How SMART Goals Can Transform Your Art Business in 2025
Let’s face it: the phrase “new year, new me” has been beaten to death, and frankly, it’s exhausting. But what if, instead of making vague resolutions like “I’ll sell more art” or “I’ll finally figure out social media,” you actually created a plan that works? Enter the SMART goal system. Not only does it sound snazzy, but it’s also ridiculously effective. Think of it as the Marie Kondo of goal-setting: it sparks joy and gets results.
Here’s how you can use SMART goals to kick your art business into high gear without burning out or spinning in endless circles. Bonus? You’ll get just enough info here to start, but the real magic happens in my Artisan Reset Planner.
1. What Is the
SMART System?
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. It’s a fancy way of saying: let’s set goals that actually make sense. This method helps you create clarity, stay focused, and measure progress so you’re not just aimlessly hoping for success.
2. Setting SMART Goals for Different Areas of Your Art Career
A. Selling More Products or Art Prints
Specific: Define exactly what you want to sell. For example, “I want to sell five Gothic-inspired prints this month.”
Measurable: If 1% of your audience converts into buyers, you’ll need 500 visitors to your shop, which means your posts should reach at least 5,000 views.
Achievable: Be realistic. Five sales in a month is doable with consistent posting and strategic promotion.
Relevant: Align the goal with your audience’s interests and aesthetics. For me, it’s all about alternative, Gothic vibes.
Time-Bound: Set a deadline. For example, sell those five prints by the end of the month.
B. Landing More Commissions
Specific: Specify the type and number of commissions. “I want to book 10 portrait commissions by June.”
Measurable: Track inquiries and confirmed bookings. If you reach out to 20 potential clients, aim for a 50% success rate.
Achievable: Make sure you have the capacity to handle the workload. Ten commissions over six months? Totally doable.
Relevant: Are these commissions in your niche or aligned with your style? If not, they might not help grow your brand.
Time-Bound: Set a timeline. For example, “I want all slots filled by the end of March.”
C. Growing Your Social Media Presence
Specific: Set a follower or engagement goal. “I want to gain 1,000 followers by March.”
Measurable: Use analytics to track metrics like reach, saves, and shares.
Achievable: Plan content creation based on your schedule, aiming for 3-4 posts per week.
Relevant: Align your content with what your audience loves. For me, that’s dark academia, horror, and tattoo-inspired artwork.
Time-Bound: Pick a deadline. For example, “I’ll hit my follower goal by March 31.”
3. Steps to Crafting Your SMART Goals
Before diving into the details, take a moment to reflect on your overall vision for 2025. What’s driving you this year? Is it financial growth? Creative freedom? A better work-life balance? Defining your "why" will give you clarity and help you prioritize what truly matters.
Once you’ve nailed down your vision, focus on 1-3 priority goals for the year. Don’t try to do everything at once—that’s a fast track to burnout. Instead, pick the goals that will make the biggest impact on your art business.
After choosing your priorities, break each goal into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to gain 1,000 followers by March, figure out how many posts you’ll need to create each week and what kind of content will resonate most with your audience. Tools like goal trackers, content calendars, or productivity apps can be a lifesaver here. They keep you organized and ensure you’re staying on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Finally, remember to review and adjust your goals regularly. Life happens, and sometimes plans need tweaking. Give yourself grace when things don’t go perfectly, and focus on making steady progress instead of aiming for perfection.
4. Avoiding Common Goal-Setting Mistakes
Being vague about your goals is one of the biggest pitfalls. For example, saying, “I want to sell more art” isn’t actionable. Instead, be specific about the type and number of sales you’re aiming for.
Setting unrealistic goals is another trap. If you’re a new artist, trying to sell 50 prints in a month might be too ambitious—start smaller and build up as you gain traction.
Ignoring metrics is also a common mistake. Numbers are your friend, and tracking them helps you stay on top of your progress.
Finally, don’t overload yourself with too many goals at once. Focus on quality over quantity because trying to achieve 10 goals at the same time is a surefire recipe for burnout.
5. Tools and Resources for Better Goal-Setting
Templates and worksheets, like those found in my Artisan Reset Planner, are a fantastic starting point to organize your goals and track your progress. Time-blocking techniques can also help you balance your creativity and marketing efforts—check out this article on "Time Managment for Artists" for more tips on this method.
For those looking to grow their social media presence, using analytics tools to measure engagement and reach is a game-changer; platforms like Instagram Insights and tools like Later can provide valuable metrics.
Lastly, accountability is key to staying motivated. Consider sharing your goals with a mentor, joining a peer group, or even checking out my coaching services for personalized guidance.
6. Real-Life Examples of SMART Goals for Artists
A freelance illustrator who specializes in whimsical animal art might set a goal to sell 10 art prints by March 15th using Instagram Reels and targeted email campaigns to attract nature-loving buyers.
A portrait artist aiming to expand their client base could plan to book five commissions by May 30th through updating their portfolio, showcasing testimonials, and proactively reaching out to potential clients.
A digital artist who focuses on pop culture fan art might aim to reach 10,000 followers on TikTok by posting three engaging videos weekly, including time-lapse drawings, character design challenges, and audience polls.
A sculptor looking to promote their 3D pieces could set a goal to sell two custom sculptures by June 1st through a combination of newsletter campaigns and in-depth Instagram Stories showing their process.
A muralist hoping to book public art projects might target three new collaborations by August 31st by networking with local businesses and showcasing past work on LinkedIn and their website.
Making this year Your Most
Successful Year Yet
The Artisan Reset Planner is designed to help you turn vague ambitions into actionable steps, setting you up for a successful year. Whether your focus is social media, selling art, landing commissions, or balancing your creative and personal life, this planner gives you the tools to make it happen. By breaking down your goals into manageable actions, you'll create a plan that works for both your artistic vision and your business aspirations.
Don’t wait to take control of your art business and make this year your breakthrough year! Check it out now and start transforming your goals into results.
