2016 Goal Recap

It’s that time of year when I revisit what I’ve accomplished in the past 365 days. Goal setting is something I started four years ago when I began my “Make Something Every Day” project, and I’m excited to round out this year with a recap of the goals I set in January.

My 2016 Goals were:

1.) Continue the  “Make Something Every Day” Project.

Check! I’ve missed two days this year making something. I had emergency gall bladder surgery on September 11 and I didn’t make anything that day. Go figure. I also didn’t make anything on November 9 because I was so exhausted and saddened by the outcome of the elections that I took a mental health day. Today is Day 361 of 366 and I plan to finish the year strong.

2.) Build my own website away from the shared blog I had with my husband.

Check! I had this blog set up before January was out. If you’ve been reading since then, thanks! I’ve been consistently doing a weekly recap of my daily work here and have done some additional posting. The big thing was to have a place to show and archive my work and I’m proud to say that is up and running.

3.) Study some of my favorite painters.

Fail! I did a ton of creative reading: Big Magic, The War of Art, Show Your Work, What It Is, The Gifts of Imperfection, and Steal Like an Artist, but I didn’t do any reading about my favorite painters.

Stretch Goals for 2016:

4.) Work toward a gallery show.

Check! I found out this past week that I have a show scheduled for Fall 2017. More info (and work) to come!!

5.) Increase my followers on social media and the blog.

Check! I went from a few hundred followers on Instagram (I really wish I’d written down my number at the beginning of the year) to just under 1,000. I’ll be guest posting on the Get Messy feed the last week in January, so I’m guessing I’ll be adding to my following significantly then.

Other Metrics:

I sold seven paintings this year.  I usee a pricing formula basked on my friend Starr’s post about How to Price Your Art, so I feel like I am charging closer to a livable hourly wage. This was a significant process for me, because valuing my work has been a hard-fought battle.

I have two pieces of art in an upcoming art publication. It’s called The Earth Issue, and is a collaboration between Archive Collective Magazine and environmental photographer Elena Cremona. I’m thrilled to be a part of this amazing collection of artists.

I was chosen to be a member of the 2017 Creative Team for Get Messy Art Journal. Get Messy Art Journal is an art journaling program that is a school, an art playground, and a family. We are a group of like-minded art journalers who have come together to learn, share, practice our skills and push past our creative limits with hopes to inspire. Our community values consistent creating, encouragement and support, and trying new things. Check it out if it sounds like your kind of jam. I’ll be writing blog posts and hanging out in the community Facebook page. I’m thrilled to be a part of this outstanding group of female artists.

It’s been a really, really amazing year. I’m a little flabbergasted when I go back over it. I am humbled by the support I’ve received and so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had the chance to take. I am looking forward to what 2017 will bring!