John Bishop Fine Art : Podcast · John Bishop

Goals & Objectives - Again: Podcast

January 13, 2023·23 min·2 clips

John argues that failing at your own goals is okay—they're just tools, not marks of failure.

This solo episode of the John Bishop Fine Art podcast features artist and gallery owner John Bishop reflecting on the new year and his business planning process. Bishop discusses recent events at his studio and outlines his approach to setting annual goals. He shares that 2022 was a difficult year marked by three car accidents and various business challenges. Bishop is currently hosting a solo exhibition for Bogdan titled "Nature Remembered" at Silver Street Studios, which incorporates figurines and doilies to comment on conservation. He is also preparing for the Open Doors show and an upcoming exhibition called "Beginnings" with guest curator Rosa Ana Orlando. Bishop is re-joining an incubator program called Art Gallery Studios in Mexico City, run by Michael Swank, to re-establish a predictable personal art practice. He admits to failing his resolution to exercise daily but is recommitting to consistent content creation across his blog, podcast, and weekly vlog. Bishop argues that running a small art business inherently involves immense work, as he and Bogdan handle every role from marketing to shipping without a team. He distinguishes between large, strategic goals and smaller, measurable objectives, viewing the former as multi-year targets. A key insight is his belief that one should not fear failure in goal-setting, as objectives are personal tools for focus rather than external judgments. He plans an annual goals retreat in Austin, combining business planning with attending art events. Bishop notes a significant drop in studio traffic and sales since the summer, despite a successful current group show with 18 sales. He reveals plans to launch a nonprofit called Aripa Arte, which will add a new layer of complexity to their operations. The episode's tone is conversational and reflective, blending personal anecdote with practical business advice. Listeners interested in the realities of managing a small creative business or seeking motivation for their own annual planning will appreciate this episode. Those looking for technical art instruction or interviews with other artists might find it less relevant.

As heard by us

A candid studio reset about planning, labor, and accepting imperfect priorities.

John Bishop Fine Art treats the new year as a reset for a small art business, moving from a solo show for Bogdan at Silver Street Studios into the messier work of keeping everything else in motion.

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Why you'd press play

For when you need a practical reset on a new year of creative work.

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