The Artist's 2012 Resolutions

Making time for your art-- This is the biggest resolution on this list. Without it, none of the rest matters. We often get caught up in everyday life, 'the price of gas', 'making dinner and deadlines', etc. We forget the simple pleasures that use to be enough for us. Remember one cannot find time, you have to make time for the things that are important to you. Especially if it's an outlet for you.

2. Drawing strangers around you-- Even if it's a quick 35 second sketch of the person sitting across from you on a train or at the park, try it out and write the amount of time beside it. Whether the drawing is unfinished or not, it will add character to your sketch book, not to mention the story you'll have behind them. "Oh, this was a man feeding the birds at Love Park. He got up before I had a chance to finish, but man did he look content just sitting there bonding with nature." And who knows, maybe you can even give the sketch your own little story.

3. Keeping your sketch/writing pad on you everyday-- You never know when a great idea or image will strike you. If you're like the rest of the country, and you own an iPhone or Android, maybe avoid typing your concept into your phone and actually write it inside of your pad. Remember all of those sloppy little notes that you'd write on the side of a page? Maybe even incorporate your words & notions into the drawing, spiraling around your illustration.

4. Try your hand at a different form of art-- As artists we all have one big thing in common; the love for EVERY art. Have you ever wanted to branch out and do something different? Maybe this could be a great year to finally try stand-up comedy, or another type of performance art. There's nothing wrong with juggling a few new hobbies, especially if it's for the sake or expanding artistically. Take a class you've always wanted to take; culinary, dance, photography, glass blowing, sculpting, etc. You never know, you could be a natural!

5. Redecorate using your own personal art-- I find that when I have created an artistic oasis around me, I become more inventive. More inspired and therefore, proactive. Try redecorating your space, maybe even pull a few old pieces you've done in the past and hang them up. It'll give a sense of nostalgia and possibly remind you of a time when life wasn't so busy.

6. Creating and/or updating your portfolio-- Nothing completes an artist like a finished portfolio. (When is it ever really finished though?) As we evolve in our lives, our art tends to as well. This may mean taking out some compositions and replacing them with newer work or maybe even old ones, that you can revise or touch up. You'll be glad you did it, once it's over.

7. Drawing at least one thing per day that intimidates you-- You're not good at drawing hands? Dedicate one hour to doing nothing but drawing hands. You may be surprised with the outcome by the 34th try. Then you have the potential of your weakness becoming a strong point, and you can move on to another subject matter that you're a little shaky with. Progression is a step by step sequence.

Happy New Year to all you artists out there! Viva la creativity!