Project Overview & Goals
This 3-year plan is designed to guide you, especially if you're returning to art after a break but possessing foundational skills, towards becoming a professional artist capable of earning a sustainable income. It assumes a progressively increasing time commitment: starting with ~5 hours/week in the first six months, increasing to ~10 hours/week for the next six, then ~20-30 hours/week in Year 2, and culminating in ~40-50 hours/week in Year 3.
Use the tabs above to navigate through each year of the plan. Check off tasks as you complete them to track your progress. Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize sustainable practice, celebrate your progress, and allow for rest and creative refueling.
While this plan provides a solid structure, your artistic journey is unique. Feel free to adapt the timing of certain goals or delve deeper into areas that excite you most, using this as your guiding framework.
3-Year Journey at a Glance
Year 1: Foundation & Exploration
(Avg: 5 hrs/wk for 6mo, then 10 hrs/wk for 6mo)
Re-establish consistent practice, refresh core skills, explore mediums, build an initial, curated portfolio (8-10 pieces), and make first income steps.
Key Milestones:
- Establish initial, consistent income stream.
- Identify 1-2 potential specializations.
- Develop active online presence & engage with art communities.
- Develop habits for sustainable practice and self-reflection.
Year 2: Specialization & Building Income
(Avg: 20-30 hrs/wk)
Deepen skills in 1-2 specializations, create more complex portfolio pieces (12-15 total, highly curated), and grow income towards part-time viability. Major projects involve significant time commitment or achieving a key skill stretch.
Key Milestones:
- Grow art income to support transition to part-time employment.
- Launch professional portfolio website.
- Complete 4 quarterly major personal projects.
- Acquire foundational knowledge of art business & marketing.
Year 3: Professional Operation & Full-Time Transition
(Avg: 40-50 hrs/wk)
Operate as a full-time artist, secure sustainable income, take on flagship projects (significant time/skill investment), and potentially develop own IP. Focus on robust business practices.
Key Milestones:
- Achieve art income sufficient to cover all living and business expenses.
- Complete 4 quarterly major/flagship projects.
- Cultivate a strong professional network & implement refined business systems.
- Develop strategies for long-term motivation and work-life balance.
Phase 1: Foundation & Initial Exploration
This initial year focuses on rebuilding your artistic momentum with an average of 5 hours/week for the first 6 months, increasing to 10 hours/week for the latter 6 months. You'll refresh foundational skills, explore different mediums to rediscover your passions, and begin creating pieces for an initial portfolio. The aim is to establish a consistent creative habit and make your first forays into the art market. Remember to be patient with yourself, celebrate every step forward, and prioritize sustainable practice.
Adjust the intensity based on your energy levels; consistency is key. If unexpected opportunities arise, evaluate their alignment with your long-term goals and adapt your focus accordingly.
Key Reflections & Considerations for Year 1
- Monthly Self-Reflection: What did I enjoy creating most this month? What techniques felt challenging but rewarding? How can I adjust my approach for next month?
- Consistent Online Sharing: Am I regularly posting work and works-in-progress (WIPs) to build visibility and invite constructive feedback?
- Financial Tracking: Am I diligently monitoring all art-related income (however small) and expenses from the outset?
- Weekly Creative Input: Am I dedicating time for inspiration (virtual galleries, documentaries) and continuous learning (new techniques, software)?
- Portfolio Curation Mindset: As I complete pieces, which ones best showcase my refreshed foundational skills and my exploration of different mediums? My early portfolio is about showing potential and progress.
Monthly Focus & Projects
Month 1: Digital Prop Design
Focus: Re-engage with digital painting fundamentals.
- Prop 1: Thumbnails & Sketch
- Prop 1: Render & Share Online
- Prop 2: Thumbnails & Sketch
- Prop 2: Render & Share Online
Month 2: Traditional Character Bust
Focus: Explore traditional media (oils or acrylics).
- Character Concept & Prep
- Color Mixing Practice
- Bust: Underpainting & Share WIP
Month 3: Digital Environment
Focus: Practice composition and mood in digital painting.
- Environment: Thumbnails
- Environment: Color Blocking & Share WIP
- Environment: Finalize & Share Online
Month 4: Intro to 3D (Blender)
Focus: Familiarize with basic 3D modeling concepts.
- Blender Interface Basics
- Simple 3D Object Modeling
- 3D Model: Finalize & Share Online
Month 5: Integrating Skills
Focus: Combine learned skills in a single piece (character in environment).
- Scene Concept & Thumbnails
- Sketch & Color Blocking
- Integrated Scene: Finalize & Share Online
Month 6: First "Sellable" Piece
Focus: Explore income generation paths.
- "Sellable" Piece Concept
- Income Path Research
- Action: List First Item for Sale or Open Commissions
Months 7-9: Deepening Skills & First Specialization Focus
Focus: (10 hrs/wk) Choose 1 primary medium/area. Produce more polished work.
- Select 1st Specialization Area
- Concept & Sketch for Specialization Project
- Execute Specialization Project & Share WIP
- Finalize Specialization Project & Add to Portfolio
- Research Advanced Techniques for Specialization
Months 10-12: Consistent Income & Portfolio Polish
Focus: (10 hrs/wk) Actively seek small commissions/promote sales. Refine portfolio.
- Concept & Sketch for Second Specialization/Sellable Piece
- Execute Second Piece & Share WIP
- Finalize Second Piece & List Online
- Actively Promote Commissions/Shop (Weekly)
- Portfolio Review & Refine (8-10 pieces)
Year 1 Goals & Tracker
Overall Year 1 Aims
- Achieve small, consistent income ($50-$200/month)
- Develop a portfolio of 8-10 polished pieces
- Gain confidence in 1-2 primary specializations
Focus on completing foundational projects and identifying areas for future specialization.
- Complete All Scheduled Year 1 Projects
- Identify 1-2 potential specializations
Begin building your initial portfolio by selecting your strongest early pieces and seeking feedback.
- Mid-Year Portfolio Curation: Review created pieces; select strongest 3-4 for initial portfolio.
- End-of-Year Portfolio Curation: Select best 8-10 pieces; seek feedback if possible.
Explore initial avenues for monetizing your art and establish basic business practices.
- Market Research: Understand Print-on-Demand (PoD) models, common commission types, and initial pricing strategies.
- List first item for sale / Open commissions
- Achieve first art sale/commission
- Develop Basic Terms of Service for initial commissions.
Establish your online art profiles and start engaging with relevant art communities.
- Set up ArtStation/Instagram profile
- Community Engagement: Identify and join 2 relevant online art communities. Introduce yourself and share initial work.
- Peer Learning: Follow 10-15 inspiring artists in your field; analyze their online presentation and engagement.
Phase 2: Specialization & Building Income
With an average of 20-30 hours/week, Year 2 is about honing your chosen specializations and significantly building your income. You'll deepen your skills, take on more complex projects (defined by significant time commitment e.g. 40+ hours, or a key skill stretch), and strategically build your portfolio with the goal of making art a viable part-time career. Remember to balance focused work with rest and inspiration.
Key Reflections & Considerations for Year 2
- Ongoing Specialization Assessment: Regularly evaluate if your chosen specialization remains fulfilling and if major projects offer appropriate challenges.
- Refine Client Interaction: Continuously improve client communication and product/service presentation based on feedback and market observation.
- Workflow Optimization: Focus on improving speed and efficiency through dedicated practice and mastering relevant tools.
- Dynamic Portfolio Curation: Regularly update your portfolio by removing older/less relevant pieces and adding new, stronger work.
- Proactive Income Generation: Actively seek freelance opportunities or higher-value commissions; develop confidence in pitching your services.
- Brand Voice Development: Cultivate a consistent marketing voice and visual style that authentically reflects your art.
- Active Community Participation: Engage meaningfully in chosen art communities by offering constructive feedback, asking insightful questions, and sharing your progress.
- Peer Support & Critique: Actively seek peer support; consider joining or forming a critique group for constructive feedback.
- Sustainable Goal Setting: Establish realistic weekly and monthly goals to maintain momentum and prevent burnout; be flexible in adjusting them.
Other Focus Areas & Project Types
Thematic Series
Create 3-4 linked pieces to show consistency and world-building skills within your specialization.
"Client-Style" Brief Projects
Complete projects based on mock briefs (e.g., book cover, game concept art) to show professional applicability and problem-solving.
Advanced Skill-Builder
Undertake projects specifically to master new intermediate/advanced techniques or software relevant to your specialization.
Major Personal Projects
Major Personal Project 1
- Define Project Scope & Goals
- Research & Reference Gathering
- Ideation & Thumbnail Sketches
- Detailed Sketch / Composition Plan
- Execution: Blocking / Foundational Work
- Execution: Detailing & Rendering
- Self-Critique & Iteration
- Final Polish & Presentation
- Add to Portfolio & Share Online
Major Personal Project 2
- Define Project Scope & Goals
- Research & Reference Gathering
- Ideation & Thumbnail Sketches
- Detailed Sketch / Composition Plan
- Execution: Blocking / Foundational Work
- Execution: Detailing & Rendering
- Self-Critique & Iteration
- Final Polish & Presentation
- Add to Portfolio & Share Online
Major Personal Project 3
- Define Project Scope & Goals
- Research & Reference Gathering
- Ideation & Thumbnail Sketches
- Detailed Sketch / Composition Plan
- Execution: Blocking / Foundational Work
- Execution: Detailing & Rendering
- Self-Critique & Iteration
- Final Polish & Presentation
- Add to Portfolio & Share Online
Major Personal Project 4
- Define Project Scope & Goals
- Research & Reference Gathering
- Ideation & Thumbnail Sketches
- Detailed Sketch / Composition Plan
- Execution: Blocking / Foundational Work
- Execution: Detailing & Rendering
- Self-Critique & Iteration
- Final Polish & Presentation
- Add to Portfolio & Share Online
Year 2 Goals & Tracker
Overall Year 2 Aims
- Art income supports transition to part-time external employment.
- Launch professional portfolio website.
- Complete 4 quarterly major personal projects.
- Portfolio of 12-15 professional, specialized pieces.
- Solidify foundational understanding of art business & marketing.
Deepen your expertise in your chosen specializations and refine your technical abilities.
- Define 1-2 clear specializations for deep focus
- Achieve proficiency in intermediate techniques within chosen specialization(s).
These major projects should represent a significant investment of your time, push your skill boundaries, and aim to create impactful pieces for your professional portfolio.
- Complete 2-3 "Client-Style" brief projects
- Portfolio: 12-15 professional, specialized pieces
Develop your pricing strategy, actively seek paid opportunities, and explore diverse income streams like digital products.
- Pricing Strategy: Research market rates for your specialization and refine your pricing model.
- Explore selling digital products (brushes, tutorials, assets)
- Explore Art Licensing: Investigate the fundamentals of art licensing if relevant to your work.
- Initial Marketing Plan: Identify target audience and select 1-2 primary platforms for focused marketing efforts.
- GOAL: Art income sufficient for part-time employment elsewhere.
Build a professional portfolio website and expand your network by connecting with peers and potential clients.
- Launch a simple professional portfolio website
- Targeted Outreach Research: Identify 5-10 potential clients, studios, or galleries; monitor their work and opportunities.
Phase 3: Professional Operation & Full-Time Transition
With an average of 40-50 hours/week, this final year is about operating as a full-time professional artist. The focus shifts to securing sustainable and growing income, taking on major projects (significant time/skill investment), and building a long-term, satisfying career. This is where you transition from artist to creative entrepreneur. Maintain a balance between ambitious work and personal well-being.
Key Reflections & Considerations for Year 3
- Artistic Voice Refinement: Continuously analyze what makes your work distinct and explore avenues to further develop your unique style.
- Advanced Skill Mastery: Dedicate effort to mastering advanced techniques within your specialization to maintain a competitive edge and foster innovation.
- Professional Portfolio Management: Maintain a highly curated portfolio that showcases your best work; regularly seek expert feedback.
- Sustainable Client Acquisition: Develop and implement strategies for a consistent flow of high-value client work or sales through proactive outreach and targeted marketing.
- Optimize Business Operations: Implement and refine robust business systems, including professional contracts, invoicing tools, and client communication protocols.
- Strategic Networking: Proactively cultivate professional relationships by attending relevant events (virtual or in-person), connecting with mentors, and conducting informational interviews.
- Build Industry Presence (Optional): Consider establishing thought leadership or a strong community presence through activities like blogging, creating tutorials, or giving talks.
- Brand Evolution: Ensure your online brand remains professional and evolves to accurately reflect your artistic growth and achievements.
- Creative Sustainability: Develop effective strategies for managing creative blocks and sustaining motivation, especially during extended projects.
- Work-Life Integration: Consciously prioritize and manage work-life balance as you transition to full-time artistry and navigate business demands.
Other Strategic Activities
Develop Intellectual Property (IP)
A crucial long-term goal. Consider developing your own IP (e.g., webcomic, illustrated book, game concept) to build a unique brand and assets.
Strategically Diversify Income Streams
Establish multiple ways to earn, reducing risk. Examples: teaching workshops, creating premium tutorials, licensing art, Patreon/subscriptions.
Implement Robust Business & Financial Management
Operate as a business. Manage finances, taxes, contracts, client relations, and long-term planning for a sustainable career.
Major Personal/Flagship Projects
Major/Flagship Project 1
- Define Project Scope & Goals
- Research & Reference Gathering
- Ideation & Thumbnail Sketches
- Detailed Sketch / Composition Plan
- Execution: Blocking / Foundational Work
- Execution: Detailing & Rendering
- Self-Critique & Iteration
- Final Polish & Presentation
- Add to Portfolio & Share Online
Major/Flagship Project 2
- Define Project Scope & Goals
- Research & Reference Gathering
- Ideation & Thumbnail Sketches
- Detailed Sketch / Composition Plan
- Execution: Blocking / Foundational Work
- Execution: Detailing & Rendering
- Self-Critique & Iteration
- Final Polish & Presentation
- Add to Portfolio & Share Online
Major/Flagship Project 3
- Define Project Scope & Goals
- Research & Reference Gathering
- Ideation & Thumbnail Sketches
- Detailed Sketch / Composition Plan
- Execution: Blocking / Foundational Work
- Execution: Detailing & Rendering
- Self-Critique & Iteration
- Final Polish & Presentation
- Add to Portfolio & Share Online
Major/Flagship Project 4
- Define Project Scope & Goals
- Research & Reference Gathering
- Ideation & Thumbnail Sketches
- Detailed Sketch / Composition Plan
- Execution: Blocking / Foundational Work
- Execution: Detailing & Rendering
- Self-Critique & Iteration
- Final Polish & Presentation
- Add to Portfolio & Share Online
Year 3 Goals & Tracker
Overall Year 3 Aims
- Achieve art income sufficient to cover all living and business expenses.
- Complete 4 quarterly major/flagship projects.
- Solidify professional network & optimize business systems.
- Develop and launch an initial IP concept (if pursued).
These major projects should represent a significant investment of your time, push your skill boundaries, and aim to create impactful pieces for your professional portfolio.
- Develop and launch an initial IP concept (if pursued)
Implement robust business systems, diversify income sources, and manage your art career as a full-time professional.
- Establish at least one new significant income stream
- Create a long-term financial plan (taxes, retirement, savings)
- Manage Tax Obligations: Ensure full understanding and compliance with tax obligations for freelance artists in your region.
- Advanced Marketing Strategies: Explore and implement advanced marketing techniques such as SEO, email list building, and basic public relations.
- GOAL: Art income reliably covers all living and business expenses.