Artistic Growth: Looking Back on 2023 and Setting Art Intentions for 2024
Jan 31, 2024
It's been a month since the start of 2024, and I've spent this time reflecting on the various aspects of my creative journey throughout 2023. While I'm not big on making New Year's resolutions, I do believe in the importance of reflection, setting intentions, and cultivating positive habits.
Throughout this period of reflection, I have been focusing on 4 main questions. Let's delve into each of them, shall we?
What are Some Things I Liked from Last Year?
1. Markets
I thoroughly enjoyed my first year of experiencing being an art vendor at markets in 2023. I aspire to do more this year. Personally, I found connecting with people, whether it be customers or other vendors, not only to be a valuable experience, but also a rewarding one, regardless of whether or not they purchased anything from me. I know that markets are an excellent way to increase visibility, especially as I'm still building my audience, but my goal is to prioritize the human experience rather than solely focus on sales. They can also double as a form of market research, allowing me to gauge customer needs and preferences. During some of my previous markets, I received inquiries from customers about specific birds that they wished to see in my Field Notes series. This valuable insight has provided direction on which birds to consider adding to the collection based on which ones hold a special place in my customers’ hearts.
2. Painting Landscape Scenes
Painting the winter landscape scene for one of my Christmas card designs reignited my desire to paint more landscape scenes with watercolor and/or gouache. I am not aiming to make them perfect masterpieces – just small paintings in my sketchbook. If, along the way, I stumble upon one that I really love, then I may attempt a larger painting of it. But there's no pressure to produce great art. These landscape paintings can offer me a reprieve from my usual pet portraits, while still allowing me to improve my painting techniques and color mixing skills.
3. Illustrating More Birds
Last year, I added only a single bird to my Field Notes Series. This year, I would love to add 6-10 birds to the collection, but for now, I will settle with 3-4 to start. That sounds more feasible, right? After all, Rome wasn't built in a day. I already know the which one I will be working on first. Here's a hint – it's a species I'm often asked about since I reside in Indiana.
4. YouTube Videos
In 2022, I set an intention to start creating videos for my YouTube channel. I started with easier, short form content, and by January of 2023 I achieved my goal of publishing my first-long form video. Afterwards, though, I didn’t produce more long-formcontent. This year, I plan to publish at least three videos on my channel. I already have two ideas in mind, and I am currently working on one of them. Although I would love to create more, I believe that striving for three videos is less daunting and way more attainable. It's all about taking small steps as you establish new habits or practices.
What are my Non-Productive Art Intentions?
1. Rest
When you hear the word 'rest,' you might associate it with procrastination. But taking time to relax and refuel is an essential part of being productive and creative. If I accomplish everything I need to in 5 hours instead of 8, it's okay to end the work day there. It's okay to take a break and give my mind, body, and spirit the rest it deserves. As an artist, I've learned that working for countless hours straight on a commission is not feasible. My eyes need a break. I need fresh eyes to evaluate my progress and identify areas that need more depth and layers. I've also noticed that when I'm becoming distracted while working on a task, it is my cue to take a break. Ignoring the need for rest can lead to wasted time, mistakes, and burnout. Therefore, it's crucial that I listen to my body and take a break when I need it, even if it is just a 5-10 minute break. By doing so, I can minimize mistakes, optimize productivity, and increase my creativity.
2. Maintaining Mindfulness
Being cognizant of my time and intentions while working on a project is significant to me. I endeavor to remain mindful of the creative process and ensure that each piece I choose to work on aligns with my purpose. I believe that practicing mindfulness is essential to avoid burnout and to relish the time spent on creating art and content.
What are Some Improvements I can Work Towards?
1. SEO
While it might not be the most exciting aspect of my art business, improving my shop’s SEO is a crucial component nonetheless. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, plays a significant role in how my website and Etsy shop appear when potential customers search for specific keywords. So when someone's hunting for "Goldfinch Art", my Spinus Tristis field notes piece would ideally pop up in the results, if I've done my SEO homework right! It's still a learning process for me, but it's a key area I want to improve upon in 2024.
2. Making Time for Artistic Play and Experimentation
While I create art on a regular basis and take on commissions, I haven't been as diligent as I would like about giving myself time to experiment and practice. It's important to set aside time for creative play and exploration with different mediums and subjects. In 2023, I did prioritize this more than I did in 2022, however, this year, I am looking to further improve upon that. I received some new art supplies for Christmas that I've been excited to try out. Rather than striving for perfection, the objective is to enjoy the creative process while exploring these new tools. Whether it results in a masterpiece or a complete disaster, the experience is what truly matters.
What are Some Things I am Proud of from 2023?
1. Adding to and Creating New Collections
I am proud of the fact that I expanded my Field Notes collection with the addition of a new bird, especially since I did not add a new one in 2022. Moreover, I broadened my product line by incorporating new art products, including some any occasion greeting card designs, bookmarks, and stickers, all of which are currently available in my shop.
2. Branching into Wholesale
I mustered up the courage and took the initiative to pitch some of my products to one of my favorite local shops. I'd been shopping there for a couple of years and felt my stuff would be a good fit. The worse they could do was say, "no." Seeing my creations proudly displayed on their shelves was very surreal and a pretty big highlight of my year. That experience sparked my journey into the world of wholesaling.
3. Art Videos and Markets
Trying new and challenging things is always a proud moment. Creating videos, specifically for me, those with art content, is no small feat. I have to be mindful that my hand, and sometimes my head, aren't blocking the view. Similarly, entering the world of vending at markets can be daunting, but I managed to take on both of these ventures to some degree last year.
4. Tackling My Largest Painting
Last year, I embarked on a project of creating an intricate watercolor painting that proved to be my most extensive and demanding undertaking yet. I explored a new technique of affixing watercolor paper to a cradleboard, which allowed me to achieve a framed canvas appearance that my client desired. The painting portrayed an elaborate scene, focused on a Christmas tree adorned with vibrant lights and ornaments, with a person and their furry companion also featured in the artwork. Since the painting would not be protected by glass, I had to take extra care in sealing it. I utilized a UV protectant to ensure its longevity, even though all the materials used were lightfast, followed by a wax medium to safeguard it against water damage. Shipping it from Indiana to Texas was slightly nerve-wracking. Thankfully, it arrived safely, and the clients were delighted with their new painting.
Final Thoughts
In 2024, I hope to continue cultivating positive practices and habits to help me flourish on my journey of finding beauty in nature and preserving special moments in time through my art.
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