Business Planning for the Arts

Did you know when you decided to pursue your art that you’d have to become a CEO? A CFO? CTO? What do all these acronyms mean, anyways?

Does this sound like you?

~ Skilled artist/creative/maker who is ready to get organized and make a go of it

~ 1-2 person creative shop that wants to take the business to the next level, but doesn’t know where to start

~ Entrepreneurial artist who feels a bit underwater and out of control

Put simply this business is a major generator of community arts and arts education in Issaquah. They are challenging the norm and taking risk. I admire their tenacity and I'm refreshed by their dedication to the arts. As an artist myself I have greatly benefited from their affordable business development support services for artists. We need more people and businesses like Happy Time Studio in Issaquah!

- Mick Holsbeke, Creator, Clown Producer, Clown Garage

How can Happy Time help you?

~ Design a plan you can believe in

~ Learn how to go from the big picture to the daily details

~ Focus in on your purpose, direction, goals, decisions, and actions - all tailored to you and to your creative work

~ Build an accountability plan that motivates and inspires you to keep going

~ Balance creative work and business work in a way that preserves your sanity

~ In-person and virtual options available

Where are you in your journey?

Just Curious

  • 30 minute consult

  • Free

Preparing to Launch

  • Two 60-minute sessions

  • Identify purpose, strengths, and challenges

  • $300

Ready for Action

  • Four 60-minute sessions

  • Identify purpose, strengths, and challenges

  • Build goals and actions into a simple and usable timeline

  • $550

Checking In

  • For folks who have completed the above and are looking for more support

  • Customized to your goals, this can include:

    • Additional tools and templates

    • Ongoing coaching (typically weekly or monthly check ins)

    • Address new challenges and opportunities

  • $150/hr, with bulk discounts available

This isn’t music and art education…is it? Why is Happy Time Studio offering this service?

With over a decade of experience as an independent musician, another decade-plus in consulting, Ali has a unique and broad set of skills working with individuals, organizations, artists, record execs, community leaders, builders, dreamers, and spreadsheeters (you know who you are) - all profoundly talented people and teachers in their own right.

Ali’s first business was an independent record label, largely focused on recording, releasing, performing, and promoting her original music. Eight albums in eight years, plus hundreds of shows, several collaborative side projects, community events, and of course, merch. During this time, Ali learned one way to build a sustainable small arts business and invested significant time and effort into mentoring other artists who were looking to make a business out of their musical work.

Ali’s second business was as a co-owner of a 15-20 person consulting firm. She had the amazing opportunity to build, test, and refine approaches to leadership, operations, HR, finance, management, and culture, all while honing her skills as an in-house manager and trainer, and as a consultant with workers and businesses in a wide range of roles and sectors.

Happy Time Studio is Ali’s third business - an arrival at the truest expression of how she wants to spend her work time. Being in and around the arts is critical for every person. Period. In some cases that means creating opportunities for learning and sharing art together. And in other cases, that means helping YOU do your important work out there in the world.

Come on over and sit with us to see if you’d like to work together! We currently offer free consults to see if it’s a good fit.