What’s Your Next Move? Career Planning for Artists (And Why It Should Include What the Pop!)

by | Jun 20, 2025 | Artists

What the Pop! event featuring emerging artists in Montreal — a summer opportunity perfect for career planning for artists.

Feeling creatively stuck this summer? Use the downtime to pause, plan, and push your career forward — starting with What the Pop!

Career planning for artists isn’t always easy — especially when you’re juggling creative projects, part-time work, and seasonal slowdowns. But summer, when many venues are focused on international acts, can actually be the ideal time to reflect, refocus, and chart your next steps.

Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, musician, craftsperson, or performer, this is your chance to get strategic. And if you’re looking to showcase your work, grow your audience, and connect with the local arts community? YES’ What the Pop! could be the perfect launchpad.

Get Clear on the Local Arts Landscape

Every solid career plan for artists starts with understanding your environment.

What’s happening locally? Are there new grants, residencies, or exhibition spaces opening soon? What trends are emerging in your field? Which festivals, markets, or calls for submissions are worth bookmarking?

Use this time to research:

Tap into your community. Conversations with fellow artists, curators, and mentors can uncover insights and opportunities you won’t find online. You can also visit YES’ Artist Services page for year-round coaching and support.

Set SMART Goals (and Include a Showcase)

Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, it’s time to get intentional. Vague goals like “I want to get my work out there” won’t help you move forward. Instead, use the SMART method to set goals that give you direction and accountability:

  • S – Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?

  • M – Measurable: How will you know you’ve achieved it?

  • A – Achievable: Is it realistic with your time and resources?

  • R – Relevant: Does it align with your artistic or career vision?

  • T – Time-based: What’s the deadline or timeframe?

👉 Example SMART goal:
“I will create a new 6-piece collection of mixed-media artworks by August 20 and apply to at least two local events or calls for artists, including What the Pop! I’ll set weekly production milestones, prepare my artist bio and photos by July 5, and submit my applications before the deadlines.”

🎯 If gaining experience exhibiting and selling your work this year is part of your plan, consider applying to What the Pop!, a vibrant multidisciplinary pop-up happening September 12–13 in downtown Montreal. The deadline to apply is coming up — don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event!

Whether your goal is to grow your audience, test a new body of work, or build confidence in a live setting, opportunities like this can be key milestones in your career planning as an artist.

🗣️ “What the Pop! gave me the confidence and exposure I needed to take my art career seriously.”
— 2024 Artist Participant

Budget Strategically

No matter how exciting your goals are, you’ll need a realistic budget to bring them to life.

Start with the basics:

  • Materials and supplies

  • Application or venue fees

  • Transportation and setup

  • Marketing and printing costs

The good news? What the Pop! is free for accepted artists and comes with professional coaching and promotion included. That makes it a cost-effective and low-barrier way to move your career forward.

Build Your Foundation This Summer

Use this slower season to refresh your website or online portfolio. Update your artist statement and bio. Maybe even launch a new Instagram series or email list to stay top of mind.

Take advantage of services like:

Career planning for artists doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — just intentional.

Apply Now for What the Pop!

Don’t wait until fall to take your next step. What the Pop! isn’t just an event — it’s a chance to connect, sell, grow, and be seen.

📅 Event Dates: September 12–13, 2025 at Centre St-Jax
🖼️ Deadline to apply: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
🎨 Who can apply: Visual artists, performers, makers, musicians & more
🌟 Details + Application: CLICK HERE

Start planning your next move today — and make this your year of growth.