[Podcast] CNA938 Rewind with Evan Low and Tobyato

Hear from our speakers from the UOB Arts Acceleration programme, Evan Low (music director and 2024 Young Artist Award recipient) and Toby Tan (Tobyato), a visual artist and illustrator, on thriving as an arts SEP in Singapore in an interview with CNA938 Rewind ↗ (opens in new tab).

They share insights into sustaining a creative career while managing the business side of their practice:

• Challenges of self-employment in the arts:

  • Learn how to manage finances when income fluctuates

  • Handling project logistics and team coordination is essential.

  • Up to 70–80% of their time is spent on administrative tasks rather than creation.

• Importance of digital skills:

  • Leverage social media and personal branding to grow your audience and stay relevant.

• Networking and community:

  • Programs like the Arts Acceleration Program for Self-Employed Persons provide mentorship, networking, and practical skills to navigate the arts ecosystem.

• Building relationships with clients:

  • Successful projects require understanding client expectations, audience perspectives, and collaborative communication.

  • Code-switching between creative and business perspectives is key