A typical creative person questions themselves asking "what next?" and "what now?". We have to keep moving because if we stop in this fast pace world we will often be considered "not serious" about our work. There is no time for breaks. Even if I wanted or needed a break I can't possibly do it. I'd fall behind or go crazy because I need to make art to stay sane. SO what to do, what to do? First things first, know your goal and know your worth. Be true to yourself or get swallowed up in the mess of trying to conform.
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I don't mean to ask this question as if I cant decide what to make next. No no, I can honestly say I am not the type to run out of momentum or inspiration to continue to create. My problem is I have too many ideas and routes to take when creating. I know I must work through an idea or series till its been done out. I sometimes do this so much so that I tend to look compulsive about. I guess that's a good thing? But sometimes I have side projects that I'd like to complete also and to do it all at once makes me a but scattered looking.
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For example my Zine. Yes if you have followed me I have discussed this Zine and how it will be "in the works now!" This IS in the works, I am not lying its just that it is a long work in progress because it's a different body of work than my paintings. It is also on my list to finnish the "House and Home" series book one day. However the "home" series is very personal and based on my life journey of finding a place through life lessons and dealing with the passing of loved ones who shaped my world. This is not something I can simply finish up and get over with. But this doesn't mean I am not faced with the issue of keeping tabs on all these projects to be sure that they all one day get completed.
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What I really mean when I say "what next?" is what steps do I need to take next to continue to make, show, and sell art? How to continue my art career? I have a long list of things to do for this. I have to be updating my online presence, like this blog and my Instagram. I also have to watch deadlines for: group shows, juried shows, booth shows, gallery submissions, and print opportunities. All of these are things I have to keep up with or I only loose out on the opportunities themselves.
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It is a lot to keep up with but its is also constantly being re-evaluated and changed. I sometimes shift my focus and change what I am doing so that I can one day find the right spot for me. I have yet to find the perfect solution to all of this so I am constantly evaluation myself to make the necessary steps. What I read online on what works for some artists may not works for me. We are all different making very different works and even having many varying goals. I try to re-adjust what I am focusing on most every quarter to give some time to try something new out. Whether it is focusing on booth shows over galleries or applying for juried shows over working on online sales.
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I have found that if I create an "end goal" I can then experiment with how I may be able to get there. As an emerging artist I think this is important. I also believe that as a working artist if I don't re-evaluate and ask my self these questions then how will I grow and change? just something to think about when getting caught up in the grind.