This books provides a critical perspective on entrepreneurialism in the creative industries. Split into three sections, the book first asks the contextual question; why, at this point in time, did we arrive at such a focus on entrepreneurship in the creative industries? Examining the historical, social, cultural, economic and political background, the book places the creative industries and entrepreneurship firmly within a systemic approach to creativity and cultural production. Given this emphasis on entrepreneurship in the creative system, the second part of the book asks, what do those who want to work in the creative industries need to do to pragmatically gain an income? The practices, skills, business models and plans necessary to master in order to successfully run a business are explored in this section. The final section contains detailed case studies that reveal the lives of those who found a way to successfully gain an income in the creative industries. It highlights the practical knowledge they gathered, how they negotiated their field of endeavour, and the decisions they made in the real world.

Part I The Context for Creative Industries Entrepreneurship.-1 Introduction to Entrepreneurship in the Creative Industries.-2 Socio-Historical Context of Entrepreneurship in the Creative Industries.-3 Theoretical Contexts of Entrepreneurship in the Creative Industries.-4 Systems of Creative Industries Entrepreneurship: A Framework.-Part II How You Do It: Taking Care of Business.-5 Entrepreneurial Practices and Skills: Personal Skill Sets, the Gift Economy, Clusters, and the State.-6 Entrepreneurial Business Plans and Models: The Nuts and Bolts of Running a Business.-Part III Case Studies: Profiles of Successful Entrepreneurs in a Variety of Creative Industry Contexts.-7 Entrepreneurship in Publishing, Writing and Journalism.-8 Entrepreneurship in the Music and Radio Industries.-9 Entrepreneurship in Film and Screen.-10 Entrepreneurship in Visual and Performing Arts.-11 Entrepreneurship in Advertising and Public Relations.-12 Entrepreneurship in Design, Fashion, and Architecture.-13 Entrepreneurship in Gaming and IT.-14 Conclusions and Caveatsof Entrepreneurship in the Creative Industries