Student Blog: Let's Start the New Year Right! My Artistic Resolutions and 2025 Projects

As is the first month of the new year, January 2025 is the perfect time to start up those positive changes, new projects, and artistic resolutions! Right now I’m on an aforementioned gap year, and one of the things I told myself I would do is make sure to make time for art and projects even while I’m out of school. Here are some of the things I’m committing myself to to keep my artist sharp in the new year! 

My most recent and most exciting endeavor is that I’m going through Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way under the suggestion of one of my old professors. “If you have the time, do it” my professor said– and he wasn’t kidding about time. It’s a big commitment. If you haven’t heard of it, The Artist’s Way is a more of a course than just a book, designed to “unblock creative of blocked artists.” But as someone who doesn’t consider myself particularly blocked, I’m still finding it very fascinating and enjoyable! For the past three weeks, I’ve been waking up early for three daily morning journaling pages, as well as reading one themed chapter a weak on how to heal and nurture the spirit of my artist! And being a book that leans into the spiritual connotations of art as well– it’s right up my alley. It also contains lots of writing and reflection exercises, all of which I’ve enjoyed immensely! The book covers a 12 week course, so I’m only just getting started, but I’ve loved what I’ve got through so far!

In terms of my own creative writing, I’m at a very exciting point for one of my projects! For the past year I’ve been drafting my first big musical project entitled “Blink”, a 30 minute musical pertaining entirely of music and little dialogue. And as of December 2024… I’ve finished the draft! I’ve been tweaking and adjusting small things nearly every day, but I’ve decided that while it’s still in its early stages, I’m going to begin the process of creating demos of the music! I’ve written several musical songs and drafts before, but never saw anything through to the extent that I have with this show– that being said, I’m very nervous about this process! And using my skills that I’m picking up from The Artist’s Way, I’m trying to practice doing it anyway. While this is all completely new and challenging to me, it’s going to be a big collaborative effort and I’m already so thankful to have so many artists have reached out to offer me help and support! Going to take it one day at a time and be gentle with myself, but with all luck, I could go into the summer with my new musical completely recorded! Stay tuned! 

Lastly, I’m so happy to say I’m finally back to performing on stage! I’ve had a bit of a drought performance-wise as I’ve been applying to schools, but suddenly I have an influx of new things to be a part of! Over the first week of January, I’m going to be participating in two local cabarets for Valentine’s Day, as well as I’m THRILLED to announce that I’ve begun rehearsals to play the Cat in The Hat in Seussical this April! The Cat was my ultimate dream role as a kid and it feels like the biggest wish fulfilment to get the chance to perform in the show and role as an adult! More details about the performance will be posted on my website!

How are you kicking off 2025 with your art? I encourage you to set big goals, as art and if more important than ever right now! To quote this week's chapter of Julia Cameron’s book, “Never ask whether you can do something. Say, instead, you are doing it. Then fasten your seatbelt. The most remarkable things follow.” Hope you’ve had a great start to the new year and bring many updates to come of art and success! Stay warm