Setting Art Goals for the New Year

If you want to support your child's creativity and artistic development in the new year, here are some tips to consider:

1. Establish a consistent routine for artistic activities. Providing a dedicated space in your home for your child to get creative, complete with all the necessary art supplies, can help them feel comfortable and confident in their artistic pursuits. Setting a specific time for art practice, whether it's after homework is finished or on a particular day of the week, can also be helpful in building a habit of artistic expression. Enrolling your child in classes or joining a community of like-minded parents can also provide a consistent routine for artistic growth.
2. Encourage exploration and experimentation. It's important to create an environment where your child feels safe to make mistakes and try new things. Encourage them to try different art mediums, techniques, and styles to find what they enjoy most. Encourage them to have fun and enjoy the process. Don't worry about creating "good" art. Good art is created over time through regular practice.
3. Provide opportunities for practice. The more your child creates, the more they will improve. Encourage them to make art on a regular basis, whether it's for fun or for a specific project. Be on the lookout for contests and school assignments that can use your child’s artistic talents. My Tooniversity students have recently entered their art into a “Cereal Box Competition”, a brochure contest for a local farm, and more. One of them even won a $25 prize for winning the competition!
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are not familiar with the world of art, it can be overwhelming to try and support your child's interests on your own. Consider reaching out to other parents, teachers, or art professionals for advice and guidance. Recently in our private Community for Parents, we had some parents ask how to help their child get over their perfectionism. I shared some tips in response to help children who are too hard on themselves. What questions do you have? What advice do you have to share with other parents? You’d be surprised how parenting advice that you think is obvious could be a big help for someone else! Let us know in the Community here.
5. Look for inspiration. Art prompts, galleries, museums, and art Youtube Channels can be great sources of inspiration for your child. Encourage them to try new things and explore different subjects and styles.
6. Celebrate their achievements. Recognizing and praising your child's artistic growth and accomplishments can be a great way to boost their confidence and encourage them to continue exploring their interests. Consider displaying their art in a prominent location or sharing it with friends and family.
7. Consider enrolling your child in classes. In addition to providing a consistent routine, classes and communities can offer your child the opportunity to learn from experts, receive feedback, and be inspired by other young artists. You could try my free classes in January or enroll in continued classes with my Saturday Cartoon Club membership.

By following these tips and making drawing a part of your daily routine, you can help your child develop a strong drawing habit. If you have any questions or need additional help, please feel free to contact us. Also, if you have any goals for art in 2023, please let me know by emailing me at [email protected]

Sincerely,

Daniel