At the end of the year, I always take time to pause and look at where I’ve been and where I want to go next — both in life and in my art. Over the years, this reflection has evolved into something more structured, and just like last year I’ve created a set of tools to help other artists do the same.
I usually do quite a bit of this work in the in-between time, between Christmas and New Year but this year I thought I’d start it a bit earlier. Part of the reason for this is that I am midway through Vision and Voice, so spending time doing the exercises and reflecting on all aspects of my art practice. But I also had quite a few people contact me asking if I was going to share some guides, so for those who want to get started all three workbooks are now available on my website.
The Plan Your Year Ahead series is a three-part collection of free guides designed to help you review, refocus and plan your creative year with clarity and purpose.
Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, designer or maker, these workbooks will help you connect your creative practice with your personal goals — so you can approach the year ahead with intention, not just good intentions.
Part 1 — The 2025 Review
Before we look forward, it’s important to look back. The 2025 Review guide invites you to reflect on the past year — to notice what worked, what didn’t, and what you learned along the way.
Through gentle prompts and exercises, you’ll uncover:
- Your biggest achievements and proudest moments
- What inspired you most creatively
- The challenges that shaped your year
- Lessons you want to carry forward
It’s an honest, thoughtful look at your creative journey — and a chance to acknowledge how far you’ve come.
[Download the 2025 Review Guide]
Part 2 — The Year Ahead 2026
Once you’ve reflected on where you’ve been, it’s time to look to the future. The Year Ahead 2026 helps you set meaningful goals (or intentions, if that word feels softer) for the coming year.
You’ll explore your vision for your ideal 2026, choose a guiding word, and identify both process goals — the habits and routines that support your creativity — and outcome goals that mark the milestones along the way.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Guided exercises to help you clarify your priorities
- Prompts for creativity, wellbeing, work and home
- Space to design your ideal year with intention and optimism
This is about aligning your goals with the life you actually want to live.
[Download The Year Ahead 2026 Workbook]
Part 3 — Transforming Goals into Plans
The final part of the series helps you turn those goals into reality.Transforming Goals into Plans is a practical, flexible toolkit filled with templates and planning pages to help you take action.
You’ll learn how to:
- Break big goals into achievable steps
- Build accountability and track progress
- Manage your energy and stay motivated
- Celebrate successes along the way
It’s about creating structure without losing spontaneity — a way to support your creativity rather than restrict it.
[Download Transforming Goals into Plans]
Bringing It All Together
The Plan Your Year Ahead series is designed to meet you where you are — whether you’re new to art, emerging or an established artist.
You don’t have to complete all three guides in one sitting. Take your time, make a cup of tea, and work through each one when you’re ready. Think of them as a creative reset — a chance to check in with yourself, reconnect with your art, and start 2026 with confidence and clarity.
Start Your Creative Reset
Download one or all three guides from my website and give yourself the gift of time, reflection and purpose.
Because a well-planned year isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating space for growth, creativity and joy.