Embracing the Power of Artists: Why Businesses Should Stop Saying They Don’t Need Them

In the corporate world, it’s become quite fashionable for businesses to boldly proclaim, “We don’t need no stinkin’ artists!” But let’s be honest, it’s time to take a step back and dissect this oh-so-enlightened sentiment. After all, who needs those pesky creatives cluttering up the boardroom, right?

What’s Art Anyway?

Who needs the enigmatic world of art? I mean, it’s not like art has been shaping human culture for centuries or anything. Why waste your time when you can stick to boring Excel spreadsheets and the occasional stock photo for your presentations? The Mona Lisa, Schmona Lisa, who needs her enigmatic smile when you’ve got pie charts?

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of the business world, it’s easy to overlook the essential role that artists can play in driving innovation, sparking creativity, and creating connections. Business leaders who dismiss the value of art and artists are missing out on a treasure trove of benefits that could transform their organizations in ways they can’t even imagine.

Creativity is Overrated

Why bother with artists who have the audacity to think outside the box, when you can keep doing what you’ve always done? After all, change is for wimps. It’s not like innovation, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving are the cornerstones of a thriving business. Dull, repetitive, and stagnant, that’s the way to go.

In an era where adaptability and innovation are the keys to success, it’s critical to recognize that artists are the quintessential experts in creative thinking. They thrive on challenging the status quo, breaking boundaries, and inventing new ways of seeing the world. Artists bring the gift of unconventional thinking to the table, offering solutions that would never cross the minds of those stuck in a rut of routine.

Originality is So 20th Century

Originality? Pfft. It’s a highly overrated concept that artists are obsessed with. They just won’t stop yapping about unique ideas, fresh concepts, and groundbreaking innovations. Why go through the trouble of being original when you can just regurgitate what everyone else is doing and call it a day? Conformity, people, that’s where it’s at.

Originality isn’t some whimsical notion; it’s the lifeblood of progress. Every groundbreaking product, every revolutionary service, and every game-changing technology was once just a spark of originality. Artists are the torchbearers of original thought, illuminating the path to innovation. Businesses that embrace this creative force can navigate uncharted waters and leave their competitors in the dust.

Who Wants to Attract Customers?

Ah, customer engagement, who needs it? Just toss out those imaginative ad campaigns, inspiring content, and captivating visuals. In fact, let’s replace all advertising agencies with accountants. That’ll be thrilling for sure. After all, attracting customers is for those who actually want their business to succeed.

Customer engagement isn’t just a marketing buzzword; it’s the lifeblood of business growth. Artists have an uncanny ability to create content that resonates with audiences on a deeply emotional level. They craft stories that make consumers feel seen, heard, and understood. In a world drowning in marketing noise, this connection is pure gold.

Mindless Machines Are All the Rage

Forget the notion of a human touch. Machines, algorithms, and mindless automatons are the way of the future. Who cares about evoking emotions or creating something beautiful? We should all just be soulless cogs in the corporate machine. Isn’t that the dream?

Embracing a future of automation and artificial intelligence is a necessity, but it doesn’t mean we should discard our humanity in the process. Artists provide the heart and soul that technology lacks. They infuse your business with character and personality. In a world where automation threatens to strip away individuality, artists offer a touch of humanity that can set your brand apart.

Art is a Hobby, Not a Profession

Many think artists should get real jobs and stop trying to make a living off their creativity. I mean, if your profession doesn’t involve endless meetings, corporate jargon, and mind-numbing spreadsheets, is it even a profession? Artists, go find a “real” job!

Art is indeed a profession, one that requires skill, dedication, and passion. It’s time we recognize that artists deserve fair compensation for their contributions, just like any other professional. By undervaluing the work of artists, we’re stifling innovation and impoverishing our cultural landscape. Embracing artists as valued professionals not only benefits your business but also enriches society as a whole.

Who needs creativity, innovation, and the ability to connect with customers when you can have a bland, uninspiring, and lifeless corporate existence instead?

The truth is, businesses that embrace the power of artists will thrive in an increasingly competitive world. Artists are the catalysts for change, the wellspring of originality, and the champions of connection. It’s high time we acknowledge their invaluable contributions and invite them into the corporate fold. Your next creative breakthrough might just be a paintbrush stroke or a poetic verse away.

Denise "The Vamp DeVille " Zubizarreta is a neurodivergent artist of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, with over a decade of experience in various creative fields. She is currently an arts and culture writer for Hyperallergic and Southwest Contemporary , two leading online publications that offer curated and critical perspectives on contemporary arts and culture.

Denise holds a B.F.A. in Fine Art from the esteemed Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) , and is pursuing her Masters in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management (M.A.L.C.M.) at Colorado State University . Her passion for arts and culture drives her to explore and challenge the intersections of post-colonial theory, identity, technology and traditions in her writing and mixed media works.