Missing out on the opportunities you can’t even see?

What if the key to your solopreneurial success is hiding in the spaces you’re overlooking?

The day you learn a whole new way of seeing is one you don’t forget.

For me, it was my first day in a college art class, a drawing course focusing on fundamentals. Little did I know that what I learned there would offer profound insights into the world of solopreneurship.

It’s true. This one artistic principle can transform your solo business.

Seeing what’s not there

Gathered in a circle, my classmates and I each faced a blank sheet of paper, our drawing boards propped up on chairs or easels. I remember the sheets being attached with oversized metal clips, creating pairs of bunny ears peeking over the top of each board.

In the center, a solitary rocking chair sat on a raised platform. Our assignment was unexpected: Do not draw the chair, but the space within and around it.

What??!!

By drawing all the space between those rocking chair spindles, underneath the sweeping arms, and around the curved rockers, the shape of the chair emerges. By focusing on what’s missing, you find what’s there.

This introduction to negative space — the area surrounding and between the subject — was about to change my perspective, not just in art but also in business.

Applying the art to business

My introduction to negative space has stayed with me for so long because it made a strong impression. I think it also offers lessons for solopreneurs. Here are a few.

✅ Find opportunities in market gaps

Just as artists see the space around a subject, solopreneurs can look for holes in the market. What products or services are your competitors not offering? Identifying these gaps can reveal unique opportunities tailored to your skills and strengths.

✅ Adopt a selective focus

In art, the balance of negative and positive space creates contrast and appeal. For a solo entrepreneur, this translates into defining your business not only by the services or products you provide but also by what you intentionally exclude. This selective focus attracts a specific audience who appreciates your unique positioning.

✅ Embrace minimalist efficiency

Negative space is often linked to minimalism. For solopreneurs, this means operational efficiency — streamlining processes and focusing on essentials. This minimalist approach leads to a more focused, agile, and effective business operation.

✅ Allow room for growth

In visual art, negative space isn’t empty. It’s a canvas for potential. For a one-person business, it means leaving room for growth and expansion. Rather than filling every gap in your business with immediate solutions or offerings, allow space for your business to evolve organically.

✅ Choose to pause

In art, negative space offers a visual rest for the eye, enhancing overall appreciation Similarly, in your solo business, regular pauses for reflection and planning are crucial. These moments aren’t downtime. They’re essential for gaining fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Are you surprised by the lessons drawn from the concept of negative space? Understanding its value in art and design — the importance of what is and isn’t there — can revolutionize how you view and grow your solopreneur business.

So, what does the negative space in your solo business landscape look like? How can you use the invisible to your advantage?

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Thanks for being a reader and joining me on our journey of working solo!

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