Looking Ahead: My Hopes, Experiments, and Honest Plans for 2026

If you and I were sitting together over a cuppa (with a cat or two trying to climb onto our laps and a dog asleep at our feet, naturally), this is exactly what I’d share about my art plans for the year ahead. I want to be open about what I’m trying, what I’m unsure about, and where I could use a nudge or a bit of advice—so please, if anything here sparks a thought, let me know!

Getting More Intentional (and a Bit Braver) with My Pet Portrait Art Business

This year, I’m determined to make better use of ArtHelper—not just for uploading and sharing, but for learning and growing. Whilst I think AI can be overdone, I'm not against picking and choosing when I allow it to help me! I also have a profile there where you can see all my work (www.arthelper.com/lynda-j-rugg) I’ve also been following Lennon Bone’s “Not the Starving Artist” tips, (www.instagram.com/stopthestarvingartist) and honestly, they’re giving me the push I need to think differently about how I share my work and connect with people. I want to blend those practical, no-nonsense ideas with the tools ArtHelper offers, so I can reach more animal lovers and make the business side feel less overwhelming (and maybe even a bit fun).

Social Media: Less Hiding, More Sharing

I’m going to try posting more regularly on Facebook and Instagram. I know, I know—I say this every year! But this time, I’m setting myself a gentle goal: not perfection, just progress. I want to share more behind-the-scenes moments, works-in-progress, and maybe even a few stories from the garden centre or my dog-walking adventures. If you see me go quiet, feel free to give me a nudge!

Streamlining and Experimenting with Products

After a lot of thought (and a few unsold shirts), I’ve decided to pare back my print-on-demand clothing to just white t-shirts featuring my artwork. It feels simpler and more “me.” I’m also on the hunt for better options for mugs—maybe individual or china mugs, or just something a bit more affordable so I can offer a wider range. If you have any favourite mug suppliers, I’m all ears!

I’m also toying with the idea of offering framed options for my prints, originals, and canvases. What do you think? Would you prefer to buy art ready to hang, or do you like choosing your own frames? I’d genuinely love your thoughts.

Craft Fairs, Cards, and Creative Play

If I can juggle it with my part-time work at the garden centre and the dog-walking business, I’d love to do a few craft fairs this year. There’s something special about meeting people face-to-face and seeing their reactions to my work in real life.

Local craft fair set up

I’m planning to expand my greeting card designs, too. Here’s a question for you: should I keep them blank inside, or add titles like “Happy Birthday” or even some funny little lines? I can’t decide, so your opinion would really help!

Sleeping Friends blank greeting card

Growing as an Artist (and a Human I hope!)

Sasha - very much a work in progress - acrylic

On the creative side, I’m going to keep developing my skills with acrylic and oil painting. I’m not quite ready to offer commissions in those mediums yet, but I’m getting there—and I’m excited to share the journey with you. And, because I know how much a good photo matters, I’m making a promise to myself (and to you) to take better, more staged photos of my work and works-in-progress. No more boring phone snaps if I can help it!

Let’s Make This a Conversation about my honest plans for 2026

So that’s my honest, slightly rambling plan for 2026. If you’ve got thoughts, suggestions, or just want to cheer me on, I’d love to hear from you. What would you like to see more of? Would you buy a framed print, or do you prefer to frame things yourself? Should my cards be blank or have messages? And if you spot a mug supplier that looks promising, send them my way!

Recent commission - Coco - Soft pastel

Recent wildlife art - Clara - soft pastel

Thank you so much for being here, for supporting my art, and for sharing this wild, wonderful journey with me. Here’s to a year of creativity, connection, and maybe a few surprises along the way.

With love (and a bit of pastel dust), Lynda