Your Mission Statement

Getting it Down

by Laura Interval

I received several comments requesting more specific information on developing your mission statement. It is the most important part of your business plan as an artist. This is not a statement to describe one piece or body of your work… although those are important and necessary as well. This mission statement is to stand for YOU as an artist. It’s your story and your plan for the future… all wrapped up in a simple, concise sentence or paragraph. It should be based in truth and ambition and every time you read it… or tell someone, it should FIRE YOU UP!

So, let’s start with the basics. Again, you’re on an elevator. Someone asks you, “who are you”… you have about 30 seconds to tell them. What do you answer?

What do you do? What do you do that is most important to you in your life right now? Are you a mom, dad, student, artist, painter, singer, teacher, baker… all of the above?

What do you stand for? What do you believe about yourself? Are you trying to entertain, teach, express, explore, cure… what? Be sure to stay true to your beliefs here about yourself. Not what you think others think… or what you think others say. This is your vision.

Why do you do it? What do you hope to achieve? Are you spreading happiness, teaching awareness, protecting the environment… be specific in your passions and goals. Ok… so a good place to start:

“I am an artist _______________________________________...

For example:

"I am an artist using my voice in acting, writing and painting to wake up people’s awareness of the state of the Earth."

Or
"I am an artist whose loud voice explores the truths of relationships."

or
"I am an artist whose quest is self knowledge and understanding. Through this I hope to become a more complete person and teach others."

Whatever it is… whatever moves you and makes you feel proud to do what you do. It should give you a sense of purpose.

You may want to add a motivational sentence at the end. A goal for yourself… a statement that illustrates for yourself what you want or plan to be doing.

For example:
I am an artist using my voice in acting, writing and painting to wake up people’s awareness of the state of the Earth. I will paint a colorful picture for my audience everyday.

I know an actor who added “I will be in the make up chair on set every morning” to hers . . . . a very vivid image of working everyday as an artist.

If you’re finding this difficult, don’t worry. Don’t get stuck in the words. Just write a paragraph that feels good to you. Have fun with it! Then, come back to it next week… see if it still rings true. Write it… rewrite it… try it on. Tell your mom. Tell your boyfriend. You’ll know when you have your true mission statement. It will remind you of who you are as an artist in good times and in bad. It’s a roadmap… a compass… to help you make decisions that stay in line with your purpose, values and goals.

For more ideas . . . a few company mission statements:

Joe Boxer: "JOE BOXER is dedicated to bringing new and creative ideas to the market place, both in our product offerings as well as our marketing events. We will continue to develop our unique brand positioning, to maintain and grow our solid brand recognition, and to adhere to high quality design standards. Because everyone wants to have fun everyday, JOE BOXER will continue to offer something for everyone with fun always in mind."

The Elephant Sanctuary: "A Natural-Habitat Refuge Where Sick, Old and Needy Elephants Can Once Again Walk The Earth In Peace and Dignity.

Looking Glass Theatre, Providence, RI
The mission of The Looking Glass Theatre is three-fold: First, to create participatory theater, to involve a core group of students physically, emotionally, and intellectually with actors prior to performance to present a collaborative effort. Second: to adapt contemporary prose and poetry to inspire the desire to read. Third: to create original material revolving around social issues and values pertinent to the lives of young people

Related articles:

Your Business Plan - Are You the CEO of You?

The Butterfly Effect - You Can Make A Difference



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