I found this article super helpful, in particular the points about time blocking and prioritizing.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/254432

I’m always very happy to see artists helping each other out, offering advice and creating community. I noticed this morning that German painter Lioba Brückner posted a list of resources and links she has found useful on her Facebook page. I was happy to see “Launching Your Art Career: A Practical Guide for Artists” included. But it’s just one of several resources she recommends. So I thought I’d share the link here in case you’d like to explore her suggestions yourself: https://www.facebook.com/LiobaBrueckner/

As so many of us do in January, I like to create a list of goals for the coming year. I also enjoy discussing the process with friends. I was recently chatting with an artist friend who is very happy with her work, but at a bit of a crossroads in her career, and was struggling making a list of career-focused to-dos for 2016. I sent her ten questions to consider (based on some of the questions in the prep form I use for artist consultations). She told me that considering, and answering, the questions helped her get some clarity and establish new career goals and to-dos for 2016 and beyond. I was so pleased she found it helpful I thought I’d share her experience, and those questions, here. If you’re struggling to make a plan for 2016, why not try answering these ten questions (honestly!) for yourself and see if it helps.

Ten Questions to Consider:

1. What artist(s) would you list as creative inspirations or influences? Why do they inspire you?

2. What artist(s) careers do you admire? Why?

3. What do you consider “success” for YOU as an artist?

4. What is the best thing about being a fine artist?

5. What is the worst?

6. What are your strongest qualities as an artist?

7. What are your weakest?

8. What, if anything, interferes with your success on a regular basis?

9. How much to do you care what other people think about your work, career, decisions, etc? Whose (if any) opinions do you value? Other artists? Critics? Your family? Why?

10. How much creative time per week are you willing to sacrifice/reallocate to career development? How can you best utilize that time?

Happy 2016! As so many of us do this time of year, I always sit down and create a list of goals for the coming year. But before I do that, I take a moment to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments. Not surprisingly, the biggest item in my 2015 “accomplishments” column is “Launching Your Art Career: A Practical Guide for Artists.” What an honor to be able to share my experiences and, hopefully, offer some useful guidance and information to young artists everywhere! Thank you for joining and supporting me on that adventure. I hope you will take a moment to congratulate yourself on your accomplishments this past year – and I wish you a happy, healthy, successful, productive new year!

Yesterday’s post about Gallery Reception No Nos inspired me to whip up a top 5 list of gallery reception yesses for young artists… I hope it’s helpful!

1. Show up. Everyone – the gallery, the artist(s), other attendees – appreciates a lively, well-attended reception. That only happens when people actually show up! Support your friends and your community by attending events as regularly as you can. And once you’re there, be a good guest. Being a friendly, appropriate, regular attendee at your favorite galleries and shows is one of the best ways to build community and good will.

2. Be kind. You are a guest at someone else’s event. If you genuinely like the show, compliment the gallery and/or artist(s). Even if the show is obviously a hit, it’s still really great to hear. It doesn’t have to be a big exchange and don’t bother if it isn’t sincere. But if the show moves you and you have the opportunity, a simple “nice show” is always appreciated. On the other hand, if you don’t like it, keep your mouth shut. You can talk about how much you hate the work with your friends once you’ve left the gallery. But talking about it while you’re there is just plain rude.

3. Be respectful of the evening’s purpose. Yes, a reception is absolutely the moment when an artist or artists gets to celebrate their hard work and share their vision. It’s a bit of a party. But even more so, it’s a work event for the artist and gallery – a key opportunity for them to chat with collectors, cultivate new business relationships, and hopefully get the rent paid that month. So just keep that in mind. If someone approaches the gallerist or artist while you’re chatting, politely step aside. It may be a potential collector. If the gallery is uncomfortably crowded, consider moving on so others have a chance to view the work. And of course don’t engage in any behavior more appropriate at a frat house party, or in your living room, than at someone else’s business event.

4. Be aware of your environment. This one can be tough, particularly on a cold night when you have a big coat, or if you’ve come straight from someplace else and have a bag with you. But try to keep your personal space contained. Keep a safe and respectful distance from artwork and other attendees at all times. Never rub or lean on walls. Don’t set anything down on the floor or desk. If there’s a coat check, use it. If you’re having a long conversation, step aside so people can get around you and/or view the work. Be mindful of your beverage. And if you really want to be a hero, if you do see or cause a spill or problem, alert the gallery staff immediately so they can take care of it and keep the evening safe and enjoyable for everyone.

5. Network appropriately. There is absolutely nothing wrong with telling people you are an artist. You should be incredibly proud of that fact and shout it from the rooftops every chance you get. However, there are appropriate, and inappropriate times, places and ways to network. A gallery reception is someone else’s moment. You are a guest. If you have a sincere conversation with someone who expresses an interest in what you do, by all means give them a business card so they can look up your website, join your email list, connect with you on social media, etc. But anything more than that is unacceptable. Don’t pass out or leave your materials, co-opt their computer, counter space, or guests to push your agenda. That kind of aggressive, insensitive self-promotion will piss people off and ultimately work against you.

So there’s a theme here, right? Do unto others… Put yourself in their shoes… All that good stuff. The bottom line is, as with most things in life, the art world is built on relationships. Some form slowly. Others more quickly. Some nurture your creative soul. Others may break your well-meaning art heart. But if you go into every reception, situation and relationship with good intentions and some sensitivity to other peoples’ perspectives, you set yourself up to have a the best possible experience, present yourself well, and build lasting, fruitful relationships.

While this article on ArtBusines.com (shared by “Launching Your Art Career: A Practical Guide for Artists” contributor Kirsten Anderson) is a little bit snarky, it’s also amusing and full of really good advice! I highly recommend it to any young artist or gallery-goer!