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Trish Duggan is an artist, philanthropist, entrepreneur and a billionaire. I recently had the opportunity to talk with Ms. Duggan and she shared with me her knowledge of art and business and made me aware of how similar they are. Ms. Duggan has an unbelievably captivating and gripping magnetism about her that became more and more apparent as we talked about philanthropy, the artist, business, the economy, Trump, entrepreneurs and her new Museum opening over dinner.
Ms. Duggan has spent most of her life mixing it up and networking with some of the most exciting entrepreneurs and artists on this planet. So, when it comes to art and business, she has quite a lot to share with those willing to really listen. As you would imagine, when you are one of the fifteen hundred people on planet Earth with a net worth of a billion dollars, you get access to almost everyone!
I asked Ms. Duggan, "What do you think is the similarity between great entrepreneurs and great artists?" I sat back and she started listing off how many things the two had in common. Here are ten of them:
1. Intuition.
The ability to follow your gut instincts as an artist or business person is vital to the creation process and carving out your own niche. Steve Jobs followed his instincts to create the iPhone and Michelangelo, forced to paint the Sistine Chapel, created what has amazed the world for five hundred years.
Related: Why Are You Still Risking Millions on Your Intuition?
2. Creativity.
Defined as, "The use of imagination or original ideas, especially of an artistic work." But in truth, the business person must tap into creativity (use of imagination) to create solutions to solve problems and overcome challenges. Both spaces are very competitive with no shortage of art or products, so creativity is one of the sustaining traits of both.
3. Thinking outside the box.
The artist can easily be pulled into copying what is trendy or hot but the best artist and entrepreneurs don't copy, they produce outside of what is considered the norm, trendy, or hot. The most successful aren't trying to think outside the proverbial box they no longer see 'the box' as they aren't trying to copy they are interested in creating something new and improving upon what has already been done. Look at Uber as a 'think outside the box' solution to the cab. Outside the box thinking requires, in most cases, a simplification, not a complication.
Related: 7 Ways Successful and Fulfilled People Think Differently
4. Obsessed.
The great artists and entrepreneurs are both obsessed to the point of being called crazy about what they are doing. They are well known for getting lost in their art or business and getting totally consumed by it. They love their work to degrees others can't even understand. It's not uncommon to hear about the artist working in the studio until the wee hours of the morning. The same is true of the entrepreneur who works thru the weekend missing out on what others call 'normal' life. The obsessed artist and entrepreneur works and operates the best when they are surrounded by others who understand and support their obsession.
5. Get your art or product out.
Both the artist and entrepreneur must get their ideas and products into the marketplace and into the hands of others. We don't know the artist who kept their art at home hidden away. We only know the artist who got their art out! (Or after someone else got it out for them.) The same is true of the great business people. They get their ideas into the marketplace in a massive way.
6. Abolish perfectionism.
You can't be successful in art or in business if you are a slave to perfectionism. While both the crazy entrepreneur and artist seek perfectionism in their work they are not stymied by it knowing they must produce with speed in order to one day get it right.
Related: 9 Signs Your Perfectionism Is Out Of Control
7. Get attention.
If no one ever knows about you, no one will ever know your art or your product. You must make getting known a priority. The most well-known artists are not necessarily the best artists but they are best known. Even if you are an entrepreneur you must make yourself known or have someone do this for you.
8. Produce in quantity to discover quality.
You will never discover your masterpiece creating one piece or one product or delivering one presentation. No one is so good or so lucky that their first piece is so amazing that the world is going to stop and recognize them. You most likely will be forced to produce in great quantities to discover your best qualities.
9. Purpose.
The purpose of the artist is to create an effect in the viewer or the customer and the same is true in business. The goal of the artist and the entrepreneur is to create something so compelling as to cause the customer or prospect to take action and want to own your product or service.
Related: Why an Authentic Purpose Is the Best Differentiator
10. Delegate so you can create.
You can't create when you are doing tasks you are either no good at or don't like to do. It is important to delegate tasks and eliminate wasteful time and resources on drama and activities that rob you of your creativity and ability to produce.
As an expert in the realms of art, entrepreneurship, and business, I bring a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience to shed light on the fascinating connection between these two worlds. My expertise allows me to delve into the concepts presented in the article featuring Trish Duggan, an artist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and billionaire.
Trish Duggan's insights highlight the striking similarities between great entrepreneurs and great artists. Here, I'll elaborate on the ten shared characteristics mentioned in the article:
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Intuition: Both artists and business people rely on intuition to guide their creative and strategic decisions. Trish Duggan draws parallels between Steve Jobs' instinct in creating the iPhone and Michelangelo's intuitive approach to painting the Sistine Chapel.
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Creativity: Creativity is not limited to the realm of art. Successful entrepreneurs tap into their imaginative capabilities to devise innovative solutions for business challenges. The competitive nature of both fields demands a continuous flow of creative ideas.
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Thinking Outside the Box: The best artists and entrepreneurs don't conform to trends but instead produce outside the norm. They aim to create something new and improve upon existing ideas. Examples like Uber, a revolutionary solution to traditional cabs, exemplify this 'outside the box' thinking.
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Obsession: Great artists and entrepreneurs share a common trait of being obsessed with their work. This intense passion often leads to total immersion in their craft, working tirelessly to achieve their goals and aspirations.
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Get Your Art or Product Out: Both artists and entrepreneurs need to showcase their creations to the world. Success comes from getting ideas and products into the marketplace, ensuring visibility and recognition.
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Abolish Perfectionism: While perfectionism is sought after, it should not hinder the production process. Artists and entrepreneurs understand the importance of balancing the pursuit of perfection with the need for speed and productivity.
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Get Attention: Visibility is crucial. Whether you're an artist or an entrepreneur, making yourself known is a priority. Being well-known doesn't necessarily equate to being the best, but it does ensure recognition.
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Produce in Quantity to Discover Quality: Mastery is often achieved through quantity. Artists and entrepreneurs recognize the need to produce in volume to uncover and refine their best qualities.
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Purpose: Both in art and business, the purpose is to create an impact. The goal is to compel viewers or customers to take action, whether it's appreciating art or investing in a product or service.
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Delegate So You Can Create: Delegation is a key factor in maintaining creativity. Artists and entrepreneurs understand the importance of focusing on their strengths and delegating tasks that may hinder their ability to create.
Trish Duggan's perspective, shared in the article, serves as a valuable lens through which we can explore the interconnectedness of art and business, revealing fundamental principles that drive success in both domains.
