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Road Map/Diagram

  • Writer: Marina WitteMann
    Marina WitteMann
  • Jun 4
  • 3 min read

Practice Plan Visual Roadmap


Goal: Establish Myself as a Recognised Contemporary Artist


Step 1: Refine Artistic Narrative

  • Clarify the message and themes

  • Maintain a professional website and social media

  • Develop: further material exploration, theory support, develop big-scale installations

Step 2: Secure Gallery Representation

  • Research compatible galleries

  • Prepare outreach materials (CV, portfolio, cover letters)

  • Network at art events and fairs

Step 3: Participate in Prestigious Art Fairs

  • Build a track record through smaller shows

  • Work with gallery to present at major fairs

Step 4: Gain Museum Recognition

  • Attend museum events and engage curators

  • Apply to open calls and juried exhibitions

  • Collaborate with curators on aligned projects

Step 5: Apply for Awards and Residencies

  • Apply to well-regarded programs

  • Use accolades to strengthen portfolio and visibility

Additional Support

  • Artist advisory services

  • Stay informed via industry platforms

 


Reflective Evaluation


How did the Practice Plan support and help you to experiment, research and develop your work?

The Practice Plan gave me a clear structure to follow, which allowed me to reflect more deeply and refine my conceptual direction. It made me aware of the importance of both material and thematic consistency and helped me plan future developments more strategically. It motivated me to explore painting again as a medium, not as a separate direction but as a logical continuation of my current practice. It also encouraged me to reflect on how I present my work visually, narratively, and professionally.



Were there any ways that your plan could have been improved?

Yes, initially the plan was too focused on material goals (e.g., large-scale works, collaborations) without a clear overarching strategy. The newer version is more complete, but it could still benefit from integrating timeframes or milestones to measure progress more clearly.


What could have helped you more, and at what stage?

At the beginning, having a mentor or advisor might have helped in better defining the long-term vision and realistic steps. Regular review sessions would also have been beneficial to reflect and update the plan more dynamically.


What have you learned from the process of working on the Practice Plan?

I learned to see my practice as a whole, how themes, materials, formats, and professional development are interconnected. One key strength that emerged was the ability to articulate my work’s direction more clearly. I also learned to critically evaluate opportunities and decide what’s meaningful for my current stage of development.


Which particular weaknesses might you need to address?

I sometimes lack patience and want results quickly. I need to work on pacing myself and allowing ideas to mature. I may also need help with professional communication (e.g., gallery applications) and could consider commissioning support for writing or documentation.


When making; what could you do more of, and less of?

I could spend more time in preparation, drawing, experimenting, and writing before producing final works. I could also do less overproducing and instead focus on clarity, depth, and refinement of fewer works.


What role did recording and documentation play?

It played a central role, especially in reflecting on my development and building a professional presentation. I could improve this by creating more intentional and consistent documentation (e.g., regular photo sessions, video walkthroughs, or voice reflections).


Who could you connect or collaborate with, and for what purpose?

In the future, I might collaborate with curators, theorists, or writers to support deeper engagement with the concepts in my work. Also, photographers or filmmakers for documentation purposes.


Which organisations, sites or locations were most useful?

Art fairs, university resources, and online platforms like ArtRabbit and Instagram have been helpful. In the future, I want to explore institutions that offer theory-practice integration, like research-based residencies or transdisciplinary MFA programs.


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In what way was the process successful, and how do you define success?

Success for me means moving with clarity, honesty, and depth. The process was successful because it helped me understand my artistic identity and how I want to position myself. I learned that reflection is not only about looking back but shaping the path forward.


What have you yet to learn, and how?

I still want to deepen my understanding of theoretical frameworks and their integration into material processes. I also want to improve my ability to articulate my work to different audiences. Attending residencies, theory seminars, and artist-led programs could help.


Additional Reflections:

  • Balance between intuition and strategy is key in my practice.

  • Slowing down may lead to stronger, more essential work.

  • I want to be more open to feedback while maintaining my own direction.

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© Marina WitteMann 2025

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