Artists are a special breed of creative, passionate individuals who strive to make the world more beautiful. Having well-defined goals can help them stay focused and motivated on their artistic journey.
SMART goals are an excellent way to accomplish this as they provide a clear roadmap for success. In this article, we will provide examples of SMART goals for artists to maximize their growth potential.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART framework will enable artists to develop practical goals for their creative careers. For those unaware, SMART is an abbreviation for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.
Do you need more clarification? Let’s dive deeper into each SMART letter:
Specific
Realize that specificity is key when setting artistic goals. Rather than making vague resolutions like “I want to be a better artist” or “I hope to make more art this year,” try focusing on precise objectives. By being as detailed as possible when planning your creative journey, you’ll find amazing success.
Measurable
Measurable goals allow artists to monitor their progress and remain accountable. Without this criterion, tracking an artist’s growth in both creative output and commercial success can be arduous. It would be nearly impossible to know if you’re progressing or just spinning your wheels.
Attainable
We all often want to achieve the impossible, but this inevitably leads to disappointment when we fall short of expectations. Instead of getting caught up dreaming big, make sure you strive to realistically assess how long it will take you to reach every milestone.
Relevant
When you craft goals that connect with your values, it will ignite a spark of motivation within you to reach the destination you have always desired. With your fundamental ideals steering you, you’ll persist with determination even in times of trouble.
Time-Based
A timeline will encourage you to stay on track and never lose sight of your ultimate goals. Success is never achieved in one swift motion; it requires persistent effort and commitment that must be maintained at every step.
12 Examples of SMART Goals for Artists
Are you looking to succeed in your artistic journey? Below you’ll discover 12 examples of SMART goals for artists:
1. Increase Creative Output
SMART Goal: To produce more creative work, I plan to create and complete 5 new pieces of art in the one month ahead. I will also take breaks throughout my creative process to ensure high-quality output.
- Specific: The goal states the objective, the work required to achieve it, and the timeline.
- Measurable: You could track how many art pieces you create in one month.
- Attainable: This is feasible because the monthly output is manageable, and there are breaks for quality control.
- Relevant: This statement is important to improving creative production and productivity.
- Time-based: There is a one-month end date for accomplishing success.
2. Develop a Fan Base
SMART Goal: I want to increase my fan base by 20% over the next 6 months. I’ll use social media, email campaigns, and live performances to build my audience and connect personally with my fans.
- Specific: The artist aims for a 20% increase in their fan base within 6 months.
- Measurable: Track progress using analytics from social media posts and email campaigns.
- Attainable: You have provided a reasonable timeline for boosting your fan base.
- Relevant: Building a fan base is essential for artists to increase their reach and influence.
- Time-based: You have a 6-month deadline for goal completion.
3. Invest in Quality Supplies
SMART Goal: I will invest in better quality supplies and materials to ensure that my artwork is always of the highest professional caliber. I’ll research and purchase supplies for three months and create a budget to remain within my financial means.
- Specific: The SMART goal is well-defined, detailing the objective and how it will be met.
- Measurable: By researching and purchasing supplies, you can check your progress and stay within your budget.
- Attainable: This is doable if the artist has the resources and funds to purchase supplies.
- Relevant: The goal is pertinent to your work because it ensures your artwork is always of the highest quality.
- Time-based: Three months are required to achieve this artistic goal.
4. Network With Other Artists
SMART Goal: I will establish relationships with 15 other artists in my community within four months. I want to foster collaboration and support in the artistic community.
- Specific: This goal describes the number of artists you are targeting (15) and the time frame (four months).
- Measurable: You can measure the number of relationships you’ve established.
- Attainable: Connecting with 15 other artists is ambitious but doable, especially in four months.
- Relevant: Networking with artists is essential for fostering collaboration and support.
- Time-based: You are anticipated to reach the goal in four months.
5. Create New Projects
SMART Goal: To continually develop my art skills, I will create four new projects demonstrating creativity and innovation over the year. Each project should be of high quality, and I’ll strive to showcase my work in exhibitions or on social media.
- Specific: The goal statement is explicit because it targets four new projects.
- Measurable: The person can measure their progress with the number of projects created.
- Attainable: Creating four new projects is definitely possible within a year.
- Relevant: This relates to developing art skills and bringing creativity to the forefront.
- Time-based: You should ideally attain the goal in one year.
6. Increase Income Streams
SMART Goal: I will develop two additional income streams, either through selling physical or digital products, within 8 months. That should help diversify my income streams and provide more financial stability.
- Specific: The artist wants to create two more income streams over two months.
- Measurable: You could track income earned from new streams.
- Attainable: This is doable within 8 months if the individual puts in the necessary effort.
- Relevant: Having multiple income streams will help ensure financial stability.
- Time-based: The SMART goal will be achieved after 8 months.
7. Use Time Management Techniques
SMART Goal: I will use time management techniques to be more efficient with my work by the end of this month. I’ll use to-do lists, calendar tasks, and other prioritizing methods to ensure projects are done on time and with the best results.
- Specific: The aim is to actively use time management techniques to be more efficient with work.
- Measurable: The evaluation is based on how well the artist can execute tasks and complete projects this month.
- Attainable: This certain goal is feasible with proper discipline and planning.
- Relevant: Completing projects on time increases the chances of success.
- Time-based: The time frame for this goal is at the end of this month.
8. Develop Artistic Skills
SMART Goal: My aim is to take online classes or attend a local art school to enhance my artistic skills. I plan to complete 5 courses next year to improve my ability to create higher-quality artwork.
- Specific: The goal is to take courses and attend a school to develop artistic skills.
- Measurable: You can assess your progress by completing courses within the specified time frame.
- Attainable: This goal is possible with some dedication and hard work.
- Relevant: Developing artistic skills will help you create better artwork.
- Time-based: You should aim to complete 5 courses within the following year.
9. Pursue Professional Opportunities
SMART Goal: I want to take advantage of new opportunities in the art world and broaden my professional network. I will attend one networking event or workshop per month to meet new people and learn about potential job opportunities.
- Specific: This is specific because it outlines a plan to attend one networking event or workshop per month.
- Measurable: You can check the number of events attended.
- Attainable: This goal is achievable with the right resources and commitment.
- Relevant: Attending networking events or workshops is a great way to find potential job opportunities.
- Time-based: Consider this an ongoing effort; you’ll strive to attend one event every month.
10. Strengthen Brand Identity
SMART Goal: I’ll create 10 pieces of a series illustrating my brand identity within 7 months. Each piece should be visually consistent with my artwork’s theme and style.
- Specific: The artist has outlined the precise number of illustrations to create and the parameters for how they should look.
- Measurable: Determine how many illustrations the artist has completed out of ten.
- Attainable: The deadline allows enough time for you to steadily produce pieces that are consistent with one another.
- Relevant: This particular goal is vital for artists as it will help them establish a strong brand.
- Time-based: There is a 7-month timeline to create all 10 illustrations.
11. Participate in Exhibits
SMART Goal: I will have three new pieces of artwork ready for display by the end of this year. I want to participate in at least two professional art exhibits to grow my artist portfolio and gain recognition.
- Specific: The individual plans to have three new pieces of artwork ready for display.
- Measurable: Ensure you participate in at least two professional art exhibits this year.
- Attainable: This is doable because the artist is taking steps to create and showcase their skills.
- Relevant: This SMART goal is pertinent because it helps artists expand their portfolios and gain recognition.
- Time-based: The statement is time-bound because it has an end date of this year.
12. Take Criticism Constructively
SMART Goal: I want to actively listen to what critics say about my artwork and respond constructively. I’ll consider their comments and look for ways to improve my work with the help of their feedback.
- Specific: The goal details exactly what you must do (listen and respond constructively) when receiving feedback.
- Measurable: You could count the number of constructive responses you made.
- Attainable: Listening and responding constructively is achievable with an open mindset.
- Relevant: This goal helps you better understand your work and improve it with constructive criticism.
- Time-based: No definitive timeline is given, but you should pursue this goal continuously.
Final Thoughts
The SMART system allows you to chunk down large goals into more actionable steps. By adequately setting these goals, artists will be able to remain inspired to create meaningful work.
SMART goals will enable you to craft your unique story, building yourself up as an artist who stands out in the crowd. After all, each of us has something special to offer the world—it’s just a matter of finding it within ourselves and letting it shine.
