Valeria Vangelista attended the Starters Programme at exactly the right time

The ArtEZ Starters Programme was a breath of fresh air for me. It gave a pragmatic dive into the realities of entrepreneurship and how to start a business. It also came at exactly the right time for me.

An important concept that I learned during my Illustration Design programme at ArtEZ, something I'll always carry with me, is the notion of letting go. To me, that represents the ability to reclaim your freedom, to experiment, to learn from your mistakes so that you can develop your creativity to the fullest. Of course, the freedom to express yourself and explore new horizons is essential to every creative soul, but my question was, how do I translate my passion into a job that allows me to make a living? How do I assert my place in the world as an entrepreneur? During my studies, we didn't spend a lot of time tackling those questions, but I finally got my answers at the ArtEZ Starters Programme.

The programme was divided into four workshops that gave me a clear and structured overview of what it takes to position yourself to live off your creative passion. During the two-day workshop, I gained tools and basic knowledge that enable me to develop my entrepreneurship independently and more confidently. The programme helped me understand where I was lacking focus, and to effectively present myself to the world as an artist (in a single sentence).

This kind of reflection on my drive to become an independent creative entrepreneur was exactly the boost I needed at the time. During my studies, I worked as a waitress in a restaurant. My plan was to keep this job to have a small, reliable income and invest the rest of my time in my business. I intended to combine my personal projects on graphic techniques with collaborations with other artists, organisations and local governments who shared my drive to make a positive social impact. Unfortunately, COVID-19 turned the world upside down, and what should have been a part-time job quickly turned into a full-time position, leaving me no time to make art. By the time the Starters Programme began, I was at my wits' end.

It was enormously valuable to me to discuss my concerns with trained professionals. But it was even better to return to an environment where art is constantly discussed and experienced. This rekindled my passion and gave me renewed determination to fight for it. One thing I heard during the program was especially impactful to me: that only those who are really driven to make art will succeed in their aims. This was like pouring gasoline on the fire for me. It gave me back the drive that I'd been missing for a few months.

Thanks to the Starters Programme, I have the courage to dream again. I'm more resolved than ever to run my own graphic studio. There, I'll be able to work both on my own projects and collaborate with others who share my passion for graphic techniques. But above all, it gave me the courage to get in touch with organisations that share my commitment to social issues. It has already resulted in an interesting collaboration, but I can't tell you more about that yet. I'm still a superstitious Italian ;).

Finding a place for yourself in the world as an artist and entrepreneur is difficult, and it can feel impossible to start once you've graduated. But the truth is that the creative industry is just an ocean full of fish, and you need to learn to swim in it. Thanks to the Starters Programme and the tools it gave me, my passion has been renewed and I feel confident that there will be a place in the ocean just for me.

Valeria Vangelista, originally from Italy, moved to the Netherlands in August 2016 to study Illustration Design at ArtEZ in Zwolle. She graduated in 2020 and currently works as a translator for an online tool company to save up for her own graphic studio. In addition, she teaches classes on graphic techniques at Quintus Center for Art and Art Education in Kampen and collaborates on a semi-monthly basis with other artists and local government stakeholders at various locations throughout the Netherlands.

Ready To Start?

ArtEZ alumni who are about to start their own business can join the Starters Programme of the ArtEZ Business Centre at no cost. During the workshops, we help you clarify how you can run a business that works for you, your needs and your desired focus. Finally, you will examine your role as an artist in the cultural field. A lot of attention is given towards personal guidance, so everyone works from their unique business concept as a starting point.