Crafting Identities: Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Identity Regulation in the Transition from Creative Student to Professional Artist

Peklar, Nika (2025) Crafting Identities: Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Identity Regulation in the Transition from Creative Student to Professional Artist. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

This study investigates how entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) influences art students’ identity regulation and performance-related activities as they transition from student to creative professional. To explore this question, a qualitative study was adopted using semi-structured interviews with eight art academy students. Thematic analysis was applied, guided by contrasting theoretical perspectives from Bandura’s social cognitive theory and Vancouver’s resource allocation model. Key themes emerged around identity integration versus conflict, engagement in entrepreneurial activities, and an additional theme on the development of entrepreneurial competence, which, while not central to the research question, offered valuable contextual insight. Students with higher ESE tended to integrate their artistic and entrepreneurial identities more successfully, engaging more proactively in tasks such as marketing and networking. In contrast, lower ESE was associated with identity tension and avoidance of entrepreneurial activities. Furthermore, students reported developing ESE primarily through mastery experiences, highlighting gaps in formal education’s support for entrepreneurship. These findings suggest that high ESE may reduce tensions between artistic and entrepreneurial roles by strengthening students’ confidence in tackling business-related responsibilities. This research provides insight into the identity work of emerging artists and contributes to the literature by highlighting the vital role of ESE in integrating dual identities into professional development. Crucially, it offers practical implications for art education, suggesting that integrating entrepreneurship training into the curriculum could better prepare students for life and challenges after graduation. Keywords: Creative Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Identity Regulation, Entrepreneurial Behavior, Entrepreneurial Identity

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Schmitt, A. and Kitz, C.C.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology (WOP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2025 11:50
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2025 11:50
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5096

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