Tomorrow is a new day. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Each new year, we’re presented with a fresh opportunity to create the next chapter of our lives. We have the opportunity to reflect, reset, and reimagine the road ahead, envisioning space for growth, learning, and thoughtful change, both personally and professionally.
At Artisan Creative, one of our favorite traditions is creating vision boards to map out our intentions for the year. In our first team meeting of January, we each present our board as a visual representation of our goals, dreams, and aspirations. Some teammates craft physical boards, while others go digital using tools like Canva, Pinterest, or PicMonkey.
This ritual speaks to one of our core values: accountability. By sharing our boards with one another, we not only stay committed to our goals, we also deepen our understanding of each other’s aspirations. Many team members choose a theme or word to guide their year, layering in quotes, images, and actions that bring their vision to life.
We revisit these boards mid-year and again in our year-end recap. It’s a way to stay connected to our vision even when the year brings unexpected turns.
Year after year, this practice remains one of our most meaningful team-building activities.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Here are 8 tips to help you get started:
Choose the right canvas (Paper or Digital)
A 22″ x 28″ poster board (these from Staples) offers plenty of space to dream big, while still being easy to display on your wall or workspace. You can either divide your board into sections for business and personal or mix the elements throughout to create an integrated board where both your personal and professional aspirations are represented. Hang the board where you can revisit it daily—read the inspirational messages out loud— and often! I save mine as my desktop wallpaper, so I can see it daily.
Gather your tools.
A sturdy pair of scissors and a reliable glue stick will ensure your images and words stay in place all year long. Or if going digital, select or create a template to start with. Here are a few free Canva templates for ease of planning.
Find your inspiration and choose a theme for your year.
Flip through a variety of magazines ( or search the web) to discover the words, quotes, and images that truly speak to you. Trust your instincts—if it resonates, it belongs.
Add your personal touch.
(Optional and fun!) Use markers, stickers, illustrations, or personal photos to add flair and personality to your board. Let your creativity shine.
Take your time.
Reflection is key. Set aside time to think about your intentions and what you want to invite into your life.
Make it a process.
Don’t rush—collect images and words gradually. Then, block off a dedicated day to bring it all together.
Be patient and stay open.
Harness your creativity in any way that works best for you. This is your space to explore, dream, and imagine. There’s no right or wrong way—just your way.
Share the board with others.
Voice your goals out loud. Having an accountability partner will help you get closer to achieving your goals and bring your goals to life.
Here’s to a Happy New Year.
Katty & the Artisan Creative a.Team