As the year winds down and things get quieter in the studio, now is the perfect time to reflect on your art business and plan for an even more successful 2025. Whether this past year brought your greatest achievements or challenges, this quiet season is an opportunity to evaluate what worked, reset where needed, and make solid plans to thrive in the upcoming year.
Reflecting on the Past Year
Before jumping into new goals, take a moment to reflect on your wins and lessons from 2024. Ask yourself:
What went well this year in your business?
What challenges did you face, and how did they impact your growth?
By breaking down your year, you can get clear on the strategies that worked best. Start by analysing your sales and marketing efforts:
Which marketing strategies brought in the most clients or sales?
Did you receive valuable feedback from clients that can help shape your future approach?
How did you grow as an artist this year?
A great way to do this is through a year-in-review exercise. This might include a breakdown of sales by month or quarter, assessing the effectiveness of various marketing tactics (social media campaigns, email marketing, etc.), and reviewing any personal milestones, like launching new collections or learning new skills. This review will give you clarity as you move forward.
Setting SMART Goals for the New Year
Once you've reflected on 2024, it’s time to set new goals for 2025. The most effective way to plan is by using the SMART goal framework—setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Here are some examples of SMART goals:
Increase online sales by 20% by the end of the first quarter.
Grow your email list by 500 subscribers in the next 6 months.
Host 2 art workshops per quarter to diversify your income streams.
Breaking your goals down in this way ensures that they’re clear and actionable, giving you a roadmap for the year ahead. If you're looking for a workbook to log your goals and brainstorm new ideas, the Creative Business Development Workbook might be perfect for you.
Creating a Marketing Strategy for 2025
A well-thought-out marketing strategy is key to consistent growth. Developing a content calendar will help you stay organized and ensure that your marketing efforts remain consistent throughout the year.
Start by identifying key dates or events to plan your marketing around, such as:
Major holidays (when art sales tend to peak).
Art exhibitions or new collection launches.
Personal or business milestones you want to celebrate with your audience.
Diversifying your marketing channels is also crucial. Consider combining social media, email marketing, blog posts, and collaborations with other artists or businesses to increase your visibility and attract new clients.
I have a free digital download 2025 marketing calendar that may help:
Budgeting and Financial Planning
The start of the new year is the ideal time to get your finances in order. Review your business expenses from the past year and establish a clear budget for 2025.
Forecast your income from multiple revenue streams:
Artwork sales (commissions, original works, prints).
Workshops or online courses.
Passive income (merchandise, licensing).
To stay organised, consider using financial tracking tools like QuickBooks or Xero, which can help you track expenses and manage invoices throughout the year.
Building Your Network and Collaborations
Use the quieter months to build connections that could lead to exciting collaborations in the new year. Reach out to fellow artists, galleries, or potential clients and collaborators.
You might also want to consider deepening existing client relationships by sending personal thank-you notes, holiday cards, or newsletters that highlight your appreciation and plans for the upcoming year. Building a strong network of supporters will pay dividends down the road.
Focus on Self-Care and Creativity
Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself during this quieter period. As artists, creativity thrives when we are rested and recharged. Use this time to work on personal creative projects that inspire you or try something new just for fun.
Self-care is an essential part of maintaining both your business and your artistry. Taking breaks will not only prevent burnout but also open up space for new ideas and inspiration to flourish in the coming year.
The end of the year is a golden opportunity to prepare for a thriving 2025. By reflecting on the past year, setting SMART goals, developing a marketing strategy, organizing your finances, building connections, and prioritizing self-care, you’ll lay a solid foundation for long-term success in your art business.
This period of planning will set you up to grow creatively and professionally in the months ahead—leading to a more focused, fulfilling, and prosperous 2025.
If this level of evaluation and planning feels overwhelming, then the Online Creative Business Group Coaching Program might be perfect for you. Check it out here.
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