Art as a Business: Embracing Growth, Authenticity, and Success
Being an artist and performer as your primary source of income is a thrilling adventure that sets you apart from typical small businesses. It’s like entering a vibrant world where your imagination becomes your currency. Instead of crunching numbers or managing spreadsheets, you can express yourself through art, music, or captivating performances.
In this blog post, I’d like to introduce you to Nate Eggins, a Brisbane-based musician, songwriter, and science communicator. Conspiracy of One is the name of Nate’s solo project, and his mission is to encourage interest in science, promote critical thinking and playfully nudge us to second-guess pseudosciences, modern advertising, and conspiracy theories through fun catchy, clever music flavoured with his quirky sense of humour. Nate is a musician who has embarked on self-development and personal growth. He understands the importance of recognizing and addressing one’s flaws and limitations to reach their full potential. Nate acknowledges that striving for perfection can be daunting, but he encourages individuals to be courageous and vulnerable in their pursuit of personal growth. In a recent podcast I recorded with Nate, he discussed the following topics in relation to his personal and business growth.
Courage and vulnerability:
As a singer-songwriter, Nate has found the courage to share his art with the world and turn his passion into his primary source of income. He values the process of self-discovery and believes that being true to oneself is essential in both music and personal development. As Nate points out, “I think it is very common for most people to put so much pressure on themselves to be maybe not perfect but at least to try and to open themselves up to recognizing their flaws. That’s a big step, one of the first steps I think to self-growth.” Admitting imperfections can be challenging, especially for those driven by perfection. However, accepting our flaws and embracing personal growth is essential to self-improvement and success in any artistic endeavour. Nate’s authentic approach to his craft has garnered attention as he fearlessly expresses his unique perspectives and themes, often incorporating science and critical thinking elements into his music.
Authenticity in Performance:
Nate’s journey as a musician has taught him valuable lessons about confidence and authenticity. While on stage, he embraces a slightly amplified version of himself, exuding confidence and charisma. However, he emphasizes that this on-stage persona is still an authentic reflection of who he is, with certain aspects of his personality amplified. “I’ve figured out a bit more of who I am as a songwriter, and that is reflected by who I am as a person. Rather than keeping them separate to a degree, I’ve just merged them and said, ‘Yeah, I’m just going to write what I want to do and do what I want to do.’” Nate’s performances have shaped his musical skills and contributed to his overall self-confidence in various areas of his life. Nate’s intention is not only to entertain but also to encourage curiosity and spark conversations.
Growth Mindset and Personal Development:
Nate is actively involved in the music community. He understands the importance of building genuine connections and friendships within the industry. By supporting other musicians and engaging in local music scenes, Nate has found a strong support network that reciprocates the support he offers. These meaningful connections have helped him cultivate a dedicated and supportive following for his music.
Goals for the Future:
“I want my music to achieve something more than just being a nice song. I want to make people more aware of the ways in which we are fooled and taken advantage of.” Looking to the future, Nate’s goals have evolved. Rather than striving for fame and large-scale success, he aims to cultivate a smaller loyal fanbase. Making a living through his original music is now a measure of success for Nate. He appreciates his music’s impact on people and values the opportunity to make a difference through his unique songwriting and performances.
Nate’s personal growth journey has shaped his music and transformed him as an individual. He has become more assertive, setting boundaries and developing self-assertiveness. Nate’s growth mindset and his passion for self-improvement have allowed him to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and continue evolving both as a musician and a person.
Nate’s story is one of courage, vulnerability, and personal development. Through his music, he inspires others to embrace their authentic selves, pursue personal growth, and appreciate the power of connecting with others. Nate’s journey reminds us that true success lies in being true to oneself and making a positive impact through our passions.
Nate’s recommendations for a successful transition from performer to business person:
- Embrace Authenticity
- Continuously Grow and Learn
- Build Genuine Connections
- Set Realistic Goals
Conclusion:
Transforming your art into a business requires courage, vulnerability, and personal growth. My interview with Nate highlights the importance of self-awareness, embracing authenticity, overcoming stage fright, nurturing a growth mindset, and building a supportive community. As an artist or performer, remember that personal development is an ongoing journey, and success is not defined solely by external markers. Stay true to yourself, be open to new experiences, and foster connections with like-minded individuals. Doing so can create a fulfilling artistic career that reflects your true passion and resonates with others. Embrace the adventure and let your creativity shine!
If you want to learn more about Nate and Conspiracy of One, you can check him out here. He has an album launch at the Brisbane Planetarium in August — the first show has sold out, so get in quick for a spot at the second show!
