Pia shares Her Dark Half

Hi everybody!

Happy Holidays and deep breaths… it’s almost over! You’re about to hear or read about New Year’s resolutions on social media or at family/friend gatherings. Do you have any? Do they ever work? I’m not a fan of them.

Last year, I made an artist promise to myself instead. I wrote out a list of things I wanted to do or accomplish as an artist in 2024. I printed it out, framed and then hung it in my studio to keep reminding myself.

A year later, I’m realizing that I DID keep most of my promises to myself. Incroyable!

So, I thought this might be useful for you out there, too! Back then, I only posted it to my Patreon for my members, but for 2025 - why not share the love!

This list is not about setting rigid resolutions for the new year. Instead, view my Artist Promise to yourself as a gentle guide - an array of suggestions rather than obligations. Approach the new year with focus and a readiness to embrace whatever comes your way. And here's the thing - it applies to much more than art stuff - think about it!

Without further ado, here it is:

2025 Artist Promise:

1. First off: Organize your studio and creative space. Throw out old and damaged brushes, dried up paint tubes, and other clutter. Clean all surfaces, boards, desks and paint palettes. Organize markers, pencils and other art supplies. Change out some of the art on the walls and get some fresh blood to feed on for inspiration. Get some new life in there! Don't forget to make a new playlist of your favorite music or podcasts!

2.  Set one big goal. It can be something playing out over the entire year, long term, or a project that requires a lot of attention and time. Maybe it's a large painting, a video/film project, a book, a song, an album? Or it could be entering a competition, a show or big convention. Something that will make you feel proud and accomplished when finished, even if it takes longer than a year. Devote time to it every day, as much as possible and you'll get there!

3. Create a series or collection. Those can be fun, because they give you more freedom to express something in several versions. Also, they add value to potential collectors. Think of a subject that you'd enjoy working on for a while and make it an ongoing, continuous project that you can always return to.

4. Learn to use new tools. What have you never used in your art or for your projects? There are types of markers and paper I’ve never tried before and I think it’s time. Also, I want to think bigger! This year, I’d like to get back to acrylics and BIG canvases. (For that I definitely need to take care of my first promise to help make room in my tiny studio/office, but it can be done).

5. Display art in a local gallery. Why not? It doesn't have to be a fancy gallery either. I’ve always wanted to do my own ‘show’. Not sure how and where I’ll pull it off yet, but it’s a bucket list item. I got enough stuff by now!

6. Start a project you keep procrastinating. Ask yourself why you keep putting it off. Something about it must scare you. Figure out what it is and then tackle it. No more excuses - get out of your comfort zone and just do it. If it sucks, nobody has to see it. But do it for yourself. And if you ‘fail’ at that particular project, you’re not failing as an artist/person, mkay?

7. Get out more! Socialize with other artists, see more art in person and visit museums and galleries or art openings. And then remember:

8. Do not compare yourself to other artists. Repeat: Do not compare yourself to other artists. I cannot emphasize this enough. You and your art are unique and one of a kind. There’s no other art or artist like you. Do your own thing. Keep at it and you’ll find your own niche or groove.

9. Attend an art workshop. Learn something new, improve something you’re struggling with, (in my case it's anatomy, ugh). Discover new tricks and techniques that will help you with your projects. If your budget doesn’t allow it, there’s always YouTube as a last resort.

10. Take care of your mind and body. Self-care is important for us artists. Make sure to stretch after sitting at your desk for hours. Take a walk or meditate. Practice mindful breathing. Maybe get a few yoga poses in. Drink your water/tea and hide away snacks and sugary temptations that are probably sitting somewhere in easy reach on your desk.

That's it, that's the list. What will you do? Download it, silly! It’s free! Print it out, highlight it, frame it and hang it up so you have a reminder all year long.

My "Artist Promise 2025" is a one page document in pdf format, designed to inspire, motivate, and gently nudge you/artists/creatives! Feel free to share!

xoxo,

Pia and Her Dark Half

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