Entrepreneurship lessons from an entrepreneurial artist

For Billie Rae Busby, entrepreneurship is inherently creative. 

“There is no one direct pathway to becoming an artist, much like the journey of an entrepreneur," she says.

Busby is an award-winning contemporary visual artist. Hailing from Yorkton, Sask., she creates abstract paintings inspired by the natural world, interpreting ordinary places in a fresh, new context. 

On Nov. 19, Busby will speak about the intersection between being an artist and an entrepreneur at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. During the session, she will speak about the power of creative thinking, how to build resilience and how self-belief can drive sustainable success in business. 

This session is not just for artists; it’s for anyone who has entrepreneurial aspirations, whether in tech, health care, food services or the arts community. 

Thinking like an artist to build like an entrepreneur

Busby developed an affinity for art at a young age. “I always knew that art would be in my life,” she says.

Though Busby loved the practice, she didn’t realize it could be a full-time career at first. After nearly 20 years working in marketing, sales and communications and pursuing painting part-time on the side, Busby pivoted to being a full-time artist in 2021.

Her foundation in marketing gave her the tools to easily step into an entrepreneurial mindset as an artist. 

“Working in sports, budgets can be quite low, especially in the not-for-profit sector. With that, we had to constantly be creative and be willing to pivot," Busby says. "With sports, there are so many unpredictable variables, so you have to learn to grow comfortable with uncertainty. As an artist, it’s the same thing.”  

Busby believes that for those who wish to pursue art as a career, there is a dance between being both an artist and an entrepreneur.

“Being an artist means that you’re always open to ideas,” she says. “I’m a landscape artist, so I’m always looking for that next beautiful sunset or the northern lights as inspiration. I’m always open to that awe and wonder.” 

Busby believes this translates into the way entrepreneurs work every day. 

“I’m always open to something out of my comfort zone or trying something new, which is crucial in entrepreneurship,” she says.

“Every day in the studio, I am making choices, making decisions. Innovation is baked into my everyday as an artist. Resilience is big. Learning how to pivot and adapt is just part of the process. When you’re doing a lot of things on your own, in the studio by yourself, you have to be your own cheerleader and learn how to shut that inner critic out. That’s where resiliency comes to play.”

For Busby, it’s important to maintain integrity as an artist and entrepreneur. 

“You have to do what you say and say what you’re going to do. And enjoy the process,” she says.

Building a strong community and network for collaboration

Working in the arts community, Busby says there’s no guidebook on how to break into the industry. With that uncertainty, having a support network is crucial. 

“As an artist, much of your day is solo. Having a community and having other artists around you is really important,” she says. “And it doesn’t have to be competitive. If one artist is doing well, that means there’s opportunities for other artists.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Busby joined Create Collective, a global creative community for creative entrepreneurs to grow, connect and thrive in their careers. She says the support and space to share knowledge has been extremely valuable throughout her journey.

“It’s a great chance for us to ask questions. There are artists from all around the world in this group and it’s amazing to share best practices, help each other and learn from each other across our different careers,” she says. 

Ultimately, Busby believes the right people can help keep you grounded and positive. 

“It’s a mindset shift. The economy isn’t against us; let’s band together and create change in the economy,” she says. “Let’s inspire each other.” 

A thriving art community in Calgary

Calgary has been home to Busby for the last 26 years. 

“The entrepreneurial spirit here is infectious; that’s what drew me to Calgary in the first place,” she says. 

“It encompasses everything. From the oil and gas industry to the restaurants here, to the local movie theatre. This spirit really differentiates Calgary from other big cities across North America.”

Moreover, she loves the friendliness of the city. “What I love about the art community in Calgary is that it’s very non-competitive," Busby says. "We cheer each other on, we go to each other’s events and we share Instagram posts.”

Register for the event now

Throughout the year, the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial thinking hosts inspiring entrepreneurs on campus as part of the TC Energy Ingenuity Speaker Series. In bringing innovative thinkers and doers to campus, the Speaker Series gives the UCalgary community a chance to hear their insights and experiences, sparking conversations about entrepreneurial thinking, innovation and more. The Speaker Series is made possible thanks to the generous support of TC Energy.

Event details

Think Like an Artist, Build Like an Entrepreneur

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Hunter Student Commons, 4th Floor

Register now and be among the first 100 attendees to receive a receive a postcard-size print of Busby’s work.