This article has a table that deconstructs different competencies and their respective challenges, strategies, implications, and CPD (Continual Professional Development). In this post, I will analyse table number 6 on this article provided by my tutor Dawn Scarffe. I will try to take notes and contextualise them in my practice for some of the things mentioned in the graph.
Knowing the industry opportunities, threats and requirements.
Understanding the industry has been a process of five years, and It changes depending on the country I am in. Also, each nation brings its own challenges. For instance, I researched a bit about the artists’ situation in Portugal, and it is conflicting to see that most artists are not covered by the state, and in some cases, they are not seen as workers (?). Only 0,25 of the government’s annual budget is dedicated to Culture. Portugal is one of the poorest countries in Europe, so it makes sense that the priorities aren’t related to Culture. This could entail a threat. It’s essential to know one’s everyone before starting to use it in their favour. As an artist and future culture-related worker, I face the sad reality of being unable to work in my country, as I already came across many job opportunities here in London. The industry I’m mainly looking for is the film industry, and I could also consider the radio and podcast industry. One of my biggest challenges would be the adaptation to new work environments. So far, I’ve only worked as a freelancer, which is already very challenging. Still, I have never had the chance to participate in context with other professionals and bigger-scale clients. One of the CPDs I found most interesting for this competence was joining (or setting up) a studio group – it seems a bit too romantic. The most urgent CPD is undoubtedly Access to Business & Financial Advice.
I’ve found this article on financial planning:
https://thecreativeindependent.com/guides/an-artists-guide-to-financial-planning/
Knowing why personal meaning, training and values
Challenges
1 – Manage career demands: to keep passion without burning out. It is often sad that we as workers have to conform to becoming used to burnout and keep passion without suffering from a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed sounds counterproductive. According to an article from Eastern Washington University, there are many forms of burnout (physical, emotional, and behavioural) and stages (Milder Symptoms, Longer lasting symptoms, and Severe symptoms). It sounds counterproductive because, even though London might be one the best places in Europe to enhance one’s career, it might also be one of the most challenging places to do that sustainably.
2- Manage career demands: balance career and family. As a foreigner in the UK, balancing academic work, freelance work, romantic relationships, and family have been very complicated. In fact, If a student like myself, who lacks sustainable funds to properly move around the city and stay in touch with their happenings and whatnot, it will likely have to unbalance the amount of time dedicated to one of those ties.
STRATEGIES
1 – Knowing your values and goals: Commit to your craft
2 – Pursue of passion: One thing that pops up in my mind thinking about this is burnout or finding new interests. When employed in a job unrelated to my craft, one can shift from one interest to another.
Implications
1 – Suited best for those whose primary value is their career or whose primary value is ‘to be an artist“:
The financial crash in 2008, followed by years of
austerity, has meant that, once again, creative
careers have increasingly become the preserve of
the elite. This has had a devastating effect on the
arts, excluding those without the resources to sustain
themselves in a cut-throat career. If we want an
inclusive art world that speaks to the experiences of
everyone in society, then artists must come from all
social strata.
Artist as workers.