The holidays had me really busy! How about you? I got really sick just before Christmas, yay? I've got tissues, and will be typing my goals between blows.

I make goals every year instead of a Resolution. I've gotten off resolutions because they are pass or fail. I tend to make my goals higher than I can achieve so it pushes me to work harder.

My 2019 Goals


1. Redo My Portfolio

I've redone my portfolio so many times. I've got a few great digital programs now and it's time I go to town on this goal! I really need more work that's kidlit infused. My last redo was focused on Fantasy art, but too many adult characters! I'd also like to do more backgrounds (indoor and outdoor) and more comic/graphic novel looking work.

2. Send Work Out to Editors/Art Directors (Early in 2019)

I've had some interest in my new digital art style. I need to make it a habit to send out new art every few months. I don't have anything new completed right now, but I'm hoping to change that soon.

3. Win the 12x12, Storystorm, Smart Dummies and My New Writing Challenge

Sign up for Storystorm is open now! https://taralazar.com/ The 12x12 is a challenge to get 12 picture books written in 12 months. http://12x12challenge.com/ Smart Dummies will help you get your Picture Book Dummy done in September. More info coming on the writing challenge soon!

4. Blog More (More Info Tomorrow)

My friend Christy and I have come up with a fun illustration challenge that we'll be starting January 7th. More info about this and how you can join tomorrow!

5. Create at Least 2 More Dummies 

I have one dummy that's fairly solid. I'd like to have 2 more so I have more work for agents to see! Once I have 2-3 dummies finished I'll start submitting to agents.

6. Rediscover My Love of Writing

I don't write enough anymore. I'm really seeing it in the things I do write. While I will be working to complete the 12x12 this year I'm hoping that this will include strong stories that I can easily take to dummies.

7. Find More Ways to Include Family in My Art 

I will try to spend more time with my family, but I wanted to change this to something that relates directly to the business side of my art.

My husband helps me a lot already with my work. I've been creating some comic style art lately and he has read a lot of comics, so his feedback is invaluable. I've read a lot of comics too, but it's great to get more feedback from someone close to me.

For my kids it will probably be taking pictures of them doing kid things, turning what they do into art and seeing what they'd like drawn.

8. Asking For Feedback on My Art

I almost didn't include this, but it's important. I don't ask for enough feedback on my art and serious mistakes (that could be avoided) are causing me issues. I need to ask early in the sketching stage, because that stage is the most important for the whole piece.


What are your goals this year? 

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I didn't get all my 2018 goals finished. Let's see how I did:

1. Win Storystorm I did this!