As the year wraps up, this is the perfect time to start planning for next year. The last couple of weeks always fly by so fast (at least for me!), so early to mid December is a great time to begin your planning.
I’m not a fan of official “New Year's Resolutions”, but I do think there is something to be said about starting off the year with a fresh start, and a fresh mind. That’s why I think it’s great to get a head start with the planning of your year in December. It alleviates the, “Uhhh, what now?” that you might feel Jan 1. If you can have a couple things lined up for yourself that you can tackle for the first quarter of the year, you’ll be off to the races as soon as the new year commences!
Here are 5 things to help you get organized with your art, and your career for the new year:
Set Your Major Goals For Next Year
What are the big things you want to focus on for next year? Are you trying to get a solid portfolio together, land your first big gig, or increase your income? Setting these big goals and WRITING THEM DOWN somewhere EASILY VISIBLE really helps with actually achieving the goals!
This should be your first major step, as you can then break down each goal into smaller and smaller goals, so the big goal can feel more feasible. I’ll help you break down one of these major goals in a bit, so keep reading!
Decide On Any Events You’d Like to Attend
Networking and making art friends is definitely an underrated topic when it comes to becoming a successful artist. I’ve personally gotten a lot of gigs just from making friends and knowing people! Look into what types of local events are near you as well as possibly saving up for ONE large event that you might have to travel to.
For local events, consider looking into figure drawing sessions, anime conventions, or even your local comic book store. All of these events are filled with other like-minded people. Some of my best friends and colleagues have been made from attending events like this. These events are great for helping you push your social skills, and in the case of figure drawing, your art!
Larger events are useful for actually finding work. Try to look into conventions that will have art directors in attendance, so that you can possibly get a portfolio review. Even if you don’t land any gigs immediately, getting to know these artists and making a good impression can be extremely helpful down the line!