Archana Surana, Founder & Director, ARCH College of Design and Business

Archana Surana is a visionary leader in design education with over 30 years of experience. As the Founder and Director of ARCH College of Design & Business in Jaipur, she has been a driving force in shaping the future of design education in India. Under her leadership, ARCH has cultivated a unique learning ecosystem that bridges academia and industry. She previously served as the Vice President of the Cumulus Association and is currently an Executive Board Member, representing India on the global stage. 

In the world of invention and self-sufficiency, innovative businesses are driving employment and becoming highly profitable. This field combines creativity and innovation with practical business concepts, enabling people to transform their hobbies into viable businesses. It encompasses many areas of design and media, technology, and social responsibility, and it is one of the most fulfilling career fields one can embark upon.

The creative economy has been on the rise all over the world and has upgraded career prospects as well. Agencies like UNCTAD and UNESCO, under the United Nations, acknowledge and promote the Orange Economy (also known as Creative Economy) as an essential aspect for sustainable development, which reveals the entrepreneurial opportunities in this segment, demonstrating how it is transforming industries and creating breakthroughs. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, recently addressed the rise of India’s Orange Economy during his inaugural speech at the WAVES 2025 summit, which encompasses different creative sections.

The growth of the Creative Economy

The global creative industries market size stood at approximately USD 2.67 trillion in 2022, according to a report published by Research Nester. The global market is estimated to grow up to a CAGR of 4.29% and is expected to reach USD 3,430.88 billion by 2031, with considerable expansion attributed to the global need for digital content, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and purpose-driven businesses.

Creative Entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking this expansion. This change is being spearheaded by businesspeople who are incorporating creativity with new technologies to solve problems as well as meet the new needs of customers.

Starting your creative enterprise journey

The process of creating a creative business venture needs direction, focus, and flexibility. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Discover your niche

Start with what makes you most passionate. From writing a story, to designing, coding, or making handicrafts, your passion is the core of your business.

2. Research the market

It is important to comprehend the market and its customers. The rising trend in green products or immersive virtual reality services, for example, may set the direction of your project.

3. Diversify your portfolio

In most creative fields, it is vital to have an outstanding portfolio that reflects your work and capabilities. This could be a portfolio of designs, a YouTube page, or a series of models illustrating your skills.

4. Learn the basics of business

Where creativity is your forte, business sense will help to keep things going. Learn marketing skills, budgeting, and project management skills through workshops, online classes, or by being mentored.

5. Embrace technology

Make use of technology to reach as many people as you can with your message. For example, apply AI for a more tailored approach to a customer, or blockchain for a more secure purchase, or AR/VR for an engaging narrative.

Creative Entrepreneurship opens many gateways for enthusiasts to convert their love into a productive venture.

6. Begin with a small step

Make a pilot run of your products and services and collect feedback in order to improve your products before going mainstream. This reduces risks and enables you to meet market needs as they are.

Creative Entrepreneurship opens many gateways for enthusiasts to convert their love into a productive venture. The emergence of newer technologies such as AI, AR/VR, and sustainable practices opens up even more thrilling paths. Below are some of the outstanding opportunities emerging in the creative entrepreneurship space:

• Media and Digital Content Creation: The streaming services, social media, and online learning have created an incredible need for engaging content. Often, creative entrepreneurs in these creations see themselves as filmmakers, influencers, podcast creators, and digital marketers, but at core, they are all changemakers.
• AI and Emerging Technologies: Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing creative industries by offering personalized experiences, performing repetitive tasks, and enhancing creativity. Entrepreneurs can use AI for creative software, virtual assistants, or even AI-generated art and music.
• Sustainable Ventures: With eco-conscious consumers targeting biodegradable bags, getting eco-links, or clean energy, entrepreneurial opportunities are expanding. Entrepreneurs can also mix creativity into the environment while trying to meet such demands.
• Design and Innovation: From UI/UX design to industrial design, the creative community is changing the interaction of humans with technology and products that include the design of intuitive apps, comfortable furniture, or attractive branding.
• Immersive Experiences: AR and VR combined create tech-enhanced entertainment, education, and retail, thus paving the way for interactive experiences. Thus, being an entrepreneur, one can create a virtual classroom, a VR game, or an immersive brand experience.
• Social Impact Businesses: Creative entrepreneurship is not only a journey to profits, but a call to purpose. Many purpose-driven entrepreneurs find creative ways to address issues such as mental health, gender equality, or cultural preservation.

Creative Economy is not just a career path; it’s a movement towards innovation and individuality. As industries grow and adapt to technological advancements, creative entrepreneurs have the chance to shape the future.