Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Do you have an IDP for your creative life?

IDP = Individual Development plan. We have them at work. We renew them every year. But do we make them for the creative side of our life? I have!!!

Just make a grid that is 4 columns wide and as many rows long as you want it. Across the top, in the first column, write Sections. Column 2: 2008. Column 3: 2008 - 2009 Column 4: 2009 - 2010.

In the rows coming down under column 1, write these questions:

What are your goals? Example: To learn a new skill, complete a specific task, design something.

In the next row, write what you need to do for each item in the 1st row.

The next row will show the estimated cost to budget for

then the projects to work on

The steps to take to achieve your goals

The progress

The completion (filled in at the end of each year)

And then you do the same thing for the columns for 2009 and 2010. When you are done, you will at least have a plan for where you want to take your art in the next couple of years. And it might be fun to look back and see how much you've grown because you've pushed yourself to meet your own personal goals.

Here's a sample....but not my "real" one!



Now why do this? Why set goals for your artistic side?

1. They are a roadmap that takes you from here to "there".
2. They keep you focused - "on track"
3. They motivate you....sort of like a New Year's Resolution
4. They help you become a better version of you.
5. Because mom said it's always good to have a goal :o)

So, do you have an IDP for your life? If now, why not? Mom's are smart!!!

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