Plans for 2024….
So far, it’s been a slow start to 2024. Last year was so busy and I made a lot of progress both creatively and on the business side. I had dates and events in the diary to work towards and this made sure there was a momentum and energy to the year. This year I haven’t felt any urgency, both creatively or generally. I’m not burnt out but I am enjoying slowing down, thinking about what I want to achieve this year and not feeling overwhelmed when trying to juggle it all.
The slow start to the year has given me the opportunity to really think about my creative direction and where I would like to take the business side of things. I haven’t felt particularly motivated nor do I think that I am in a rut; I’m going with the flow and letting things evolve naturally whilst placing a few dates in the diary and having a few targets. This will give me something to work towards so I don’t feel aimless but at the same time it will give me balance and time to enjoy the process and my work time to develop organically.
I am starting to realise that when you are creative and run a creative business it is so important to keep moving; to access where you are, review what is or isn’t working and implement and try new ideas. But, it is also essential to give yourself time to think and that was something I didn’t have much of last year. Most of this happens naturally throughout the year but with more focus at the start of a new year and this is what I have been taking my time to do during January.
As soon as my pieces of work which are currently exhibited at The Limping Fox have been taken down in a few weeks I am planning on looking into different selling platforms. Currently I have an Etsy shop for my decorations, prints and small originals however I would like to explore an Art specific selling platform for my larger pieces. This will require a bit of research and I will need to look at packaging the larger pieces and postage costs. This is super exciting and the next step to expanding my business.
Although I have LOVED painting and drawing the Hummingbirds and Tanagers, I would like to revisit the Endangered Species series. I have been mulling over a few ideas that I would like to explore and develop. They are currently ideas in my head but it’s something I do need to play around with in my sketchbook.
I still plan on using watercolours, possibly acrylic inks and of course pen but this time on panel board which I will then wax. I really enjoyed working on the panel boards when drawing the hummingbirds and I loved the effect of waxing the ostrich ‘Gloria’ so it makes sense to combine these and see what happens!
The ideas I have, when they materialise will be available to purchase on the art specific selling platform as well as future art fairs and I also have a few additional ideas for them…..so watch this space!
As far as dates go I have a few events booked in this year but find these tend to crop up closer to the time so I’m hoping to expand on these as the year progresses.
I am booked to exhibit my work in a local Surbiton coffee shop in the April. It will be amazing having my work displayed locally in a place that I have visited many, many times!
At the moment I think I will pop the Hummingbird and Tanager pieces up on their walls leaving any new work ready for any future Art fairs but we’ll see; I have until April to make that decision.
At the mention of Art Fairs, these are my big events normally around the spring and autumn that do require a bit more planning. Art fairs are always great opportunities to promote work, they can result in sales or commissions and are such a great place to meet potential clients and other artists. It’s rewarding seeing your work exhibited and I have met some amazing artists during these weekends.
I am hoping to exhibit at the Landmark Art Fair this May in Teddington - it’s held in an old church which I’m quite excited about! I have never exhibited at Landmark so it will be great to try a different fair.
In the autumn I have already booked a stand at Art:Surrey. I exhibited with them last October and was so impressed with the venue, organisation and support.
I am already looking forward to this event even though its ten months away!
I have just enough plans so far to add shape to my year and to give me direction. I also want to begin looking at applying to competitions, gallery show call outs and other opportunities that arise as a way to exhibit and promote my work. Alongside these initial plans I have a secret project that I have been working on as a collaboration this last year. I can’t share it yet but it is such an exciting piece of work that is not only challenging me and pushing me out of my comfort zone but it means a lot to me personally.
Although I have enjoyed taking it slow, I am also very aware that the end of January is fast approaching and I need to get back into a routine and the rhythm of creating. I know when I start there will be no stopping me. But, I’ve realised its important to slow down at points of the year where that is possible to allow myself to consider where I am, where I want to be and whether I am on the right path to get there. I wonder if this new ‘slowing down’ approach will last the entirety of 2024?!!!
Hope you are able to have a slow start to 2024 before I’ve no doubt the madness and fun begins!!!