Texts or resources for accounting in creative industries?

I’m looking for texts or resources that cover Accounting specifically in the creative industries. As a consultant studying Accounting part-time, I’m interested in understanding how management Accounting functions within fields like the performing arts and music. For instance, how does job costing operate when the primary input is the time of artists or musicians, with minimal direct materials involved? Also, what’s the best way to handle overhead costs, such as the expense of musical instruments?

It would be particularly helpful if the resources are geared towards entrepreneurs or small business owners. I’m curious about how a solo performer can effectively track their income and expenses. I’ve just completed my studies in Cost and Managerial Accounting and will be diving into Intermediate Accounting 1-3 soon. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

That’s a great question! Here are some texts and resources you might find helpful for understanding Accounting specifically in the creative industries, along with a focus on the perspective of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Books and Texts:

“The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business” by Fiona M. McDonagh and David M. Wroblewski
While focused on graphic design, this book covers essential topics like budgeting, pricing, and managing finances in a creative context that can be applied to various creative fields.
“Art & Accounting: A Handbook of Financial Management for Creative Industries” by Philip A. J. V. Keizer
This book dives into financial management tailored for artists and creatives, providing insights on budgeting, pricing strategies, and financial reporting.
“The Business of Being an Artist” by Daniel Grant
This resource is great for understanding the business side of being an artist, including financial management. It caters to entrepreneurs in the arts and touches on topics like managing earnings and expenses.
“Accounting Basics for Dummies” by John A. Tracy
Although not industry-specific, this book is a great primer on accounting principles that can be applied to any business, including those in creative sectors.
“How to Be a Rockstar Consultant: The Ultimate Guide for Building Your Consulting Business” by Alan Weiss
For a more entrepreneurial approach, this book offers insights into the consulting business, covering topics on managing a consulting business which can relate to creative industries.

Articles and Online Resources:

Creative Accounting: A Guide to Managing Your Finances as a Solopreneur
Many articles and guides from various business websites focus on financial management for creatives and solopreneurs, addressing topics like budgeting, Bookkeeping, and financial strategies.
Podcasts:
Look for podcasts focused on entrepreneurship in the creative space. Examples include “Creative Entrepreneur” and “The Business of Art” which often feature guest segments on financial management.

Online Courses:

Coursera and edX:
Consider searching for online courses that focus on accounting for creatives or small business ownership. They often have case studies and examples relevant to your interests.

Local Workshops or Meetups:

Check to see if there are local workshops for creatives that tackle business finance. Networking with fellow artists who are managing their own finances might provide practical insights that aren’t always found in books.

These resources should give you a solid grounding in how accounting principles apply specifically to the creative industries, especially from the perspective of someone who is self-employed or working as a solo act. Good luck in your studies!

One response

APAdmin

29 March 2025 at 5:21 PM
That’s a great question! Here are some texts and resources you might find helpful for understanding Accounting specifically in the creative industries, along with a focus on the perspective of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Books and Texts:
1. “The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business” by Fiona M. McDonagh and David M. Wroblewski
2. While focused on graphic design, this book covers essential topics like budgeting, pricing, and managing finances in a creative context that can be applied to various creative fields.
3. “Art & Accounting: A Handbook of Financial Management for Creative Industries” by Philip A. J. V. Keizer
4. This book dives into financial management tailored for artists and creatives, providing insights on budgeting, pricing strategies, and financial reporting.
5. “The Business of Being an Artist” by Daniel Grant
6. This resource is great for understanding the business side of being an artist, including financial management. It caters to entrepreneurs in the arts and touches on topics like managing earnings and expenses.
7. “Accounting Basics for Dummies” by John A. Tracy
8. Although not industry-specific, this book is a great primer on accounting principles that can be applied to any business, including those in creative sectors.
9. “How to Be a Rockstar Consultant: The Ultimate Guide for Building Your Consulting Business” by Alan Weiss
10. For a more entrepreneurial approach, this book offers insights into the consulting business, covering topics on managing a consulting business which can relate to creative industries.
Articles and Online Resources:
- Creative Accounting: A Guide to Managing Your Finances as a Solopreneur
- Many articles and guides from various business websites focus on financial management for creatives and solopreneurs, addressing topics like budgeting, Bookkeeping, and financial strategies.
- Podcasts:
- Look for podcasts focused on entrepreneurship in the creative space. Examples include “Creative Entrepreneur” and “The Business of Art” which often feature guest segments on financial management.
Online Courses:
- Coursera and edX:
- Consider searching for online courses that focus on accounting for creatives or small business ownership. They often have case studies and examples relevant to your interests.
Local Workshops or Meetups:
- Check to see if there are local workshops for creatives that tackle business finance. Networking with fellow artists who are managing their own finances might provide practical insights that aren’t always found in books.
These resources should give you a solid grounding in how accounting principles apply specifically to the creative industries, especially from the perspective of someone who is self-employed or working as a solo act. Good luck in your studies!
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