Last Updated on October 14, 2018

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Are you ready to build your art business? In this post, you will discover how to set business goals for artists so you can start building a strong art business you will be proud of and better yet make money from.

How to Set Business Goals for Artists

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links on this post are affiliate links and will be clearly marked as so. I will earn a small commission when you purchase a product or service from an affiliate link at no extra cost to you which helps with the costs of operating Nevue Fine Art Marketing. I will only recommend products I have used, found helpful to my business and are companies I trust.

How many times have you heard someone set new goals for New Years?

How many of those goals are still talked about in February?

Why do so many people fall short of their goals?

One reason is that they do not know how to set actionable goals. Their goals are too vague with no time frame. For example, how many times have you heard someone say, “I want to lose weight?”

What does that mean?

Do they want to lose one pound or ten pounds?

When do they want to lose the weight by?

Saying I want to lose weight is not an actionable goal that can be measured. The bottom line it is a recipe for failure. It is a want, wish or a dream and nothing more.

Let’s be honest for a minute. It is easier to say I want something that it would be to develop a plan and take action. That is one of the reasons why you will see so many fail at their New Years Eve resolutions. They are sharing something they want not setting a goal.

Goal Setting for Artists

You will want to have a clear vision of what you would like to achieve before you can start to write your goals.

These questions will help you to decide on what you would like for your future goals as an artist.

What would you like to achieve?
How much art would you like to sell every year?
How much income does your art business need to generate every year?
Are you going to work alone or are you going to have people work for you?
Where are you going to sell your artwork?
Where are you going to create your artwork?
How much time can you commit to your business every week?

Art Goals Ideas

Here are some goal ideas based on answering the questions above.

These are just some examples to help get you started.

I would like to earn enough money selling my art online to send my children to college.

I would like to sell 20 paintings a year.

I need to generate $25,000 a year from my art business.

I will need to hire a VA for social media marketing.

I want to sell art online and craft shows.

I will create my art at home.

I can spend 15 hours a week on my art business.

Just by answering the questions above will paint a picture of what you would like for your future.

Take a couple of minutes to paint your journey.

How to Set Artist Career Goals with S.M.A.R.T. Goals

You might have heard about the acronym S.M.A.R.T. goals.

S.M.A.R.T. goals refer to goals that are:

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time

You will find some slight variations to the acronym but they all produce the same results They will help you to achieve your goals.

Let’s take a deeper look at what the acronym stands for.

Specific – Write down specific goals for your art business. Your specific goals should answer when, which, who, why, and where. You need a clear vision of your goals. Take some time and really think about where you would like to be in a year, five years, ten years, and twenty years.

Measurable – Your specific goals need to be measurable. You will need to know how and when your goals will be accomplished. If you are not able to measure the outcome of your plan you will never reach your destination.

Attainable – You should only set goals that are attainable. Sit down and think about how realistic your goals are.

Relevant – Write down goals that are only relevant to your purpose. Will your goals lead you to your end vision?

Time – You will need to set deadlines for your goals. If there is not a date that you wish to accomplish something, that day will never come.

Document Your Goals

Most people fail at their goals because they do not write them down. When you write your goals down they become real.

If goals are not documented they are only dreams.

Studies have shown that over 70% of people who write down their goals achieve their goals.

Everyone that I work with who writes out their goals and signs them actually achieve what they have documented. I am batting 100% with this strategy.

Do yourself a favor and take some time to write out your goals. It works. Don’t forget to sign it.

How to Set Business Goals with Short-term Goals

After you have documented your goals you will want to design a plan to reach your goals. A successful plan is set up with long-term goals, mid-term and short-term goals.

Short-term goals are weekly goals that are easily manageable and more specific.

Your short-term goals will keep you motivated and focused.

At the end of the week, you will be able to analyze the outcome and adjust your plans as needed.

How to Set Business Goals with Mid-term Goals

Mid-term goals can be quarterly or biannual.

These goals are larger than the short-term goals. They outline where you would like to be in four or six months.

The short-term goals you write should focus on your mid-term goals.

How to Set Long Term Goals as an Artist

Long-term goals are typically one to five-year projects.

Where would you like to be in one year or even five years from now?

Take that vision and break it down into smaller chunks, your mid-term goals.

Start Your Day with Your Goals

Every morning you should wake up with your goals in mind. While you are waking up with your coffee or breakfast think about how you will accomplish what needs to get done for that day.

Write a to-do list and get mentally prepared for the day.

“Every time that you state what you want or believe, you’re the first to hear it. It’s a message to both you and others about what you think is possible, don’t put a ceiling on yourself.”
~ Oprah Winfrey

Goal Setting for Creatives

I have been setting goals my entire life.

Setting goals and developing strategic plans to accomplish them have always come easy for me.

My goal as an artist is to not only sell my artwork but also help other artists live their dreams.

To help me achieve this goal I have created several different tools to help artists who struggle writing creative goals.

If you have a difficult time writing goals but you are serious about starting your journey you might be interested in:

You might also be interested in:

Goal-Setting for Your Best Year Yet with Dory Willer¨ (affiliate link)

Conclusion:

Your business will only be as successful as your dreams and goals. Now that you know how to set business goals take the time out of your day and start writing down your goals and dreams. Your art business’s success depends on it.

How to Set Business Goals for Artists Overview: