Some events were fruitful, some were a bust-but they were all good learning experiences and helped me connect with the general public.
Heres a short list of goals and also things Im leaving behind in 2019 as I actively try to take my art career and business to the next level in 2020.
1. A bunch of low paying projects to make ends meet. Doing a bunch of low paying projects takes precious time away from doing a high paying project, working on pieces for shows (which fetch triple or quadruple digits) and creating "art art" as opposed to quick sells. My goal is for more meaningful ART ART and Im not interested in making ends meet anymore. Im tired of scrounging, hoping and having to take breadcrumbs. As someone once said "I WANT MILK IN MY CHEERIOS". I want the ends to meet and keep flowing into my savings account.
2. Things I really don't want to do
As an artist there are things I like to paint and things I hate to paint. Text, letters and intricate portraiture falls into this category. I do them to get better at them-and that is useful...but these are things I will try to not find myself doing if I can help it. I'm a Nature painter who deals with expressionism, imagination and color. The more I stay on that street the happier I am.
3. Low Balling Myself
Been there, done that! This falls into the making ends meet category. I have a talent and it's going to be paid for. Estimates will be thought out, the going rate at least AND NO LESS. This is reason number ONE that Im in the boat with the leaky hole and sinking while everyone else is on the cruise ship to vacationville. Paintings and work aren't getting prices slashed and anyone who values me will hang with this too.
4. Business Plan
Guess who's just been swimming without a plan to actually get to the island? Me. Just survive the day, swim,swim! Now it's time to actually have a plan, a map and an actual boat and name that island that's gonna be mine. Its time for business planning and talking to people in the know. Grant proposals and getting funded. I'll be going to workshops, seminars and getting in where I fit in to learn about making my business work for me.
5. PRODUCE
This should be #1 on my list. One thing the Fair taught me this year was BE PREPARED- people actually want your stuff. HAVE THE STUFF THEY WANT. Be ready so you don't have to get ready. My studio is going to get so many hours put in it this year. With two solo shows early in the new year the fires already been lit. Its time to change the game and go after the milk in my cheerios.
Last thoughts...I have been my own worst enemy in my art career. Wasting time, selling myself short, hurting myself to please others or get the bid. In order to change my situation I must change my behavior. It all starts now.
Onward to the island we go!
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