Drew and our son Dylan and I just made our tenth drive across the USA from California to the East Coast. We are visiting family and friends all over the country. That’s a photo of us feeding our friends’ sheep on their Tennessee Farm! (Follow me on Instagram if you want to follow our trip.)
In this post mail I want to cover the following:
1 – Share my current business situation (since many have been asking)
2 – Inspire you to set goals for Third Quarter 2020
3 – Encourage Action Steps towards those goals
4 – My interview with Andrew Tischler on What to Do NOW for your ART Business (with stories of artists who have earned MORE $$$ during the last 3 months than ever before)
I might have been a little quiet these last few months and some people are asking if I’m okay. Love and thanks to all of you who have been concerned.
When the world first stopped back in March, Drew and I lost a lot of what we had worked so hard for. It was devastating on many levels.
We managed to turn things around for our little business. We put our focus back on selling Drew’s art and we also created a new “How to Draw Course” with famed Disney artist Damian Fulton, and I’m pleased with how we’ve been able to pivot our business so quickly.
The reason I haven’t been writing regularly on the daily unfolding world events:
Every day since March something BIG has been thrown at us, and everyone is responding in different ways. For me, when something is this HUGE I tend to go inward. I go deep into thought-mode. I sift and sort though information and tune into my intuition.
Usually, I can figure things out quicker. But all of the things that are happening are going so fast that my brain is having trouble keeping up.
I’ve been journaling and spending quiet time so I can actually THINK about things. I privately took some actions based on what I felt was the right thing to do for people in need (I won’t share them here because for me, it’s not right to publicize these things).
Some day, when I have the right words, I will share my discoveries, but for now, I’m going to stick to what I know. And that is, the business of being an artist and living your best life possible. And that leads me into third quarter goal setting…
THIRD QUARTER 2020 GOALS:
I can’t believe it’s July already. Do you feel like the first half of this year has been hi-jacked?! Well, it’s not too late to take this year by the horns and make something happen for yourself.
Is this a bad time to set goals? Never! Even if we don’t have control over other people, we DO have control over our own lives. We DO have control over how we treat others. We DO have control over WHO WE ARE BEING.
The first step to taking control is to KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.
And the second step is to take ACTION towards it.
For this third quarter of 2020 (July-August-September), WHAT DO YOU WANT?
Let’s figure it out! I have 2 exercises that will help you get clarity.
EXERCISE #1: Write down three (3) Goals that you would LOVE to accomplish for third quarter.
I’ll share mine:
1.) Build my immune system and get my body toned and strong.
2.) Deepen my relationships with my family and friends. (Be a loving person in the best possible way.)
3.) Improve upon Brophy Art Academy website – turn it into an inspiration site and build a strong community of artists who have the freedom to create.
Now that we have our top three goals for the third quarter, the next step is to determine our next ACTION towards each one. Without action, nothing happens.
EXERCISE #2: Write down one ACTION STEP for each of the three goals you wrote down for first quarter.
I’ll share mine:
1.) Continue the habit of exercising each morning when I wake up.
2.) Ask a loved one “how can I help you.” Be generous. Tithe to charities that help people in need.
3.) Hire a new Online Business Manager to help with Brophy Art Academy third quarter growth goals. (Today I interviewed 2 people – will interview 2 more before choosing.)
Try this yourself – write out a few action steps that you have control over and get momentum going on your goals for third quarter.
A REALLY GOOD INTERVIEW – How to make money when the world is Shut Down:
A few months ago, when the C-thing first hit us and every one was trying to figure out how to make a living with the world shut down, I was interviewed by Andrew Tischler.
We talked about different ways that artists can re-invent themselves during this time. I shared a few stories of artists that I personally know who are selling MORE art right now than ever before.
This interview is highly inspiring and if anything, it will give you a few new ideas on how to improve your art business during a time when the world is upside down.
You can listen to it HERE. Please leave me a comment on the video if you like it! I would love to know you listened.
I am continuing on with my travels, working as we go. I hope you’re doing something that makes your heart sing this summer. And if you can’t get out of your home, then call someone you love that you haven’t talked to in a long time.
Reconnect – give love – spread joy. We all need that right now!
Thanks for reading and please share your top 3 goals in the comments below!
Maria xxoo
You are a soul sister in so many ways! I sent an email with very similar sentiments out today, as well.
Thanks for the connection & the focus. #1 goal is hunkering down and completing my children’s book!
Jacqueline, sounds like we are on the same path! I’ll have to look up your newsletter.
Congrats on your upcoming Children’s Book. And… thanks for being the first to comment!
Hi Maria,
I did listen to your discussion with Andrew Tischler. I definately found the discussion to be interesting and inspiring. As a matter of fact I found it inspiring enough to buy your book. What a great resource you have created. I think what I enjoy the most about your book is that it is actively engaging.
I LOVED IT!!
I am at the precipice of moving between careers with my next focus on creating a prosperous art career. Your book couldn’t have come into my hands in a more timely manner. I’m looking forward to implementing some of those strategies as I progress.
Ellie, thank you so much for the kind words! So glad you love my book – it was a labor of love. I wish you the absolute best for your new career. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Thanks Maria!
I am loving this podcast. I am struggling through last minute homework right now and you are like a lifeline. I’ve stopped spinning my wheels and I’ve got some traction now.
Good vibes – Coming atcha!
Kim
Thank you Kim! xxoo
Maria,
Wow what an article, thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry that the c-thing hit you guys so hard. But also glad you’re doing better. My thought processes have been the same during all of this. Going inward and thinking a lot and even going more spiritual. I will do the exercises and watch the interview (I have it in my watch later queue) I appreciate your advise so much.
Best of luck and have amazing travels!!
Thanks Robyn. Yes, we pulled through. We always do – resilience is my middle name!
Hi Maria,
Thanks for keeping it real when you share with your fans and fellow artist. I bought your book and look forward to each and every message you send out. We still aren’t able to leave our apartment, but spend time each day looking to the future. I am also doing a lot of de-cluttering…both physically and mentally! We are working with your book and will take your new suggestions into our plans. I did watch the interview with Andrew when it first came out and have watched several more times. We live in San Diego, but are from the East Coast and truly miss it. My painting is on hold for now while I make a plan, but I am okay with that. Please continue to take care…both you and Drew! Thanks for your inspiration!
De-cluttering – what a great idea! It’s so freeing to do that. Thanks for reading my book – I’m glad to hear it’s helping you make your future plans. Thanks Angelica!
Hi Maria,
Thank you for your words! We are all in this together and everyone has their own reaction and paste during these moments. The best thing is to navigate through them and be kind to ourselves. Setting goals and being creative kept me sane during this time and although these past weeks have been very hard, I am very thankful of what it has shown me and tried to make the best out of it. Looking forward to read your upcoming posts, whenever they arrive in my mail 😉 Keep safe and happy. Best
Yes, be kind to ourselves and others. What’s happening is a first for everyone and we all need to be loving to ourselves and everyone else. Thanks Leonor!
Maria: I am glad your OK and visiting loved ones. All I can say right now is I am buying your book right now. What I have learned through all this is we have to help each other. The government is not in a hurry to help. It goes like this- KARMA- if I have food your welcome to have some, if I have a place you could stay your welcome to do so, if I have love in my heart to share with you today I give it freely, if your sad, I’m sad….you get the picture. There is a movement starting which I attended the online rally and it changed me once again. https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/
I am tired of feeling angry at the world for not having money, being in lockdown, and all this other stuff. Instead I want to love and be loved and share my love with others like you that have been there all along. Hugs and kisses- all I can do is buy your book right now a small price to pay for all the countless hours you have given us out here in the art world. Drew too ! ! ! ! XXOX Cheer up it’s not over yet- were going to make it TOGETHER.
Cecelia, I LOVE what you wrote! Yes, that’s your gift to the world (and mine also). Loved this especially: “I am tired of feeling angry at the world for not having money, being in lock down, and all this other stuff. Instead I want to love and be loved and share my love with others.” Beautiful xxoo
So good to hear from you, I figured that you were taking the time to “regroup” your mindset. I am happy that you seem to be doing well and are traveling safely.
As you suggested, I am writing my goals for the next quarter and my plan of action.
This came at the perfect time. Now, I am looking at “what do I really want to do with the rest of my life” time.
I watched your interview with Andrew Tischler, isn’t it amazing how much things have changed but also stayed the same since then?
The bottom line is we are still here, we are still surviving, and we will come out on top and hopefully as a better country for it all. 😊
You are so right about negative energy – it sucks you down and I am not going to let it 😊!
Thank you 🙂
Hey Maria, it always a good time for goal setting! To our surprise, we are having some record online sales months during these crazy times and definitely not feeling it as down time. We’re also in the middle of moving, remodeling the new house and getting ready to break ground on a new studio build, so my time spent without a studio and not painting has been focused on creating more digital work, launching a second brand, commercial jobs, planning for a massive holiday season and digging into the world of social media ads… and they are working like crazy! Good vibes to you and Drew! xo
So glad to hear about your record online sales, Erik! Good vibes right back at ya xxoo
Maria,
Thank you! So encouraging!