Students and creative business owners from around the country gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle, Ill., in late February for the annual Self Employment in the Arts conference.
The conference began with an inspirational speech made by keynote speaker, Dionna Griffin-Irons. As a member of The Second City, located in Chicago, Griffin-Irons spoke and improvised events in her life that led to her employment in the arts.
After Griffin-Irons wrapped up her speech, the attendees went off to discuss a wide variety of topics regarding self-employment in the arts. Topics ranged from panel discussions on freelancing your work, to financial literacy, and how to make a profit in the creative field.
To conclude the first night, a variety of activities were offered for all attendees and participants to enjoy. Activities included: dance lessons, improv by Voodoo Barbie of Beliot College, and Spikeball games.
On day two of the conference, attendees continued their learning experience after a student entrepreneur panel.
North Central senior, Rachel Maher, spoke on her experience on being a freelance graphic designer while still in school on a student entrepreneur panel before the festivities started on day two of the conference.
“I was incredibly honored to be selected as a speaker at the SEA conference,” said Maher. “My fellow speakers are making huge waves in the creative community, so it was humbling to be around such successful creative entrepreneurs.”
The remainder of the second day of the conference focused on the daily life of a self-employed artist, and one-on-one sessions with presenters. These one-on-one sessions were aimed at expanding the professional network of the attendees.
“Networking is important, because honestly sometimes with music I don’t think of it like that, but it’s just as important in my field,” said North Central College senior Grace Blackford, who attended the two-day conference.
Maher gave some great tips for people on how to network with people in the creative field.
“Your network, like most things, won’t be all that you want it to be the first day,” she said. “But if you work toward expanding it in increments, you will start to notice a change.”
The conference was an overall success for all who attended. It fostered confidence in the attendees, and pushed them to begin their careers in the arts.
The conference date has already been set for next year, and will run from Feb. 24 to 25, 2017.
