If you’re an artist looking to grow your creative practice, sell more work, or simply find more joy and flow in the studio, then you already know: the way you plan your year matters. It’s not just about getting organised. It’s about getting aligned.

Many artists skip the planning stage because they think it’ll kill their creativity—but the right kind of planning actually frees it. When you have clarity about where you're going and how you’ll get there, you reduce decision fatigue, increase your confidence, and create space for momentum.

So how do you create a plan that actually works for you—and doesn’t just sit in a notebook gathering dust?

In this post, I’ll share my 5-step method for mapping out a creative year that feels purposeful, flexible, and doable—even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a “planner.”

This approach is especially designed for artists who want a fulfilling, sustainable art business—whether you're self-taught, juggling work and family, or rebuilding your creative confidence.

Want the full experience? Watch the video here:
5 Steps to Plan Your Best Art Year Yet

Step 1: Reflect Before You Project

Before you race into goal-setting, pause. Think about the year just gone.

What worked well?
What felt hard?
What did you love doing—and what drained you?

You can’t create a meaningful plan unless you understand what’s actually working for you. So take a moment to reflect honestly, without judgement.

Ask yourself: What do I want more of next year? And what do I want less of?

Step 2: Get Clear on Your Artist Identity

You’re not just planning your time. You’re shaping who you’re becoming. So take a moment to reconnect with your identity.

Are you showing up as a hobbyist—or as the artist you truly want to be?

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about choosing to treat your creativity with care and commitment.

If you're here reading this, I already know you’re serious about your art. So claim it. Step into it. Let your future self guide your next steps.

Step 3: Define Your Focus Areas

You don’t need to do everything. You just need to focus.

Choose 2–3 key areas for the year ahead. Maybe it’s:

• Building your art portfolio
  
• Selling your work online
  
• Growing your audience
  
• Running your first workshop
  
• Exploring a new medium
  
  

Get specific. Get excited. These focus areas become your north stars.

Step 4: Break It Down Into Bite-Sized Goals

Big dreams are amazing—but they can feel overwhelming. So break your focus areas down into clear, achievable goals.

What does progress look like each quarter or month?

Remember: momentum builds from small steps taken consistently. You don’t need to do it all at once. You just need to keep going.

Step 5: Make Space for Life

Let’s be real: life happens. Kids get sick, energy dips, creative blocks sneak in. So create a plan that’s kind. Build in breathing room. Allow space for rest and play.

The best art years happen when your plan honours your real life—not some ideal version of it.

Final Thoughts

Planning doesn’t have to feel rigid or overwhelming. It can be spacious, empowering, and deeply creative.

Here’s what I want for you: a year that feels clear, aligned, and purposeful. A year where your art gets the time and energy it deserves.

Want support mapping out your year with me step by step? Watch the full video here:
5 Steps to Plan Your Best Art Year Yet

You've got this. Let’s make this your most empowered art year yet.