QUARTERLY GOALS RESET 🌿 Talking about money, art & my business goals

2024 is 25% done! which is CRAZY. So let's check in on my goals for Q1 and reset for Q2! Thank you to Squarespace for sponsoring this video: squarespace.com/kelseyrodriguez
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If you've seen my videos before, you'll know I'm a BIG believer in planning. I think planning things out clarifies your vision, focuses your energy, and ultimately reduces overwhelm (when done correctly, ofc). I personally use Notion to plan, but I avoid screen recording in this video and just casually chat about my how I did in Q1 and what I'd like to do differently in Q2.
Also-- I hope to be moving into a new studio soon!! Very exciting!!
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[@KelseyRodriguez]

What are your goals for Q2? Let me know down below! EDIT: I GOT THE OFFICE SPACE!! expect a studio moving vlog soon!!

[@artwithleah]

I think these are my main ones 🤔 1. Figure out some project management and try to get stuff done before I start somewhere new 2. Get some more freelance clients and start making money! 3. Continue trucking along on building an audience

[@ItsJemmaDraws]

I'm trying to make goals that are a lot more likely to complete this year so mine art - Paint more pieces I consider 'fun' - Get close to completing the first campaign so I feel ready to take on more chaotic beans, I mean players at the table - Make 6 more youtube videos and just keep improving at it as I go

[@HannahMorenDraws]

1. Make more “editorial” illustration work 2. Pitch to more companies / check in with old? 3. Post to KZbin every other week!

[@verylexish]

My goal is to be consistent with drawing. Not to do it every day, but to do at least something small per week. Just to get a healthy routine and improve slowly but surely. Btw: Didn't notice your hair until you pointed it out. And I can safely say: idgaf either. The video is really informative and helpful. Thank you

[@melissamcindoe]

This year my goals are to grow an audience and get my graphic novel signed with a publisher.

[@emylou815]

Awe, your expectations of yourself are so high! You don't need to beat yourself up over a tax mistake! You're an artist, not a mathematician, and taxes are notorious for being complicated. You add a new business and it's even more complicated. I'm hard on myself too, but any math error is an emotional write-off for me haha.

[@anthonyw2931]

Awesome comment

[@andyd568]

You are an extremely articulate story teller.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

that's such a sweet thing to say! thank you

[@paolab1306]

Absolutely, I was thinking that when listening but I didn't know how to say it. She is amazing!

[@FranklinClicksStuff]

Honestly, I loved your hair being messy for this video. It's authentic and that really is your branding. I've been a total mess the last 3 months, you are giving me hope I can turn the tides. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@RicoAlencar]

I just gotta come out and say it: i think you're such an awesome person that it blows me away to hear that you're in a hard spot. Also, every since i discovered your channel i kinda have a big crush on you, the way you talk and the way you keep on pushing to be better and be true and your smile, geez i love it. Keep on the great work Kelsey!

[@CaptinBenny]

Thank you so much for sharing your troubles with taxes. Fucking up on my taxes is my biggest fear and largest hurdle to starting an art business. I've done my own taxes with HR Block since 2009 so I don't even know where to begin looking for an accountant to help with taxes ... I hope you can clear this hurdle and things get better for you. You are a very big inspiration.

[@sketchesofshay]

I agree with you focusing on instagram! I’m a die-hard long form creator, but Reels is my preferred short form video. I like how it adds more of who I am as an artist, jokes, lifestyle, etc to my static posting. It has made my art more visible to a wider audience, as well as led me to more brand opportunities that pay very well in relation to the time that it takes to make a reel. I think your video style will translate really well to Instagram! (tbh I also just want to see more of your art >:] ) cheering you on this next quarter, Kelsey!!

[@erinmullisartstudio]

Girl, you are so awesome for putting this out there and baring your REAL journey. I salute you. You have to fail to win. Bravery is being afraid and doing it anyway.

[@pangurban]

I love that you are making these videos because as a full-time self-employed artist, things are almost always overwhelming and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one with these struggles. I’m also learning to delegate accounting issues to an accountant, for example. And I'm also trying to be more mindful when it comes to saying yes to projects or how many projects I think I can do. I almost always miscalculate and end up in a loop of burning out 😫

[@SpiritMari]

I feel you so much on the anxiety and procrastination! I’ve been trying to address these issues and what’s been informative and helpful are “deep work”, “energy management vs time management” and “slow productivity”. These concepts and ideas are helping me to understand how I function and when in the day I’m at my peak. This way I can focus on my work more efficiently and effectively. And establishing rituals of entering and exiting this “deep work” state should help with evaluating how it’s actually helping me. Hope you figure out the best methods for yourself too ❤

[@nkanyisoinnocentkhwane3752]

Meditation helps, it's not like one big act but it subtly improves everything: it's easier to focus, you're more easily able to get back on track when you are inevitably distracted & a little less stress but a change of environment is just as important

[@Horrorzeit]

Thank you so much for this. My views have been down for months (Im on YT fulltime) and my mental health really started to spiral this month (the weather is really bad constantly this year as well). Just sat down and did a quarterly analysis like you did and trying my best to focus on my health and wellbeing. We got this 🎉

[@kalezcozyspace]

hi babe i loved this video. i think it’s really important for artists to hear other artists talk about balancing their work with all the extensions of it, i.e. marketing and sales and communicating what they do. i know i personally struggle with that balance and hearing you talk about it makes it feel like we’re in this together and we can just keep learning and going after it ❤️ hope you’re well! xx

[@MintyMido]

Definitely wanna see more quarterly goal reset videos!! Its so nice to see how your goals evolve over the year and these types of videos are helpful for me to reevaluate my own goals as well!

[@artcs.]

I'm going through something very similar, especially when you talk about deeply relaxing when you're relaxing and focusing on work when you're working. I'm a freelance animator and in my case I realized that I often try to import the work model that I learned being the "right" one and deprive myself of things that I always wanted to do when I worked in person at a company, for example the simple fact that i can just go to a walk in the middle of day lol it was good for me to look at it in a different way! Your content is amazing by the way!! I love that!

[@ama.semper]

I feel the projects moving slower than you want them to. Sometimes when you try to do everything, you spread yourself thin, and it feels like you’re getting nothing done at all. Celebrating the little wins can be hard, but it helps me feel a little less discouraged. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! I’m rooting for you, and I hope you get the office space you applied for! 💖

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I just moved in today!! So exciteddd 💗💗

[@ama.semper]

@@KelseyRodriguez AHHH congratulations, that’s incredible!! I’m so excited for you!

[@Saraartminer]

What you share here in transparency is helpful and eye opening, thank you for that, You're an inspiration Kelsey!

[@micheleyoung9292]

I thought you looked and sounded great, and more energetic and animated than you have in a while. Really enjoyed this one, Kelsey and so glad you got the office space!

[@mimisart]

Thanks for sharing. Life is just that, life. And yea sometimes we need to push ourselves and other times it’s ok to just be in a slower season. Don’t sweat it too much or overthink (which I tend to do 😅). You got this!

[@PotterytothePeople]

Love these reflections! I hard relate to overbooking myself projectwise on Q1. I think it was the excitement of the near year for me 😂 So many spinning plates is really stressing me out. But slowly, slowly, I am getting to finish some.

[@rcafilmproductions1640]

you are seriously my favorite creator, thank you for all that you do🙌

[@JaymieDylan]

I once worked for a small Art Gallery on salary and commission. My boss (the painter) didn't realize that my commissions are taxed differently than my base salary and didn't take off enough at source. Big surprise when tax time came around. It sucked, I paid it and moved on. Tax mistakes happen, so there is no need to feel ashamed.

[@TonyTylerDraws]

I’m in the same boat, but I’m a part time artist with a full time day job, a wife, and kids. And part of my problem is that I’m setting goals of a full time artist. I’m 43 and I feel “there’s not enough time” and so I’m being really ambitious. Too ambitious. I’m going to try and dial it back.

[@insomniaclamb4652]

Don’t beat yourself up! Taxes are difficult, just learn from it and keep moving forward 😊 you got this!

[@evonyaelyn]

I love this video! The inability to focus is so relatable. It might help to look up tips for improving executive function (or burnout) and nervous system regulation! You seem great at executive function, but being stressed makes it hard.

[@lemonbugsy]

This was a lovely video and has so much meaning to it. You are extremely resilient in your practice and the way that you are continuing to push yourself through this exhausting, but beautiful and worthwhile, journey. It is admirable through the eyes of anyone who admires art and the creative process. This is the kind of transparency that so many crave to find but never do because it IS so transparent. It is raw emotion to witness but it is extremely valuable to know that we are not alone in this. And neither are you. It is important to remind ourselves of the downfalls, or mistakes, that have happened and are yet to come. It is inevitable. You have a positive mindset that is bursting with creative ideas... but remember to give yourself grace! You can only do so much. Allow yourself to have these big and bold ideas, don't pass them off because you don't think you can't manage or handle them. Instead, work towards them at a pace that is comfortable and convenient for you. When I find myself feeling stuck on a project, I tend to find another medium to focus on that I know I am not well-versed in because my expectations are automatically lowered and the stress is less intense. Even remaining in the same medium, of painting as an example, grab a spare canvas you don't care too much about and just go wild on it. Do the opposite of what you tend to do, tend to admire about others' works, etc. Completely release yourself of the tension that painting has caused you. Fight with it. Sit with it. Ponder it. When you go back to a big project after working on something you don't hold yourself to such a high standard about can help to refocus the mind. It is always so odd to hear someone you look up to and admire being so hard on themself because all of what they are being hard on themself about is what makes them... well, them. You do a lot for your viewers and maybe forget to do things for yourself sometimes. You make so many incredible products and videos to help others, but you are important too. There is no harm or shame in doing a project fully dedicated to you and you alone. (Hell, it could even be the most insane abstract piece you have ever made!) If anything, it adds all the more value to it because it comes from the heart and soul-- no intentions attached, just pure heart and soul.

[@caroldolan1485]

GIRL!!! You made more money than you thought and owed taxes. Congratulations!!! You were smart to get an accountant as a business owner! You are learning as you go! ❤ very exciting and I know your grandmother is proud too❤.

[@ThePhantomReborn]

I used to feel EXACTLY the same way about relaxing, Kelsey! My anxious mind had such a hard time switching from task mode to rest mode and would just keep buzzing in the background. Then when I went back to work, I'd procrastinate and feel more horrible the next time I rested. Ugh. One of the things that helped me (along with meds for OCD, haha) was reading this book called Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less. It really helped take away a lot of the guilt I felt when "not being productive," as I realized many of the coolest thought leaders, past and present, took substantial time to rest during their days. Highly recommend!

[@fancysmudges]

Hey Kelsey, thanks for sharing! It's comforting to hear cause I've honestly been in the same boat. I've set some bigger (but reasonable) goals for this year and I've made a decent amount of progress on them but because I don't have much to show for it it feels like I haven't done much. Been trying to remind myself that it's okay to take things slowly and it finish things on my own pace. Intentionally creating space outside of art to just do things that are childish and fun and a "waste of time" has been really fulfilling too and helped me manage some of that time/ productivity anxiety.

[@artwithleah]

Another great video! It's like you read my mind. I've been trying (very poorly) to get down to like one or two main things per month. But I'm very all or nothing and get burnt out a lot. It's very interesting to see you're looking into a space away from home. I've been wondering if that's something that would help me out because my cat is also a bit of distraction. I don't have the financial means to rent a space outside my apartment but I love to think about things far in the future 😂 Taxes or so scary 😂 That's a big part in why I'm trying to slow down and be more calculated with my art business. Thanks for another motivational video!

[@ashleytoltonart]

Life ebbs and flows! You’re killing it girl! Love your content and your openness 🙏🏻☺️

[@wholesomesimon]

Nah I love this!

[@TylerEdlin84]

Everything you said I can relate to particularly not consolidating my efforts toward one project

[@The_socialinsider]

Hadn't noticed your hair until you mentioned it❤️

[@lemonandlimes]

Having a studio space is such a dream but that isn't possible for me but i think separating work space and relaxation spaces would benefit my productivity

[@ChantelleArts]

Your studio is absolute goals ☺☺

[@BraveAbandon]

Scott young talks about his daily and weekly tasks list and having a fixed work day. He also talks in his blog about the guilt-stress-cycle of overwhelm and breaking that cycle. Its a great read. He teaches how to to learn, and its largely geared towards students and professionals.

[@patchysourkids]

I know these feelings all too well :,) just remember that you aren't a machine, and good things take time! Amazing video as always

[@melissamcindoe]

Yes, start focusing on reels on instagram. I started focusing on this too, and I can already see the reach is amazing! I used to think that instagram was dead too, but I heard someone say that instagram is NOT dead, the old way of posting is dead. If you share your process and thoughts on instagram, people like that. - you are procrastinating so much because you’re tired. I end up playing Zelda all day and pushing things off when I’m tired too. The studio space will help you bc you might have a more strict schedule of work time and leisure time! Or, a part time job with very few hours- or volunteering at an animal shelter or something will help you get out the house. Thanks for sharing Kelsey! Your channel is so inspiring and I’ve been taking your advice in becoming an independent artist as well! 😊😊

[@MrCburgon74]

Thank you for sharing your experience,advice and content you take care and have a wonderful blessed week

[@DorkWitchery]

Thank you for this type of content--I've been inspired and my similar "freelancing 101" videos are some of my most viewed. CARRY ON!

[@katetrish2419]

Sending you lots of good vibes and luck.

[@inkyfrog]

I like the idea of quarterly check ins! I’m starting to implement that too because otherwise the year goes by and I haven’t accomplished anything I wanted to 🙃

[@rathertender]

Honestly, the BG3 distraction is SO real.

[@ScottHebertArt]

just re: detaching from work at the end of the day In Cal Newports book Deep Work he advocated for a shutdown routine at the end of the workday. If i recall correctly he does what he needs to do and says something like "shutdown complete" as his ritual. In his new book Slow Producitivty he advocates going outside of your home (i know its hard we have at home studios, hopefullyo you get the new one lol) to work even if its right next door or down the road. Just basically anything to keep work and home a little bit more separated. Both are really good reads if you haven't read them yet

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Man I gotta read Cal Newport, this sounds great

[@spacee2481]

Hi Kelsey, can you post a video of how you make your other income streams too please?

[@WedgyBlue]

My plan for Q2 is 1. Furnish my video 2. Decrease no of uploads bc im busy 3. Training using Excel, Forms, SEO, and typing or fine motor exercise.

[@WedgyBlue]

Update: My typing exercise/ fine motor exercise score raise from 260-280 in a month. This is not type for second.

[@kelpums]

💜💜💜

[@feelswriter]

Wow look at you! As a retired bookkeeper, I def saw too may solopreneurs get help when facing a third year of not filling!! You are waaaay on top of it. Possibly you got that forward thinking from your grandma? If so, that's going to be so valuable in all areas... Btw, I wonder if you'd benefit from the book Feel Good Productivity? And, finally, I got this vision of your Notion thingy -- write a slow-paced course you could launch next October that would get everyone on board for their 1st qtr 2025.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

One of my housemates didn't file for YEARS and hearing stories of his on again off again relationship with the IRS raises my heart rate to dangerous levels haha. I think I definitely have my grandma to thank for my business sense. I really love your suggestion for my Notion template/course by the way, thank you! I'll noodle on that idea a little bit

[@HannahMorenDraws]

I didn’t renew my contract at my job at the beginning of February and I thought I’d get so much more done too (being unemployed and all) It’s so disappointing. But new quarter new me?

[@GremLoreArt]

My goal is to open shop! ☺

[@lunar3n]

hey kelsey! i’m planning my first print collection launch, and i’ve decided i definitely want to use a print and ship service, so that i save myself the executive function of shipping, inventory, etc etc.. if you have a video talking about print and ship services, or any recommendations, could you possibly point me to that video? or, talk about them if you haven’t before! i’d love to hear your opinions and recommendations for finding a trustworthy service for those of us who need the extra spoon help

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I really love FinerWorks if you’re in the US, or theprintspace is good for UK/EU folks!

[@gabudaichamuda2545]

Ohh! *I can rent a studio from downtown if I see fit.* That is not a bad idea!

[@Gabriela-ce4bn]

Do you paint in wood panels or just canvas? I like the unique shape of your tree canvas. It looks so solid

[@KelseyRodriguez]

wood panels! Love the inflexibility and steadiness of them. Canvas, even when stretched properly, moves too much for my taste

[@handyalley2350]

what are your opinions of active imagination in relation to art? (like i'm not using imagination in the usual sense. like i'm talking about creativity and spirituality in relation to art)

[@Jordoe]

Hey!! I really like the look of your videos but I noticed the link to your camera lense (with the soft focus) wasn’t working. Can I get the name of it! I’m still researching different equipment but it’s really lovely.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

It’s the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8! But the lens filter changes the look a lot, and that’s the Tiffen Glimmerglass 1

[@Jordoe]

@@KelseyRodriguezthank you!!! I love your videos and the information has just been fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing all of these :-)

[@coyoteclockworkstudios3140]

It's good to hear Hofstadter's Law fucks everyone, not just me. Are you still offering consultations through your Patreon?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I offer mentorship via my website now! www.kelseyrodriguez.com/work-with-me

[@beatbuildersstudio]

I really hope you figure everything out and meet ypur goals. I know it can be frustrating to feel like you're not working enough or wasting time. I was surprised you made a podcast. I get why you would do it but it doesn't seem to fit. If you don't enjoy social media I wouldn't take the time to post on it. Yes you can get more reach but if you can spend more time working on your longform videos it may pay off more.

[@buildyourartbusiness]

It's a small mistake, Kelsey. Anyone could have done that. Take care of yourself and stop being so hard on yourself. You are doing great. I love your work.

[@RainyCraze]

TBF, US tax setup is an absolute mess and makes no practical sense. Off topic, you have a very Leyendecker-esque quality to your brush strokes ❤

[@dwellersart7538]

You look alot like an actress.. but I can’t recall name … i just feel ur so familiar

[@timothy790110]

I pay lots of money for someone else to do my book keeping and taxes.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I'm starting to do that too, it's so worth it!

[@timothy790110]

@@KelseyRodriguez well i recently moved to stockholm, and had to change book keepers. the new one charges $80 an hour, so im going to have to learn to do it myself this year. I think my bill for last year will be in the 3000s at least....

[@mf--]

Taxes are their own burden and KZbinrs seem particularly vulnerable. Backyard Scientist and Noodle both have stories of scrambling for money to pay taxes.

[@melitadala6418]

I think stimulating yourself with other mediums/art projects will help with the irritation of an ongoing long proect can cause, at least it helps for me!

[@annette1884]

Wait did you paint the orange cat thats on your wall? Thats like one of my favorite paintings I have seen on pinterest🥹

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Nope, that wasn’t me!

[@annette1884]

@@KelseyRodriguez ah thought so but I must say we have good taste then😄 Thanks for the videos! I always look them up when I want to feel inspired (: