“An Idiot’s Guide to Anarchy” Independent Artist Entrepreneurship Workshop and Curriculum (2019-present)

by Timothy “Ill Poetic” Gmeiner (curriculum co-developed by San Diego City College Commercial Music Dept. Chair Bob Kostlan)

As an artist who often lacked the knowledge and resources to attain my own goals, I believe once a young artist is inspired to create, access to the proper resources and education is necessary. This curriculum is designed to give them the tools to succeed at that.

In 2019, I began guest lecturing at various San Diego, CA colleges,national festivals and centers based in under-resourced communities on the subject of artist entrepreneurship. These lectures and workshops act as my first step towards a fully expansive curriculum geared to help provide both college students and under-resourced youth with an overview of the tenants, resources and options that exist in creating a sustainable and tangible self-governed career in the anarchic creative field. This curriculum has been accredited in the state of California where I currently teach at San Diego City College.

Objectives: This course is purposed to give students theoretical and practical applications to build a unique and fulfilling career as a self-employed music artist. Topics range from theoretical subjects such as nurturing the creative process, goal-setting and building creative discipline to practical applications, such as exploring specific outlets of revenue streams, financial planning and steps toward self-ownership. By the end of this introductory course, students will acquire the resources and understanding of how to build a fulfilling creative life of self-employment and align this with the growth of their artistry.

Available as an in-person and synchronous/asynchronous virtual course.