To be successful at one thing, like inventing a new product, it helps to be successful at other things too, according to a new study published in Economic Development Quarterly.

The study found that accomplished entrepreneurs, as measured by owning a company or developing a patent, were eight times more likely to have been exposed to the arts than the average worker, The Telegraph reported.

The extent of an individual's relationship with the arts is also important, according to Dr. Rex LaMore

"If you started as a young child and continued in your adult years, you are more likely to be an inventor as measured by the number of patents generated, businesses formed or articles published. And that was something we were surprised to discover," LaMore said.

Researchers analyzed data from Michigan State students with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degrees who graduated from 1990 to 1995, according to The Telegraph. The graduates with the most longstanding and pervasive relationship with the arts experienced the most entrepreneurial success.

Results also showed that STEM students were more likely to have been exposed to the arts in general. Ninety three percent had some form of musical training at home compared to 34 percent of non STEM subjects. STEM majors were also more likely to be involved in the visual arts, dancing, and creative writing in their youth, The Telegraph reported.

Metal works, electronics, and architecture, when practiced at a young age, were also an impetus for future inventors. Participants with some exposure to metal works and electronics were 42 percent more likely to own a patent; those with previous architectural know-how were 82 percent more likely to own a patent, according to The Telegraph.

In some cases, like playing an instrument, the relationship between the arts and entrepreneurial success are distant. In other cases, according to Dr Eileen Roraback, the two skills are more closely related.

"There is also creative writing. In our study a biologist working in the cancer field, who created a business, said her writing skills helped her to write business plans and win competitions," she said.

Dr. LaMore believes the arts influence entrepreneurs in many ways.

"Inventors are more likely to create high growth, high paying jobs in our state, and that is the kind of target we think we should be looking for. So we better think about how we support artistic capacity, as well as science and math activity, so we have these outcomes," he said.