As so many of us do in January, I like to create a list of goals for the coming year. I also enjoy discussing the process with friends. I was recently chatting with an artist friend who is very happy with her work, but at a bit of a crossroads in her career, and was struggling making a list of career-focused to-dos for 2016. I sent her ten questions to consider (based on some of the questions in the prep form I use for artist consultations). She told me that considering, and answering, the questions helped her get some clarity and establish new career goals and to-dos for 2016 and beyond. I was so pleased she found it helpful I thought I’d share her experience, and those questions, here. If you’re struggling to make a plan for 2016, why not try answering these ten questions (honestly!) for yourself and see if it helps.
Ten Questions to Consider:
1. What artist(s) would you list as creative inspirations or influences? Why do they inspire you?
2. What artist(s) careers do you admire? Why?
3. What do you consider “success” for YOU as an artist?
4. What is the best thing about being a fine artist?
5. What is the worst?
6. What are your strongest qualities as an artist?
7. What are your weakest?
8. What, if anything, interferes with your success on a regular basis?
9. How much to do you care what other people think about your work, career, decisions, etc? Whose (if any) opinions do you value? Other artists? Critics? Your family? Why?
10. How much creative time per week are you willing to sacrifice/reallocate to career development? How can you best utilize that time?