The topic of this thesis concerns the relationship between and effects of self-perception and business behaviours of creative and cultural entrepreneurs. I delve into how the two factors positively and negatively influence and affect each other, and how highly the relationship is valued by entrepreneurs and selected educational institutions, within creative and/or cultural fields.
The research features a collection of personal experiences from emerging to established entrepreneurs in education and in business. Through conversations, I discovered the vast presence of similar issues in creatives across the spectrum, from emerging (post and undergraduates), to the established. I analysed these individual stories alongside psychological research, data on the economy, and cultural, societal and political events.
Chapters include: Be yourself, Being you, Insecurity and self-perception and business in educational institutions.
Design rational
This thesis has been printed to set a scene.
The reader of this document will first see a leaflet, advertising the panel and audience discussion they attended two and a half hours ago, titled ‘Business and the Mind’. At the bottom of the leaflet, it states there is a choice of free documents to take home. The reason I have not specified the sub title of my thesis on this leaflet is because, business and the mind is such vast topic. The discussion itself would have covered various themes, not solely what this thesis writes, therefore this statement suggest the reader will of chosen a document of most interest to them.
Next, is a train ticket which states the train departed five minutes prior to the current moment in time and the destination is ‘home’. This places the reader in a typical setting which can be easily imagined, having just left an event. The train setting offers time for reflection and engagement for many commuters, which is required for relaxed and focused engagement with the final document which is this thesis, carried in a branded, canvas tote bag.
The inspiration for this designed compilation of materials is from my personal experience at the talks I attended when researching this topic. We would receive a tote bag with more information for us to engage with if we wished. The moments following most talks were utterly inspirational and fuelled with motivation and excitement for future experiences, creativity, work and opportunities. I found the best time to reflect on the materials or engage my new knowledge was either instantly or as soon as possible, which was often on the route home.
I hope you enjoy your train journey.
