Hot of the press: The Artist Independent

The ArtEZ Business Centre has taken a significant step with the launch of The Artist Independent. This initiative responds to the growing need for greater visibility and exchange of knowledge about entrepreneurship across ArtEZ’s various programs and academies.

Relevant for every course

The newspaper was created for two key reasons. First, it serves as an introduction to entrepreneurship education for students. “After reading it, we want students to feel inspired,” says Bühler. “You should intrinsically feel as a student: this is something I need, something worth diving deeper into during my time at ArtEZ.” The second goal is to share and utilize the knowledge already present across the various academies and programs. “People know things are happening in different places, but that information often stays within a specific program or academy. With this newspaper, we’re making that knowledge available to everyone at ArtEZ.”

The publication is filled with practical tips that are useful for all disciplines. How do you calculate an hourly rate? How does the grant system work? What should you do when things aren’t going well? These are universal questions and topics relevant to every program.

Within ArtEZ, there is a wealth of knowledge about entrepreneurship and artistry—found in our faculty, alumni, and students. With this newspaper, we’re giving that diversity a platform and learning from the entire ArtEZ community," says Tamara Rookus, interim Head of the ArtEZ Business Centre"

Many paths lead to success

What makes The Artist Independent special is that it was created by and for the ArtEZ community. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni contributed to writing articles and designing the newspaper. Even people from their wider network got involved in exchange for logo placements. Elsje explains, “This is the first time we worked as a unified community on a single product. A fun detail: for some recent graduates, this was their first real encounter with the professional world.”

With a print run of 2000 copies, the newspaper is distributed through the ArtEZ Libraries. “The library isn’t just a distribution point,” Elsje adds. “They also contributed an article, offering viewing, reading, and listening recommendations on entrepreneurship.”

The newspaper doesn't intend to be a complete guide to entrepreneurship, Bühler emphasizes, but it is a valuable starting point for students and career advisors interested in the topic. "We want to show that entrepreneurship isn't a fixed recipe; there are many ways to build a successful career. There's more than one path to success. The Artist Independent is a starting point, a sampler of what entrepreneurship can be. It's up to students and faculty to expand on this knowledge and apply it to their fields."

The newspaper's design reflects the recent graduate experience: a little chaotic, but full of energy and opportunity. Playful typography keeps the tone lighthearted, reminding readers that as long as you focus on what you're good at, you'll always find your way.

You're Not Alone

A recent Graphic Design graduate, Helena Hesselink thoroughly enjoyed working on The Artist Independent. "After graduating as a graphic designer, I was suddenly faced with a big question mark: what now? The Artist Independent is created to remind you that you're not alone. It offers helpful tools, relatable stories, and, most importantly, motivation. Yes, life after graduation can be tough, but it's also an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Hopefully, this newspaper helps you take steps—big or small—and gives you a little more confidence in what's possible."

Eager to read the newspaper? Copies are running out fast, so grab The Artist Independent at the ArtEZ Library or check it out online!

The Artist Independent online

Hold onto this newspaper because today, you might feel inspired by one person’s tips, and next month, it could be someone else’s lessons on entrepreneurship that truly resonate with you” – Tamara Rookus