Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
To Start As A Pro28528/3499/2526/1/41
Study guide

To Start As A Pro

28528/3499/2526/1/41
Academic year 2025-26
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
    Choice package:
    • Elective courses
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
    Choice package:
    • aan opleidingsonderdelen naar keuze
  • Master of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 3
In other study programme:
  • Master of Arts in Visual Arts as To Start As A Pro
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
Special admission is required to enrol in this course unit under
  • exam contract (to obtain a credit).
  • exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Co-ordinator: Jacobs Sven
Languages: English
Scheduled for: Semester 1 or Semester 2
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 01.12.2025 (1st semester) or 15.03.2026 (2nd semester)
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 90,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

To Start As A Pro supports students in their transition from academia to the professional field. It offers students insight into how to position themselves within the art and design world, how to develop a strategic and financial plan, and how to shape an artistic practice in a sustainable way. To Start As A Pro provides the tools and confidence to start an artistic career in a conscious and purposeful way in a complex and competitive sector.

Learning outcomes (list)

MA1 - The student has an artistic and autonomous attitude and continues to develop his/herown art practice.
The student is able to analyze his specific professional market and determine his own position as a starter.
The student can formulate a USP and knows how a strategic plan can be elaborated based on a long-term mission and vision and resulting in concrete short-term actions.
The student is able to budget his / her plans and also learns to achieve better results in negotiation.)

Course content

In To Start As A Pro, students prepare for the start of their professional career as an artist.
We analyse the art market, explore our position as a starter and learn how to distinguish ourselves with a clear USP (Unique Selling Proposition). Step by step, we build a strategic plan: from mission, vision and values to concrete actions. The financial side of being an artist is also covered, including tips and techniques for stronger (commercial) negotiations.

Attendance during classes is important. Absences can have a negative impact on your study results.

Study material (text): Mandatory

Course and video material offered via DigitAP

Educational organisation (list)

Dagtraject
Flexibel traject
Lectures and / or tutorials5,00 hours
Lectures and / or tutorials8,00 hours
Practicum5,00 hours
Practicum8,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours64,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodKnowledge and comprehension test during the examination series100,00
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodKnowledge and comprehension test during the examination series100,00

Evaluation (text)

Sem 1: paper
2nd examperiod: paper