The new year marks a fresh start, making it the perfect time for artists to reassess, realign, and reboot their careers. For serious artists looking to make strides in the coming year, there are several critical areas worth updating and improving.
Here are 10 things every artist should consider revamping as they head into a new year.
1. Update Your Portfolio
Tips and Tricks
Start the year off right by updating your portfolio with new works, new techniques, and fresh artistic insights. Remove older pieces that no longer reflect your current style or skill level. Take high-quality photographs of your new works and write compelling descriptions for each.
How to Do It
Review your existing portfolio, identifying outdated or less relevant works.
Take high-quality photos or scans of your new artwork.
Write engaging and insightful descriptions for each piece, emphasizing the techniques and themes you explored.
2. Revisit Your Business Plan
Tips and Tricks
Your business plan is the strategic roadmap for your art career. It's crucial to keep this document up-to-date to reflect new goals, opportunities, and challenges you may encounter.
How to Do It
Reevaluate your previous year’s sales, exhibitions, and artistic growth.
Update your business objectives and strategies based on this analysis.
Consider financial planning, such as budget adjustments and potential revenue streams for the new year.
3. Enhance Your Online Presence
Tips and Tricks
An up-to-date online presence is non-negotiable in today's digital age. Make sure your website, social media platforms, and online stores accurately represent you and your art.
How to Do It
Update your artist bio and statement on all platforms.
Post regularly on social media to keep your audience engaged.
Optimize your website for mobile users and improve SEO to increase visibility.
4. Reorganize Your Studio
Tips and Tricks
A well-organized studio leads to a more efficient and inspired workflow. The new year is an ideal time to declutter your workspace and set it up for maximum productivity.
How to Do It
Discard or donate unused materials and tools.
Implement storage solutions to keep your studio organized.
Create designated areas for different activities, such as sketching, painting, and research.
5. Review Your Pricing Strategy
Tips and Tricks
Pricing is a complex but crucial part of selling art. The new year is a good time to reassess your pricing strategy based on past sales, market trends, and your growing reputation.
How to Do It
Analyze the previous year's sales to identify your most profitable works.
Compare your pricing to similar artists in your field.
Adjust your pricing scale as needed, and update this information on your website and other sales platforms.
6. Strengthen Your Network
Tips and Tricks
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to advance your career. Use the new year as an opportunity to forge new connections and strengthen existing relationships in the art world.
How to Do It
Attend art-related events, both online and in-person.
Engage with your online community by responding to comments, sharing other artists' work, and participating in discussions.
Reconnect with past clients or gallery owners to keep your work on their radar.
7. Learn a New Skill or Technique
Tips and Tricks
Never stop learning. Expanding your skill set not only enriches your work but also makes you more marketable.
How to Do It
Take workshops or online courses.
Experiment with new mediums or techniques in your studio.
Seek out mentors or professionals who can provide valuable insights into your chosen area of expansion.
8. Plan Your Exhibition Calendar
Tips and Tricks
Having a clear plan for where and when you will showcase your work can greatly impact your exposure and sales.
How to Do It
Research upcoming art fairs, community events, or gallery openings where your work could be displayed.
Plan and create works for specific exhibitions.
Reach out to venues and complete necessary applications well in advance.
9. Update Contracts and Legal Documents
Tips and Tricks
Legalities should never be neglected, and the new year is a good time to review your contracts, licenses, and other legal documents to ensure they're current.
How to Do It
Review existing contracts for any clauses that need updating.
Ensure that your copyright information is current on all your works and website.
Consult with a legal advisor if you're introducing new products or entering new business partnerships.
10. Reflect and Reset Your Mindset
Tips and Tricks
Finally, take a step back and reflect on your artistic journey. Mental preparation is as important as any other aspect of your career.
How to Do It
Take note of your achievements and challenges from the past year.
Set achievable goals for the new year.
Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine to help manage stress and boost creativity.
Additional Resources for Further Learning
"Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered" by Austin Kleon (2014)
"The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles" by Steven Pressfield (2002)