Art Blog #123: Breakthrough Resolutions for Artists in 2025: A Guide to Creative Liberation

Breakthrough Resolutions for Artists in 2025: A Guide to Creative Liberation

Ah, New Year’s resolutions—the annual tradition of empty promises and clichéd aspirations. You’ve heard them all before: go to the gym, quit the red wine, eat more kale. But let’s be honest, does anyone truly think sipping green smoothies will unlock your next masterpiece? Spoiler alert: it won’t.

So, let’s toss those tired tropes out the window and talk about resolutions for artists—the kind that spark joy, stir creativity, and make 2025 your most inspired year yet. Forget the weariness of past resolutions. This year, we’re breaking patterns and smashing the mold. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. Burn Your Comfort Zone (Metaphorically, of Course)

The comfort zone is a cozy place, but nothing ever grows there. You’ve probably got a favorite medium, style, or technique. This year, dare to be terrible at something new. Always been a painter? Try sculpting. A digital artist? Get your hands dirty with charcoal. Let’s be clear: your first attempts might be laughably bad. But those messy failures? They’re fertile ground for innovation.

Think of it like jazz—a little discord leads to surprising harmony. Plus, you’ll gain a newfound respect for artists who excel in that medium. By the end of the year, your portfolio might not just expand—it could redefine you.

2. Prioritize Process Over Perfection

Perfectionism is the sworn enemy of progress. It’s that nagging voice that convinces you your work isn’t good enough to share. Silence it. This year, embrace the beauty of the unfinished.

Post your sketches. Share your works-in-progress. Host an open studio session where people can see the raw, unpolished chaos of creation. It’s not about showing off—it’s about connecting. Vulnerability invites others into your journey and reminds them that art isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the heart that goes into it.

3. Befriend Rejection—Yes, Really

If you’re not getting rejected, you’re probably playing it too safe. This year, make a game out of rejection. Submit your work to juried exhibitions, competitions, or residencies that feel slightly out of reach. For every acceptance letter, you’ll likely rack up a handful of rejections. Wear them like battle scars.

Here’s the thing: every “no” is a step closer to a “yes.” Plus, rejection often comes with nuggets of feedback that can elevate your work. Remember, even Van Gogh couldn’t sell a painting in his lifetime. You’re in good company.

4. Build a Ritual, Not a Routine

Routines are boring. Rituals, on the other hand, are sacred. Instead of forcing yourself into a strict schedule (hello, burnout), create daily rituals that inspire you. Light a candle before you sketch. Brew a special tea before you start painting. Put on a playlist that makes your soul hum before tackling a tough piece.

Rituals turn mundane actions into meaningful moments. They’re small but mighty anchors that tether you to your creative practice, especially on days when inspiration feels elusive.

5. Say Goodbye to the Myth of “Good Art”

Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no such thing as universally “good art.” Art is subjective, and chasing an illusory standard of “good” is a one-way ticket to self-doubt. This year, redefine success on your own terms.

Did you create something that makes you laugh? Cry? Think? That’s enough. Resist the urge to pander to trends or algorithms. Make the art that only you can make. Someone out there is waiting for it.

6. Create for the Joy of It

Remember why you started making art in the first place? Somewhere along the way, the joy of creation can get buried under deadlines, critiques, and the pressure to monetize. This year, commit to creating just for fun.

Doodle nonsense. Paint something hideously garish. Make a sculpture entirely out of junk. These playful experiments might never see the light of day—and that’s the point. They’ll remind you that art isn’t always about purpose; sometimes, it’s just about play.

7. Collaborate and Conspire

Creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. This year, seek out opportunities to collaborate. Partner with a writer to illustrate their story. Join a group show with other artists. Start a mural project with your local community.

Collaboration challenges your perspective and pushes your boundaries. Plus, it’s just plain fun. You might even make lifelong friends or mentors along the way. After all, art is as much about connection as it is about creation.

8. Document Your Journey

Artists are notorious for forgetting their own growth. This year, make it a habit to document your creative process. Keep a sketchbook, a photo diary, or a video log of your projects. Write down your thoughts, struggles, and breakthroughs.

By the end of 2025, you’ll have a tangible record of how far you’ve come. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about seeing patterns, identifying growth, and finding new inspiration in your own story.

9. Learn to Say “No” Without Guilt

Not every opportunity is worth your time. This year, practice the art of the graceful “no.” If a project doesn’t excite you, a collaboration doesn’t align with your vision, or a commission feels like a chore, don’t be afraid to decline.

Your time and energy are finite resources. Spend them on projects that truly ignite your passion. Saying “no” isn’t selfish; it’s self-preservation.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

In the hustle to achieve big goals, it’s easy to overlook the small victories. This year, make a point to celebrate them. Finished a sketchbook? Treat yourself to a new set of markers. Sold your first piece? Pop that champagne.

Every milestone, no matter how small, is a step forward. Celebrating them keeps the momentum going and reminds you that progress is happening, even when it feels slow.

2025: The Year You Break Through

Resolutions don’t have to be boring or burdensome. For artists, they can be an invitation to shake things up, try new approaches, and reconnect with the magic of creation. So forget about becoming a better person or quitting your vices. Let your doctor keep ranting about the red wine (what do they know about making art anyway?). This year, make resolutions that matter to you.

Because here’s the truth: the world doesn’t need another gym membership or kale smoothie. What it does need is your art—raw, messy, and unapologetically yours. So go ahead, break through to 2025 with creativity, courage, and just a little bit of chaos. After all, isn’t that what being an artist is all about?

Peter Von Hauerland

Do it like Siviqua - the artists that creates its own youtube channel, its own creative Universe, its own tools, its own website and fanbase. You can read more here:

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