“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

– Dr. Seuss

Things I love about January - a fresh start. I love the idea that each year we get a chance to do the next year better. While I’m not into resolutions because they’re often short lived, I do tend to get pretty introspective in January. I think about the big picture vision for my life. This overall vision inspires me to make long term goals that inspire tiny changes throughout the year. That’s why I thought this month would be perfect to discuss the topic of dreaming.

Let’s think about how our art fits into the big picture of our dream lives. This is one of my favorite topics to discuss because I’ve witnessed the power of intention firsthand. It was the thing that allowed me do what I love for a living, something I once thought impossible. The first step to dreaming is accepting that anything is possible in our lives. We have the power to change at any time no matter what else is happening at the moment.

Once we’ve accepted that we have the power to change, we need to consider the type of changes we’re craving. Life is a balance between hustle and rest. Just as we focused on rest in the month of November, we can crave a more restful year or a year of hustle. It’s important to be honest with ourselves as to what we need. That’s why I like to choose one word in January for how I want to following year to feel. It determines the kind of energy I need that year to bring. Once I have my one word, I set a few big goals. Then, I break those goals down into habits. That’s what change comes down to, little habits we form in our daily lives. I don’t implement all my new habits at once. I just try to implement them over the course of the year.

I have two favorite books when it comes to habit formation - Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg and Atomic Habits by James Clear. Combined, both of these books changed my life. These books make habits approachable. They helped me identify the tiniest changes that have the biggest impact. They also taught me hacks for how to make habits stick. One of my favorite hacks is to align habit formation with another big transition in our lives. Often it’s easier to keep habits after a career change, a move, or even the start of a new year. That’s why change can be so magical in January.

When I recommitted to making art regularly in 2015, it all came down a simple habit. It had been 6 years since I’d made any art. I was just starting my own business as a freelance graphic designer, which made this a perfect time to implement change. I’d quit my corporate job and was trying to figure out how to structure my days. When I was done doing my freelance work, I’d set aside time at the end of each day to make something small. Often, it was just a tiny drawing with pencils and pens. It would take me less than 20 minutes. When I was done, I would post on my Instagram. The next day, I would do the same thing. And the next day and the next day. This little habit blossomed into me becoming a full-time artist in 2021, 6 years later. I learned a huge lesson here - big changes always originate from very small seeds.

The toughest part is having the patience to show up day after day, knowing eventually your dreams will become a reality. When I started making art again in 2015, I had the overpowering thought that even if it takes me my whole life to become a full-time artist, I’d rather start now than not at all. And I’m so glad I did.

I hope my story gives you all the kick in the pants you need to start taking your dreams seriously this year. Even if you’ve given up on your goals, you still have the power to change. Maybe you just didn’t have the right tools until now. I want you to do everything in your power to make 2024 your best year yet, in your art and in your life.

Whether you want to become a full-time artist or you simply want to dedicate more time to your art, take your goals seriously. Maybe you’re already a full-time artist and you’re looking to expand your business. Whatever it is, this is your year. The goals you set this month will dictate how the rest of your year will go. Just make sure you revisit your goals throughout the year to stay on track.

Happy New Year! May this year be our best year yet!

Journal Prompts:

1. If you could pick a one word theme for your art this year, what would it be?

2. What are three major artistic goals you want to accomplish this year?

3. What does your perfect artsy day look like this year? Describe in detail.

4. What is your long term vision for your art 5 years from now? Create a long-term art “bucket list".”

Sketchbook Prompts:

1. Create a typographical illustration of your word of the year.

2. Create a painting of your dream studio space.

3. Paint a portrait of yourself five years from now.

4. Illustrate a new habit you want to implement.

Assignment:

Create an art vision board for this year, whether it be a digital or print version and display it somewhere prominent. Then, take a look at your art space and think of ways you can set yourself up for success this year. Maybe it’s purchasing new equipment or supplies. Maybe it’s finally setting up a studio for yourself. Our space as a HUGE impact on how much art we’re able to make throughout the year. A serious space usually leads to us taking our art more seriously.

Fun Finds:

• This video on How to Design Your Goals captures a lot of the processes I typically follow, and explains the reasoning behind them.

• Every January, Yoga with Adriene does a 30 Day Yoga challenge, and I love kicking off the year this way. This one was my favorite challenge of all the ones she’s put together. I’ve done it at least five times now. It is really doable, yet gets me feeling strong at the end of the 30 days.

• I always have a list like this one on my desk for my daily activities. I break down my bigger goals into 3 personal and 3 professional things to do per day.