New Year, Actual Goals

Even with the economy crashing all around us and an anticipated slower than usual season (Jan is typically slow and the fashion shows are in Feb so it doesn’t really kick off until Mar), I’m feeling positive about 2009.  Mainly because this year I am really going to control my destiny. That is, I’m going to be proactive not reactive and focus on what I can control not what I can’t (such as a slow season).   One of my main goals this year is

Transitioning from being a tech to a working photographer

Yes, that’s what I wanted last year, but last year I didn’t have a plan.  And it’s such a big goal so it’s going to be broken down into a few smaller goals:

• Finish my book (portfolio) by end of February
• Write a business plan
• Start an LLC
• Have 3 shows
• Attend more cultural activities

Finish my  book (portfolio) by end of February
Well, it’s nearly there.  With the help of my teacher/mentor, creative director Phyllis Levine, a lot of crap was taken out, which left about 30 images.  To begin filling it out, I’ve a couple shoots scheduled this month which, pending how they come out, might be paired with street or travel photography.  And that’s how my book is reordered - the pairing of portraiture and travel work to present a body of work rather than a portrait or travel book.  However, eventually I will have separate books for those.  It’s doable, especially with all the downtime these couple months.

Write a business plan
Initially I felt like dork when I thought about this.  It feels so uncreative.  Why can’t I just start shooting and see what happens? But would I open a clothing store without having a business plan?  What if I wanted a loan?  It may not be that fully fleshed out, but at least I’ll have some guidance for myself.  I can be the most talented photographer but if I can’t deal with my business properly, that might bring me down.  The Small Business Administration has a wealth of info on business plans and starting a business in general.

Start an LLC
Writing a business plan helps me start an LLC.  Right now I am a sole proprietor but that gives me no legal protection.  Anyone know a good lawyer?

Have 3 shows
This was one of my goals last year and I accomplished it!  Sutra, Red Horse and Think Gallery.  The goth project could work.  And there’s always continuing NYC street food.  This year, Jen Beckman sounds good.

Attend more cultural activiites
I live in NYC - with tons galleries, world famous museums, theatre, opera.  But like many people I know, I take it for granted.  It’s always here so yeah, I’ll go next week.  Being around the arts is inspiring and soul nourishing.  Like when I went to the William Eggleston show.  I felt motivated.  This year I aim to do one per month.  A couple years ago I read The Artist’s Way and tried a gallery a week.  Once a month is more manageable.

I just read on Leslie Burns-Dell’Acqua’s blog a good way to motivate/feel inspired if you’ve got some down days ahead.  Check it out here.

Here’s to a way better year, 2009!