Support for Artists & Creative Businesses in Wolverhampton

Steps to Self-Employment

Are you running or thinking about setting up your own business in a creative area?

Are you self-employed?

"This course has been a lifeline for me. From my very first session I have gone away with practical advice and goal orientated structure. I've enjoyed meeting other creative people (undertaking the course and as guest lecturers) and feeling the sense of connection..."

Suki Bassi Artist July 2013

“[the course has given me] confidence and support. I’ve increased my prices and looked at my business to see how I can improve it”

Clare Sherwen Printmaker and Fine Artist, Clare’s Prints July 2013

Course details

‘Steps to Self-Employment’ aims to equip creative businesses with the essential skills to help them make a living. During the course you will be encouraged to explore ways of working as a freelancer and develop the skills needed for freelance working including;

-Building confidence in talking about your work and approaching and negotiating with organisations

-Understanding pricing, invoicing and tax

-Identifying promotional tools including social networking

-Seeking opportunities

-How to capitalise on local knowledge and resources

-Organising and presenting your work as part of a showcase exhibition 

Our next course starts in September 2015 at The Maltings, Herbert Street, Wolverhampton.

Course requirements

Learners would be expected to have considerable experience in their area of practice/business.

Learners should also have IT skills including word processing and the use of email and Internet.

What are the benefits of this course?

Participants will be able to build their confidence as freelancers and creative businesses and gain an insight into ways of working and opportunities available within the West Midlands region.

There will be an opportunity to present work as part of a course showcase taking place at the Foyer building at Wolverhampton City Learning Quarter.

Learners will be able to network with other artists and creative businesses as well as a variety of arts professionals who will deliver talks during the course.

How will I learn?

Sessions include group seminars, one to one tutorials, visiting speakers and visits. Some sessions will include working on computers. During the course learners will undertake a series of course assignments and tasks including a weekly progress diary, compiling statement about your work, completing a SWOT analysis and compiling an action plan.

Learners will also be expected to prepare and install their work as part of the course showcase exhibition as well as contributing to the organising and marketing of this event.

How will my progress be monitored and assessed?

The course tutor will provide written and verbal feedback on course assignments.

In additional to the learning aims and objectives of the course, learners will set their personal learning goals at the beginning of the course and progress towards achieving these will be regularly reviewed.

The course is non-accredited

How much does it cost?

Each course runs for 10 weeks for 2 hours per week.
Learners will be expected to mount their work to a professional standard for the course showcase event. This may be associated with additional costs for example the mounting and framing of work where relevant.
Learners in receipt of Job Seekers allowance or Employment Support Allowance (working related) will be exempt from fees.

What will I be able to do after this course?

Learners will be able to operate on a freelance basis, including promoting their business, approaching organisations and networking.

How do I find out more?

For further info contact Moya Lloyd via email at moya.lloyd@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk or call Creative Studies on 01902 558164.