Reflecting on Your Creative Journey: A Year-End Ritual for Artists
As the year draws to a close, I like to take a step back and reflect on my creative journey before I dive into the next chapter. It’s easy to rush ahead—focusing on the next project, the next idea, the next goal. But there’s something deeply valuable in pausing to honor the work we’ve done, the growth we’ve experienced, and the changes, big or small, that have shaped us along the way.
If you’re interested in creating your own end-of-year ritual, I’d love for you to join me. Below are a few prompts that have helped me look back on my artistic path and think ahead to the new year with intention.
1. What Happened in Your Work Over the Past Year?
Take a moment to revisit your work. Whether it’s flipping through photos of your creations or thumbing through your sketchbooks, see what stands out. Don’t focus on what you think you should love—go with what truly brings you joy, curiosity, or pride.
I like to stick photos of these pieces into my studio journal (a fancy name for my sketchbook!) and jot down a few notes. It’s easy to rush past our discoveries, but when I take the time to reflect, I can see patterns or ideas that have emerged. These notes often become the seeds for my next series of work. What discoveries did you make this year?
2. What Influenced You This Year?
Creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We’re all shaped by the people, places, experiences, and ideas that cross our path. Think about the things that influenced your work this year—perhaps a book, a conversation, a trip, or even a new medium you experimented with.
Sometimes, I even surprise myself by realizing what has shifted my perspective or opened up new possibilities. On the flip side, it can also help to see where things might have become a little stale. Is it time to shake things up, try something new, or revisit something that inspired you in the past? Let yourself be open to the influences that surround you.
3. What Did You Do Well?
This might be the most difficult question, but it’s so important. Acknowledge what you did well. Maybe it was a piece you’re proud of or a project that pushed you outside your comfort zone. Maybe you built a new creative habit, or perhaps you kept going despite challenges.
Celebrate the small wins and the big ones. You deserve to feel good about your progress—whether it was a breakthrough in your art or simply showing up to create on tough days. Every step forward matters.
4. Where Would You Like to Make a Change?
This prompt isn’t about criticizing your work or feeling like something needs to be “fixed.” It’s more about noticing areas where you feel a shift might be welcome. What feels ready to evolve? What would you like to explore or refine in the new year?
Perhaps it’s trying a new technique, taking on a different subject matter, or simply changing your approach to your creative practice. Be kind to yourself here—this isn’t about perfection, but about noticing where you feel growth is possible.
5. Set an Intention for the New Year
One of my favorite ways to approach the new year is by choosing a single word to guide my creative path. It’s not an official resolution, but a simple intention that serves as a touchstone throughout the year.
Your word could be anything—explore, simplify, boldness, patience, joy, or whatever feels right for you. The important thing is that it resonates with where you are now and where you want to go. Don’t overthink it—let the word choose you.
6. Imagine How That Word Might Translate into Action
Once you’ve selected your word, let it start to take shape. If your word is “explore,” maybe you’ll try new techniques, dive into unfamiliar subjects, or take more creative risks. If it’s “simplify,” you might pare down your materials or focus on the essentials.
This doesn’t need to be a detailed plan—just let the idea settle in your mind. How might your word guide you to a deeper, more fulfilling creative practice?
In Conclusion: Honoring Your Creative Life
This practice isn’t about setting rigid goals or making resolutions you’ll feel guilty about breaking. Instead, it’s about honoring your creative journey, giving yourself credit for the work you’ve done, and stepping into the new year with a sense of curiosity and intention.
As you reflect on your past year and set your sights on the future, I hope you find a moment of peace, inspiration, and excitement for what’s to come. Here’s to a new year full of possibility and growth in your creative life