Around this time of the year, I find myself setting artistic goals, business goals and deciding what kind of shows, galleries, festivals and other promotional opportunities to participate in.
I think that, particularly for us evolving artists, it's important to assess what we do today and what we want to be doing/who we want to be selling to tomorrow.
If you make unfinished "country-style" wooden cutouts, you probably don't want to try peddling your work at gallery calls-for-entries or paying hundreds of dollars for the latest Urban Street Bazaar which focuses on the fashionista set.
On the other hand, if you do high end work; fine craft or expensive artwork, having a booth at the Coppell Farmer's Market (even if your work is resoundingly appreciated and your booth is crowded with onlookers) is probably a waste of your time.
I take the answer to 'what am I doing today that I enjoy, that folks appreciate and that sells' and adding in some new concepts, perhaps a new line and consider stretching myself creatively, while still not giving up 'the old'. I constantly evaluate the 'which venues worked for me last year' and strive to try at least a couple of new ones for the new year.
Good luck as you decide "what path will I take in 2009"!
L~
