I’ve watched a lot of planning your art business for 2026 videos, and I really like them. I find them very inspiring. However most of these artists are just at a different life stage than me. So I wanted to make my own version but as someone who is trying to build a business alongside building a family. This might also be good for anyone who needs to take things at a slower pace in general.
2026 is going to be a big year! I am pregnant with my 2nd child who is due in July. This makes planning 2026 a little difficult. What life will be like post-partum is a bit unpredictable, therefore I will be putting most of my planning efforts into the first half of the year.
I’m not going to sugar coat it, pregnancy does not make anything easier. This morning I threw up because I took a shower. Physical tasks take much longer and require frequent breaks. I cannot expect myself to be able to maintain my old pace.
Focus: Foundational Building
Vibe: Confucius: "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
Art & Whimsy Goals
The goal is not making a ton of money or growing really big on social media yet. Instead, I want to build up my body of work, my website, & my social media. In a portfolio kind of way, not in a views or engagement kind of way.
The steps that will help be get there:
1. Embrace the couch!
I spend a lot of time during the day on my couch while my son plays. He’s 3 now and is starting to independently play a lot more. He just wants me around. If I'm up doing chores, he will literally point to the couch and tell me to sit. Before I would spend that time on my phone, but now I’m going to use that time to work. Specifically:
Writing: I essentially want to make “weekly” blog posts that work like a diary. I find that writing out thoughts like this are really beneficial to my mental clarity. I can take these thoughts and use them in videos & posts.
My Handy Dandy Drawing Tablet! I have a lot of ideas for different illustrations, stickers, & merch designs to my paintings.
2. Create an Evening Studio Ritual
A simple painting schedule: Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights.
After the child goes to bed, I’m pretty exhausted. I usually spend the rest of the evening rotting before bed. Instead, I would like to implement studio sessions.
On the hard days, just try 1 paint stroke or 1 layer- progress is progress
The timer will be my friend. I do not have to finish things in one go. Putting something down helps you have a fresh perspective when you come back to it.
3. Phone a Friend
About once every 2 weeks, I’m gonna have my sister Abby come over and help me take a bunch of pictures and b-roll for social media.
I can bounce ideas off of her, get a different perspective on things, and it's just enough pressure to keep me making stuff so I have things to take pictures of.
4. Bonus Goal: Operation Touch Grass
My city has something called First Fridays. On the first friday of every month, art studios and galleries are open from 6pm - 9pm and people are encouraged to come and appreciate the arts.
My goal is to meet people, get inspired, make friends and industry connections.
Number Goals:
Make at least $1250 in the first half of the year to cover all business subscriptions & maintenance costs for the whole year.
Bonus Equipment Goals:
- $65 Battery Charger
- $229.99 20TB External Harddrive
- ~$400 Used Fujifilm XF 16mm F1.4 R Lens
Soft Goal: Reach 1000 Youtube Subscribers
I don’t have a set schedule but I am aiming to post a long form video every other week. If I keep up my writing goals, it will make producing videos a lot easier. Half the battle is figuring out what to talk about in the first place.
