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The Creative Business Seminar

"... a professional who, with honesty and humour, identifies problems, challenges and solutions..." H.V. Ottawa Creative Business Seminar, Fall 2007.

Find out what other students have said...

Sunday, November 2, 2008;
10am-4pm
$90 + GST

The Arts Based Business

"Starving Artist" is a term far too often associated with the working creative community! There are fabulous, talented people who need business skills to turn their creative skills into sustainable, money making businesses.

This seminar is presented in connection with: OCRI

OCRI's Entrepreneurship Centre.

Creative Business Seminar participants have said:

"Being in business for 20 years I've had loads of experience what I should be doing but should doesn't always bring action. Your seminar helped me connect sound business concepts to positive steps of action, thanks Harry." Becky Mason, fine artist and owner of Classic Solo Canoeing 2008.
"...practical advice, given by someone who has 'been there, done that'... very useful, helpful and supportive. Thanks!" R.O. Ottawa
"Great inspiration to try a path to succeed in a creative business... good timing, well laid out, great suggestions. Thanks Harry!" anonymous, Ottawa
"It's an excellent way to get your brain kick started into being more serious about a creative business" B.J. Ottawa

In this seminar we learn that "creative arts" and "earning a good living" can be synomynous and lead to positive experiences.

You will learn to:

define your strengths, skills and assets to develop your business
discover your customers - who is going to pay you? (and why!)
imaginatively acquire the funds and equipment for your business
create ways to promote and sell your work... that work for you
evaluate the effectiveness of agencies, galleries, and other sales opportunities
recognize the power of the web
learn some basic web strategies that will propel your business to viability
develop an effective business network for yourself!

"Should I take this course?"

This seminar is appropriate for people who produce creative work for art or commercial application (photographers, graphic designers, painters, illustrators, etc.) and who wish to make a living at what they love to do!

The information presented would be beneficial for any new business owner (plumbers, doctors, contractors) but the course is prepared for commercial and fine artists. After the course, participants will better understand the business side of working as a creative professional. Running a business is a challenge - improve your chances at success!

Find out more about seminar date and the registration details.

Harry's business background

Harry Nowell owns and operates Harry Nowell Photography, Inc. supported by HarryNowell.com and a new website, ChelseaGallery.ca

Harry has a degree in finance and economics from University of Western Ontario. Practical business skills developed while running a student painting business at University and later running a ski photo service at Sunshine Village. Eventually, in the mid 90s, the photo business that turned into Harry Nowell Photography, Inc. was born.

Harry also learned about business from mentors such as world renowned Canadian photographer Malak Karsh and his father, Cedric Nowell, a highly achieving director of sales and marketing for companies such as Northern Telecom, Systemhouse and IBM.

Harry has been invited to speak about small business and innovation to high school, college and masters university audiences.

Find out more about course dates and the registration details.

Testimonials

"Mr. Nowell gave an insightful, personal account of the factors involved in starting and developing a small business: financing, market research, identification of niches, technology, networking, etc...
Mr. Nowell was articulate, engaging, well-organized and well-prepared. The discourse with my students was enthusiastic. The subsequent feedback was very positive..."
Dr. Keith Newton, Ph.D
School of Public Administration
Carleton University

"Harry has a wealth of experience in the professional world of photography..."
"His rapport with his clients is always positive; His individual analyses and critiques of student photographs are insightful and helpful to the student."
"Because of Harry's education and his professional background, he can also bring a practical business sense to his seminars."
Ken Buck
High school teacher - OCDSB
Freelance Cinematographer (Genie for Best Photography - 1978)