New Year…reflections and goals

It’s January 1: A time to look back on the previous year and make resolutions or goals for the new year.

Thinking back on my business in 2021, I tend to get frustrated that I’m not further along but I have to remind myself where I started. I began drawing pretty regularly again in March of 2020 when Covid hit. Exactly a year ago (Christmas 2020) I got an iPad and started learning Procreate. In February, I took the Immersion course with Bonnie Christine and learned how to properly create a repeat pattern. I had some of the basics, but learned so much of the technical side of things and gleaned much from the community, see my previous post.

I stumbled upon Stacie Bloomfield and the Creative Powerhouse Society. Not only have I loved the resources and lessons and interviews, Stacie has great energy. I also connected with other artists within the community. In November I took Elizabeth Silver’s Start Your Surface Pattern Business. I have been so busy creating art but admittedly it’s not doing much good if no one sees it. Elizabeth gives you the push to make it happen. She also is a wealth of information and in addition shares so much through her YouTube Channel.

In November I finally opened my Etsy shop (a few months past my original goal) but it’s at least out there and I have a framework to work with.

I don’t have a word that exemplifies my mantra for the coming year like so many do. However I am excited because my days are mostly my own right now since I left my part time job in November. Even though I did not work many hours, the mental freedom this opportunity creates is amazing and a bit intimidating too, there are no more excuses not having the proper time to get at it! So without further adieu —

Goals for 2022:

• Sell a collection to a fabric company
• Win a contest with Minted and/or sell designs to greeting card companies
• Start an email newsletter
• Start a Spoonflower shop
• Grow my Etsy shop

In order to achieve all of this, I figure I need to:

• Practice my handlettering with 2 new pieces a month (24 in the year)
• Carve out weekly painting time. I want to aim for 2 sessions a week, even if it’s only 3-4 hours total. I tend to get overly involved on the computer and need to remember the magic that happens when painting and not working digitally
• Daily art practice — I’ve been pretty good about this. I relish my hour every morning of drawing on my iPad or sketch book.
• Create 10 new collections, or mini-collections. I say at least 3 pieces that coordinate with each other.
• Keep learning! I challenge myself to take at least one Skillshare class a week and listen to an art related or business podcast/interview daily

I also have specific income goals and need to break those down so that they are achievable. For instance, I want to pitch to 50 potential clients in January alone. I also plan on updating this blog at least twice a month so I’ll let you know how it’s going…stay tuned!

How did 2021 go for you? What are your goals for 2022? I’d love to hear so leave me a comment. Happy New Year!

**Not affiliated with any of the programs/artists I mentioned **