A Tip to Bring Your Art Plans Into Focus

It's still the height of summer here so naturally October feels like a loooong time away. In fact, the end of October is *only three months* away.

This means I've got some serious decision making to do with my Halloween costume. And more importantly, I know that by the time October closes, it'll feel like the holiday season is in full swing and dragging me down the tinsel-laden street.

Have you ever felt surprised and swept up by how fast the holidays got here?  

If yes, I've got a helpful thought for you. In speaking with a few artists recently, I noticed it was helpful for them to think about what they wanted to have done by October. What was calling to them to really get done between now and then, over the course of just three months? 

Thinking of it this way brought things into clear focus. Each artist said they wanted to do very specific things like having a show, making more art, start using their mailing list, and making long overdue website updates. 

So, let's pretend it's the end of October. --Pumpkins are carved. Candy wrappers are finding their way into your sofa cushions.-- And when that last day of October rolls around on the calendar, what would you like to say you accomplished between now and then? 

What's most important to you? What would you like to have done in 3 months?

Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear what surfaces when you bring your next 3 months into focus.  

Cheers,
Kate

Tips to Complete Your Next Art Project

How’s your current project coming along? Are you feeling great about it? Or is it feeling more like a chore? Maybe there’s a dose of dread in there because you know you’ll have to do some difficult or un-fun things to complete it. 

If you ever feel this way, I want to encourage you to make the outcome of your project better. Make it more FUN! 

What if when you finished that next project you felt ridiculously giddy? What would that look like?

It could be your next sculpture, your next series or that website update you’ve been meaning to do. No matter what it is that’s currently on your to-do list, think about how it could feel lighter and more fun to do. 

Ask yourself, what can you do to make your project feel ~AMAZING~ when it’s done? If you’re not sure, think about it. Give it a clear ending that you love so you can celebrate knowing that you’ve done a great job with it. 

I encourage you to do this because I know that if the end goal is exciting to you, it will feel totally worth it to do the project. And it will fuel you in so many ways. 

What’s at stake if you don’t feel great about the completion of your painting, sculpture or gallery letter? 

For starters, if it’s not exciting, you may never complete the project. That great idea will never see the light of day. Your brain will tell yourself, “Why finish it if it doesn't really matter to me if it’s completed?” 

And because having a clear vision for your project means that you’ll be more able to make it through the difficult parts or the super mundane parts because you know the END will be worth it. If you’ve ever written an art grant, you know how this feels. 

So, strengthen your commitment to your project, whatever it may be, by making it more enticing to your brain. You’ll be able to look toward that ending and get excited about it. I call this creating a “giddy vision” because it makes you feel that way. 

What can you do to add a little more giddy to your current art project? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear. 

Cheers,

Kate