When I’m coaching an artist, the first assignment that I give them is a specific exercise that helps them define their vision of their life as an artist.
Then we start breaking that vision down into concrete milestones. Next they choose one milestone and we break that down into specific and measurable goals.
Finally, I help them create a road map, I call it an “action plan” to reach a SMART goal. It’s business planning for artists.
Why do I teach artists how to build an “action plan” or a road map? Because once they’ve met their specific goal, and long I’m gone, they can use this skill to reach future goals and to manifest their greater vision.
Now life is not a straight line and neither are road maps. The road changes, it detours, and shortcuts inevitably arise during any journey.
The map will change as you gain more experience and insight about your chosen journey.
But as long as you are clear about where you are headed, and you keep referring to your compass, your journey will remain focused.
Just keep moving forward, taking so many steps each day, and you’ll get there.
If an artist has a fuzzy vision, if they will not define or commit to a specific goal, that can be a deeper issue of commitment and or of confidence. You have to know what you want to get what you want.
If an artist comes to me looking for a concrete road map, then they’ll be in trouble. Everyone’s destination is different. So we don’t know in the beginning exactly how they’re going to get there or even when.
But you can plan and estimate the very best you can, use your compass, and through faith and persistence, you’ll get there.
In my first year in business I created a plan. I determined that it would take my about three months before I would collect my first deposits. I was right on the money and I turned a profit that first year.
The good news is that planning skills can be learned. And they’re easier to learn than drawing or painting. How do I know? Because I’ve learned and I’ve taught both. 😉
About Ann Rea
Ann Rea is a San Francisco based Artist and Entrepreneur. Her inspired business approach to selling her paintings have been featured on HGTV and the Good Life Project, in Fortune, and The Wine Enthusiast magazines, profiled in the book Career Renegade. Rea’s artistic talent is commended by American art icon, Wayne Thiebaud, and she has a growing list of collectors across North America and Europe.
Thank you!
Hi Ann,
Considering creativity and entrepreneurship are inseparable, I’ve always puzzled over the cliche of the business ignorant artist. Sadly, most artists I’ve been friends with over the years have totally bought into this cliche.
Besides all the other positives you bring to the artists realm Ann, it’s wonderful that you champion the cause of artists getting over this cliche & take responsibility for their enterprise.
As I’ve heard you say on an interview recently, art is not a career, it’s a business (enterprise). So true!
Keep up the good fight Ann, some day soon the ‘starving artist’ notion can be finally buried never to resurface.
Respect & Regards,
damien
Thank you Colleen. You are one of my coaching clients who possess a positive attitude. So I’m not surprised that you are succeeding.
Cheers,
Ann
Ann,
This is a great post! A good attitude and positive energy count for so much.
I have been meaning to email you and catch you up on all the good things that are going on with me. I will but till then know I love reading your wisdom and your words still echo in my thoughts.
Best,
Colleen