Planning for the new year.
Before ... you can plan for the future you have to take a look at the past and the present. Over the next few weeks I’d like for you to look at a few specific areas as they relate to the past year. Personal. Photography. Knowledge. Self-Promotion.
Get a notebook and create a page for each specific area. Here goes!
1.) Were the past 12 months filled with happiness and fulfillment? On a scale of 1-10? Why? Why not?
2.) In a word or phrase, what would you use to describe this past year?
3.) Aside from your art, what other things do you enjoy doing? What benefits do you get from focusing away from your art?
4.) Who and what were a source of inspiration for you? Why?
5.) Did you suffer a major trauma this year? What was it? How are you coping? Would you consider counseling?
6.) Did you dedicate ‘non-business’ time or resources to benefit others? If so, why? If not, why not?
7.) Did you regularly dedicate time for self-care? Self-love? Where does ‘self’ rank on your daily ‘To Do’ list?
8.) Name 3 highlights from this past year. What, if any, is the common thread?
1.) Did you create new ART IMAGES? What were they? Would you print, frame, and hang any of them in your home?
2.) Looking at your work today, how would you compare it to work you’ve published in prior years? Has your work grown in scope? What excites you?
3) When reviewing your entire published portfolio, what pieces stand out? What pieces need to be ‘shelved’?
4.) Who are the biggest supporters of your photography? Describe the elements of support they provide?
5.) Did you enter any of your work into Open Calls? Were any of your works exhibited? Any awards? Any published?
6.) Did you attend any photo tours? If so, did you feel any benefit? If not, why not?
1.) Did you participate in any seminars or workshops this year? Read any photography books?
2.) List any new skills, methods, or styles you’re applying to your art photography now and into the new year.
3.) Do you regularly listen to PODCASTS or watch VIDEOS related to photography?
4.) What NEW digital tools are you using to create, display, and promote your photography?
5.) Out of all the answers in this area of focus, what currently defines you as an artist and the art you love to create?
1.) Where did you display your photography this year? Online? Offline?
2.) What are your annual expenses for your online displays? For your offline displays? For advertising and promotion?
3.) How much time did you devote to crafting promotional items for your online & offline displays?
4.) What social media platforms did you use to promote yourself and your art? How frequently did you use them? How much has your fan base increased this year?
5.) How many blog posts did you write this year? How many email newsletters did you send this year?
6.) Do you consider your art photography a hobby, a side-hustle, or a business? Regardless of your answer, who is responsible for the success of your passion?
7.) What is your short definition of success?
Review your focus area answers separately to see your gaps in 2023 and to set your goals for 2024.
Use ‘backward’ goal-setting —> Annual. Monthly. Weekly. Daily.
Don’t rush the process. Planning takes time!
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