As the new semester start, it reminds me a little of welcoming in the New Year and New Year's resolutions. Most common New Year's Resolutions are things like: 1. Get in shape/be healthier 2. Get organized 3. Learn a new skill I started thinking about what New Year's resolutions might look like for an artist or maybe a high school art student. Here are my thoughts: |
What do you want to achieve this semester? Most students just want to "pass" or get an "A." But what does that really mean? Why not set a goal to STRETCH yourself beyond what you thought you could do? What's holding you back? Stop comparing yourself to others. Don't be so hard on yourself. Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. Maybe you took drawing class just for the fine arts credit, but why not push yourself to see what you can really do? Maybe you took painting class last semester and played it safe - now's the time to really challenge yourself to grow, not just as an artist but as an individual!
2. Keep a calendar
Document your work. EVERY. DAY. Plan your day, your week, your whole artwork. Use the calendar as a way to keep track of what you do daily to keep you focused on getting your work done. Maybe you are really good at procrastinating - this might help stay focused on what you need to get done and when it's due. And who knows, maybe it will carry over into other areas of your life - like math or social studies. Stop putting stuff off. Do it now!
3. Be persistent
Persistence means "firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition." What does that mean for an artist or art student? It means challenging yourself to stick with it even when things are tough. Focus on what you want to accomplish and don't let problems slow you down on your journey.
I keep thinking about failure, too. What does that really mean? The dictionary defines failure as "lack of success." But I think the only way to fail is if you give up. You don't finish. Everything looks like a failure in the middle, but if you stick with it, good things will happen. Not all artworks will be beautiful successes, but you might learn something in the process.
It's a new semester. A fresh start. Keep a positive mindset. Stay focused on your goal. You can do this.
Now, go out there and make some art!