First, I want to thank all of you for filling 2016 with good times and laughs. Now it’s on to another 365 days of messy mistakes and minor successes!

I want to have goals for 2017, but I like to keep my goals flexible. I never want to get tunnel vision while I’m working toward them.

1. Host an Art Show

I had so much fun with the Spooky Show last October, I’d love to organize something like that — a show hosted by artists for artists!

2. Pitch a Picture Book to a Publisher

Last year I joined SCBWI and attended the Summer Conference in LA. I learned so much about the publishing world, and while I’m sure there’s oceans more to learn, I want to jump in! What’s the worst that could happen?

3. Make at Least One Polished Piece of Art Every Month

This one sounds super do-able NOW, but I know once I get swamped with projects and life’s odds and ends it’s going to be a real challenge. It’s easy to draw every day, but it’s not so easy to commit to a sketch and give it a nice finish.

So how’s that for a start? At the tail-end of last year, I discovered the super lame¹ magic of planners/calendars, so I’ve recently been making monthly or weekly “resolutions” which have increased my motivation and productivity by a factor of at least nine.

Best of luck to everyone in this fresh new year! Let’s all have a happy orbit.

^{¹ This is in no way meant to disparage the noble world of planners and planning, but I think we all know it’s a bit frivolous.}