Art and business just don't mix, or so the stereotype goes.
Artists are free-thinking creative types, while business people are number-crunching detail hounds, and ne'er the twain shall meet.
But David Hanson, CEO of the Fargo-based H2M advertising agency, sees things differently.
Doing business is "an art form," and if you want your art to be more than a hobby, you have to learn the business side, says Hanson, whose company's clients include Kroll's Diner, Paradiso and Space Aliens Restaurant.
Hanson is one of the featured speakers at Wednesday's 2nd Annual Music Industry Summit at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
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The event is hosted by the MSUM music department and is geared to students in the music industry program and graphic communications students, though it is free and open to the public.
Along with getting some tips on how to market themselves, students will get a look at a number of professional outlets for their skills.
"The aim of the summit is to educate our students at MSUM and area students who are curious about the ways that they can apply their musical and artistic passion in the world of commerce," says assistant professor of music Simon Rowe, who coordinates the music industry program with his colleague Ryan Jackson, an assistant professor of music.
"We want (students) to come away with a lot of possibilities where there may not have been," Jackson says. "There are ways to feed both your creative passion and your artistic passion and yourself."
Also speaking at the event will be Lee Massey, president and executive producer of Fargo-based Media Productions, a full-service audio, video, photography and event production company.
"Hopefully, I and some of the other presenters can inspire the students about the many opportunities that are available in these industries," Massey says.
There's also something in it for him.
"We are always looking for well-qualified graduates," he says.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Shane Mercer at (701) 451-5734
If you go
- What: Music Industry Summit and CD release
- When: 9 a.m. Wednesday
- Where: Hansen Auditorium at Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Info: Admission is free. Call
(218) 477-2103 for more information.
- Summit schedule:
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9 a.m.: Guest speakers
2 p.m.: Question-and-answer session.
6 p.m.: MSUM studio tour
7:30 p.m.: Concert marking the release of "Dragon Tracks XIII" as well as two EPs, all of which were produced by MSUM students.
9 p.m.: Reception
