Why Artists Need Quarterly Reviews (And How to Actually Do Them)
Do you ever find yourself on a merry-go-round of great motivation towards your goals, with an epic plan…followed by several weeks of interruptions, distractions and dwindling energy?
Only to snap out of it with a new program, goal or plan…and then hit that familiar wall of inertia?
I'm a big fan of the idea of doing reviews. Weekly reviews, quarterly reviews, annual reviews. I know that is key to tracking and making steady progress. And yet, I'm always in search of a process that is effective and that I can actually stick to.
If you're like most creatives, this may sound familiar. Maybe you did a review once or twice, felt super motivated for like three days, and then life happened. I get it. We're creatives, not corporate types with quarterly reports and spreadsheets. But let's look at reality: taking time to reflect on your art practice and how it relates to your goals might be the most important thing you're NOT doing.
By the end of this post, you'll have a simple, artist-friendly process for doing quarterly reviews that actually helps you grow—without making you feel like you're stuck in a boring business meeting. Plus, I'll share my own easy review template that you can steal and make your own.
Feel like you’re going around and around…
but not getting anywhere?
Do your first quarterly review today! Treat it like a gentle reset. Let’s do this together.
Why Reviews Matter (Even for Free-Spirited Creatives)
So I spent 20 years in the healthcare hustle before retiring to focus on art full-time. In that world, we constantly evaluated progress, adjusted treatment plans, and tracked wins. It kept patients moving forward. But when I first dove back into art? I just… made stuff. I tried to have a plan, but overall, I gave myself a break. It felt amazing to take the pressure off…but only for a couple months. Then my human nature kicked in, and I felt rudderless without concrete progress.
Here's what changed when I started doing quarterly reviews: I actually started finishing projects. I identified which techniques lit me up and which ones I was forcing because I thought I "should" do them. I figured out why I was avoiding wheel-throwing for three months (spoiler: I was worried about not being good enough). Most importantly, I reconnected with why I've always made art in the first place. And it was not immediate or miraculous. But I began to build a steady momentum.
Reviews aren't about judging yourself or feeling guilty about what you didn't do. They're about understanding your creative brain better. Think of it as therapy, but for your art practice itself. And as someone who believes in the mindful benefits of creating, this reflection time is where the real growth happens—not just in your skills, but in your relationship with creativity, trusting yourself, and making art.
The Artist Quarterly Review Process
Alright, let's get into the actual process. I've tried to keep this simple because if it's complicated, we won't do it. Print this out, grab your favorite beverage, and give yourself an hour of uninterrupted time. You deserve it.
Step 1: Gather Your Evidence (15 minutes)
First, collect what you've made in the last three months. Scroll back on photos of finished pieces, works in progress, sketches, failed experiments. Pull up your social media posts if you share your work online. Look at your calendar and note which classes you took or taught. If you're not a visual artist, start listing completed tasks over the past 3 months. My mind often goes blank in this type of brainstorm session, which is why I try to track completed tasks in my planner (my Bullet Journal, for those who know that method). Go to your calendar and use it as a memory prompt - just what have you done over the past 3 months, any little thing counts.
Don't judge anything yet—just gather. This visual inventory is super powerful. Our brains are amazing at forgetting how much we've actually created and accomplished.
Step 2: Celebrate Your Wins (10 minutes)
Now for my favorite part: the brag session! Write down everything you accomplished, no matter how small:
Finished pieces (even the wonky ones count!)
New techniques you tried
Classes or workshops you attended or taught
Studio organization wins
Days you showed up even when you didn't feel inspired
Connections you made with other artists
This step is non-negotiable. We are really good at seeing what we didn't do. We need to retrain our brains to acknowledge what we DID do. Bonus points if you go through and highlight the ones that contributed towards your future life vision or specific goals.
Step 3: Get Curious About Challenges (15 minutes)
Here's where we channel our inner scientist. What got in your way this quarter? And I mean REALLY look at it – without the guilt trip.
Did you struggle with:
Time management? (Join the club!)
Specific techniques that frustrated you?
Fear of starting new projects?
Studio space issues?
Material costs or access?
Comparison-itis from scrolling social media?
Write it down. The brain injury rehab specialist in me knows this: you can't solve a problem you haven't clearly identified. Be specific. "I didn't make enough art" is too vague. "I avoided wheel-throwing because my back hurt after 30 minutes" is something you can actually work with.
My favorite strategy for identifying my challenges is to ask myself…what am I tired of hearing myself say?
"I'm going to start back to the gym this week."
"I'm going to start a new morning routine."
"I really have to unpack the boxes in the basement."
"I'm going to get in a habit of doing a little yardwork every day."
Then I'll pick which one matters most and get it on the calendar this week. And cross the others off for now. They'll come back to me if they're that important.
Step 4: Identify Patterns and Insights (10 minutes)
Now step back and look for themes. What patterns do you notice?
Maybe you discovered that you're way more productive in the morning. Or that you avoid certain projects because you don't have the right tools. Or that teaching a class actually energizes your own practice instead of draining it.
This is where the magic happens. These insights are pure gold for planning your next quarter. Sometimes, describing your last 3 months to someone else out loud, like a life coach, friend or family member, really helps you see those patterns more clearly.
Step 5: Set Intentions for the Next Quarter (10 minutes)
Notice I said "intentions," not "goals." Goals can feel rigid and stressful. Intentions are more like: "This is the direction I want to move in."
Pick 2-3 specifics to focus on. Keep it simple:
One skill or technique you want to learn (throwing a donut vase, carving porcelain)
One small habit you want to build (like studio time on Tuesdays, or a morning yoga session)
One bigger thing you want to do that scares you a little (build an online course, or write a book)
Write them down somewhere you'll see them. I keep mine on a piece of paper taped to my office window, where I sit to check my planner every day.
Put your next 3 Reviews on the calendar…
But do the first one today! Or tomorrow morning, if you like fresh starts like my brain does.
My Bonus Tips for Making Reviews Actually Happen
Schedule it. Put it in your calendar like it's a doctor's appointment. I do mine the last Sunday of March, June, September, and December. Except it got away from me last month…so I’m doing mine today! I’ll keep you posted on Instagram.
Make it cozy. This isn't homework. Light a candle, play good music, sit somewhere comfortable. Make it feel like self-care, because it is.
Share with an accountability buddy. I've started doing this with a good friend of mine. We don't offer advice – we work in different areas, so we really couldn't anyway. We just share our reflections and cheer each other on towards progress and wellness.
Keep a running list. Throughout the quarter, keep a simple note on your phone or a page in your sketchbook where you jot down wins and challenges as they happen. Makes the review process so much easier. You don't have to categorize or analyze as you go, just stuff that happened, things you tried, things you finished. If you get on a roll with this, it just becomes second nature. Tracking my days with my Bullet Journal always keeps my brain more clear and focused. If I get out of the habit for a couple weeks, brain fog creeps in. It's just how I am, I've stopped fighting it and just write things down now.
Summary
Quarterly reviews might sound corporate and boring, but they're actually one of the most generous things you can do for yourself, and your creative practice. Spending an hour every three months to reflect, celebrate, and recalibrate? That's how you stop spinning your wheels and start making steady progress towards your vision – and the work you're meant to make.
Ready to give it a try?
Quick Win: Block out one hour this week for your first review. Just go through the steps and see what you discover.
Solid Solution: Download my FREE Artist Quarterly Review Workbook with prompts, reflection questions, and a simple tracking sheet you can use every quarter.
Treat Yourself: Want personalized guidance? I'm developing one-on-one artist coaching sessions to help you dig deeper into your practice and create a custom roadmap for your creative goals. Reply to this email if you're interested in being on the waitlist!
Now go forth and reflect. Your future artist-self will thank you.
With Enthusiasm for Life & Art,