Focus on Your Strengths

Understanding what you are already good at and where you need to improve seems intuitive. But getting more concrete about these things is essential to pin pointing what tools and resources you need to help you fill the gaps. While you think through this activity, reflect on:

• Your current products or services (your art)
• The resources you have - both money, knowledge and human power
• Your individual capacity - skills come in many shapes and sizes
• Current markets and their economic impact

Activity: SWOT Analysis

This activity will allow you to gain insight into the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that surround you and your creative endeavor. Then we will help you understanding how to leverage each of these (including weaknesses and threats). Download the SWOT Analysis Worksheet to complete after the video.

AEI - SWOT Analysis Worksheet

Reflection Questions

Reflect on the current state of your creative practice. You'll go deeper into some of these topics throughout the course:

1. List your individual capacity. What skills, traits, experience, synergies (people with whom you work well) do you have?
2. Identify all of the current markets that you are already reaching. Describe who buys (books, publishes, presents, etc.) your work.
3. Where do you need the most help?
4. Who is your competition?
5. Is there any potential for growth, or is your current market already saturated with what you offer?
6. We know that art has a profound impact on the community. How do you reach your neighbors, colleagues, friends, etc. through your creative practice? 
7. How would you classify the impact of your work (education, economic, helping others express themselves, etc.)?

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