Career Goals
In five years, my goal is to establish myself as a professional artist, with skills refined through both dedicated study and hands-on experience. My primary focus will be on ceramics and painting, where I aim to gain expertise and the confidence to teach, mentor, and share my knowledge with others.
I aspire to develop a distinctive personal artistic style that is widely recognised, building my identity within the art community. My vision includes creating a ceramic studio, where I can host workshops for individuals or small groups, possibly incorporating art therapy. While this idea is promising, it requires further research and careful consideration to determine the steps needed and the timeframe for its realisation.
A significant part of my plan involves building my reputation and showcasing my work. I intend to have my artworks available in the market, establish my name as a recognised brand, and host solo exhibitions that reflect my creative vision. Opening an independent workshop will be a significant milestone in my career, as it will provide a dedicated space for focused production and experimentation. This practical step will allow me to streamline my creative process, efficiently manage my resources, and actively engage with my community through hosting collaborative projects and workshops.
To achieve my goals, I need to organise a detailed plan and follow it systematically. Having already completed a Diploma of Visual Arts from TAFE, I possess foundational skills in ceramics and painting. However, I recognise the need for further study and practice to refine my expertise. Currently, I am a student of the Bachelor of Creative Practice (Visual Arts), which I plan to complete in two and a half years.
During this period, I aim to focus on developing my technical skills, particularly in ceramics, by mastering techniques such as:
Clay Techniques: Hand-building (using methods like pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction), wheel throwing (creating symmetrical forms like bowls and vases), slip casting (utilising liquid clay and moulds for consistent shapes), carving and incising (adding intricate designs), and burnishing (polishing for a glossy finish).
Glazing Techniques: Dipping (even glaze coverage through submersion), brushing (adding detailed or layered effects), pouring (creating organic finishes), spraying (smooth and controlled application), sgraffito (etching patterns through glaze layers), and layering (combining glazes for textured colours).
Kiln and Firing: Understanding firing processes, including bisque firing (preparing clay for glazing) and glaze firing (vitrifying both clay and glaze for a durable finish).
I will continue to practise painting regularly, exploring a variety of media—including oil, acrylic, ink, and watercolour. This consistent exposure to different techniques will not only enhance my technical skills but also broaden my creative expression, enabling me to develop a distinctive artistic style over time.
In addition to honing these practical skills, I plan to maintain an active online presence by dedicating five hours weekly to social media platforms, sharing my work, and connecting with audiences. I will fully engage in class activities, seek feedback from peers and instructors, and review my progress regularly. Participating in local markets to showcase and sell my work once a month is another goal, alongside preparing a professional CV, obtaining an ABN and insurance, and exploring employment opportunities in art stores.
Developing my artistic identity is a central focus, which includes curating and updating my portfolio every six months. I will also continue gathering relevant information to support my goals, revising my plan every three months to evaluate progress. Working through my plan and regularly reviewing my goals will allow me to develop better communication skills by actively engaging with peers, mentors, and my audience. This process will also help me gain clarity on my career strengths and challenges, enabling me to align my efforts and strategies with my aspirations while addressing areas that need improvement. Through consistent self-assessment and feedback, I can refine both my professional and personal development.
This structured approach will ensure that I make steady progress towards my aspirations in both my studies and my career as a professional artist.
Reference
Bridgstock, R. (2013). Professional Capabilities for Twenty-First Century Creative Careers: Lessons from Outstandingly Successful Australian Artists and Designers. International Journal of Art & Design Education, 32(2), 176–189. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-8070.2013.01756.x
Domestika. (n.d.). 8 Must-Know clay modeling techniques | Blog. Domestika. https://www.domestika.org/en/blog/11125-8-must-know-clay-modeling-techniques
Glaze Recipes and Expert Tips for Great Pottery Glazing Results. (2025). Default; ACerS. https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/daily/article/Glaze-Recipes-and-Expert-Tips-for-Great-Pottery-Glazing-Results
Glazing Pottery | 27 Glazing Tips For Beginners -. (2019, September 14). https://potterycrafters.com/glazing-pottery-27-glazing-tips-for-beginners/