711510 - Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
When it comes to the vibrant world of creativity, NAICS code 711510 stands at the heart of independent artistic expression. This code represents a diverse group of talented individuals who craft original works and perform unique productions outside the bounds of formal organizations. Whether you're a freelance painter, an independent author, or a solo performing artist, understanding this NAICS classification can help you navigate government contracting, business development, and market positioning.
What is NAICS Code 711510?
NAICS code 711510, titled Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers, covers independent individuals primarily engaged in performing, writing, or creating original artistic content on their own. These creative professionals typically operate as freelancers or run their own small businesses, without direct affiliation to larger companies or institutions.
Key Description:
This industry comprises independent individuals primarily engaged in:
- Performing in artistic productions
- Writing original works
- Creating art without being affiliated with an organization
They often work on a freelance basis or as self-employed entrepreneurs.
Sector Overview: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
NAICS 711510 falls under the broader sector of Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, which encompasses a wide range of cultural, artistic, and entertainment activities. Independent artists, writers, and performers contribute significantly to this sector by producing original creative content that enriches cultural and artistic landscapes.
Typical business activities under this NAICS code include:
- Independent music and vocal performances
- Writing books, scripts, and artistic copy
- Acting in film, television, or theater
- Designing and restoring artworks and theatrical sets
- Freelance photography and photojournalism
Size Standard for NAICS 711510
For government contracting and small business classification purposes, the size standard for NAICS code 711510 is $9 million in average annual receipts. This means businesses with revenues at or below this threshold can qualify as small businesses under this classification.
Examples of Businesses under NAICS 711510
Here are some typical business types and activities classified under NAICS 711510:
- Freelance musicians and singers: Solo artists offering performances for events or recordings
- Independent authors and writers: Novelists, journalists, technical writers working on a contract or self-publishing basis
- Solo performing artists and entertainers: Standup comedians, magicians, dancers, and theatrical performers working independently
Detailed Code Breakdown: Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
| Art & Creative Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Actors, independent | Freelance performers for film, TV, stage |
| Actresses, independent | Independent female performers |
| Animated cartoon artists, independent | Freelance animators |
| Announcers, independent radio and television | Independent broadcasters |
| Art restorers, independent | Restoration specialists for paintings, artifacts |
| Artists (except musical, commercial, medical), independent | Painters, sculptors, and visual artists |
| Authors, independent | Freelance writers of books, scripts, articles |
| Ballet dancers, independent | Solo ballet performers |
| Cameramen, independent (freelance) | Freelance camera operators |
| Cartoonists, independent | Independent comic strip or editorial artists |
| Celebrity spokespersons, independent | Freelance brand endorsers |
| Choreographers, independent | Independent dance routine designers |
| Cinematographers, independent | Freelance camera directors |
| Comedians, independent | Standup and improv comedians |
| Composers, independent | Original music creators |
| Conductors, independent | Orchestra and band leaders |
| Conservators (art, artifact restorers), independent | Specialists restoring works of art |
| Costume designers, independent theatrical | Freelance costume creation for theater/film |
| Dancers, independent | Performance artists in dance |
| Directors (film, music, theatrical), independent | Freelance directors of artistic productions |
| Disc jockeys, independent | Freelance DJs |
| Entertainers, independent | Various solo performers |
| Ethnic dancers, independent | Solo cultural dance performers |
| Film actors, independent | Film and TV performers on a freelance basis |
| Film producers, independent | Creators and financiers of film projects |
| Folk dancers, independent | Performers of traditional dances |
| Ghost writers, independent | Uncredited authors creating written content |
| Independent museum exhibit designers | Freelance exhibit and display designers |
| Independent technical writers | Writers specializing in technical content |
| Interpretive dancers, independent | Storytelling through dance |
| Jazz dancers, independent | Solo jazz performers |
| Journalists, independent (freelance) | Freelance news reporters and story writers |
| Lecturers, independent | Freelance public speakers |
| Lighting technicians, theatrical, independent | Freelance stage lighting professionals |
| Magicians, independent | Solo magical entertainers |
| Models, independent | Freelance professional models |
| Motion picture directors, independent | Independent film directors |
| Motion picture producers, independent | Freelance film project producers |
| Motivational speakers, independent | Freelance inspirational speakers |
| Music arrangers, independent | Independent creators of music arrangements |
| Music directors, independent | Freelance leaders of musical ensembles |
| News correspondents, independent (freelance) | Freelance news reporters |
| Newspaper columnists, independent (freelance) | Freelance article and opinion writers |
| Orchestra conductors, independent | Freelance conductors of orchestras |
| Painters (artists), independent | Independent visual artists |
| Painting restorers, independent | Specialists in art conservation |
| Performers (entertainers), independent | General solo live performers |
| Performing artists, independent | Broad category of solo creatives |
| Photographers, independent artistic | Freelance photographers |
| Photojournalists, independent (freelance) | Freelance news and event photographers |
| Playwrights, independent | Independent creators of scripts for theater |
| Poets, independent | Written artists of poetry |
| Political cartoonists, independent | Artists creating editorial cartoons |
| Producers, independent | Creators of live or recorded performances |
| Radio commentators, independent | Freelance radio hosts or commentators |
| Record producers, independent | Freelance music project producers |
| Recording technicians, independent | Freelance audio engineers |
| Reporters, independent (freelance) | Independent news reporters |
| Scenery designers, independent theatrical | Freelance set and scenery creators |
| Screenplay writers, independent | Freelance film and TV scriptwriters |
| Script writers, independent | Writers for radio, film, and theater |
| Sculptors, independent | Freelance artists working in 3D art |
| Set designers, independent theatrical | Stage and set construction planners |
| Sketch artists, independent | Visual story or concept artists |
| Song writers, independent | Freelance composers and lyricists |
| Speakers, independent | Public speakers on varied topics |
| Special effect technicians, independent | Freelance visual effects professionals |
| Sports announcers, independent | Freelance commentators for sporting events |
| Stage set erecting and dismantling, independent | Freelance stagehands and riggers |
| Standup comedians, independent | Solo comedy performers |
| Storytellers, independent | Oral tradition artists |
| Taxidermists, independent | Freelance animal preservation artists |
| Technical writers, independent | Writers of manuals and technical documentation |
| Television producers, independent | Creators and producers of TV content |
| Wildlife artists, independent | Artists specializing in nature and wildlife imagery |
| Writers of advertising copy, independent | Freelance ad copywriters |
| Writers, independent (freelance) | Broad category of freelance writers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of professionals are classified under NAICS 711510?
NAICS 711510 includes independent artists, writers, and performers such as freelance musicians, actors, authors, dancers, photographers, and other solo artists who create original artistic works.
Does NAICS 711510 include employees of artistic organizations?
No. This code covers individuals working independently or running their own businesses, not those affiliated with organizations or companies.
What is the size standard for small businesses under this NAICS code?
The size standard is $9 million in average annual receipts.
How can understanding NAICS 711510 help my business?
Knowing your NAICS classification aids in applying for government contracts, marketing your services, and positioning your business within the creative sector.
Can freelancers in this category operate as sole proprietors?
Yes, many independent artists, writers, and performers operate as sole proprietors or small business entities.
Conclusion
NAICS code 711510 - Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers represents a dynamic and creative segment of the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation sector. Whether you're a freelance musician, writer, actor, or visual artist, understanding this classification and its scope can help you align your business strategy, explore contracting opportunities, and connect with your target market more effectively.
Explore the vibrant world of independent creativity under NAICS 711510 and position your artistic business for success!
