there’s one thing an entrepreneur needs more than money when launching and growing their is business, it’s time. We explore the best tips, tricks and tools to reclaim yours, from ‘time-boxing’ to limiting social media and learning the ‘two-minute rule’.

  • How-to guides
  • Special feature
  • Useful resources
creative entrepreneur

A quick guide to becoming a creative entrepreneur

You have your big creative idea, but what next? Creative Entrepreneurs is all about helping you answer that huge question. Read below for our very quick introduction to becoming a creative entrepreneur yourself, and how we can help you on your journey.

  • How-to guides