In the last post I talked about the basic functions of a mind map and finding software to help you create one. You are free to choose any way you’d like to build your map. The truth is it’s not super important what you use. Whether you choose a software program or build it by hand the most important part is the content.

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind as we begin building our new map.

• There is no right or wrong way to build your map.
• Even if our destinations are similar no two journey’s will be the same. In other words your map will look different then mine.
• Start with what you know. Don’t worry you can always add more detail as you go.
• This map will be a work in progress so if it starts out looking a little thin that’s OK.
• If you are not exactly sure how or what the next step is start with the main task and break it down.
• Have fun and dream big this is not the time to apply the brakes.

The Map
Did you decide what you wanted to be, what you wanted to do, where you wanted to go? If so then it’s time to start your journey. Place that destination at the center of your map and then begin adding the things you already know to your map. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it fills up and how much you already know about your journey.

My Journey
I’ve been wanting to expand my art into licensing for a while now. I know very little about it but  thought this would be an excellent opportunity to begin exploring. I’ll be starting a mind map to help me find my way. I know I have a lot to learn but hopefully if I do a good job with my map it will make my journey  a whole lot easier. The more I learn the more detail I can add to my my map. In the center of my new map I’ve placed the words Licensing my Art and added a couple of things I already know about licensing as subcategories. From here I’ll start Googling the info I have. Next time we’ll see what I’ve discovered, how it’s helped me and how I can apply the info to my map and my journey.

I begin my licensing mind map with a few things I already know. Next I will begin a Google search on things I know and see where it leads me.

Lists are great but most people tend to think in a nonlinear fashion. Our thoughts come randomly and are often ideas sparked by other ideas. One idea leads to another. A mind map is designed to capture those thought patterns, record them as they come and help organize.

So how does a Mind Map work?
The basic concept is to start with a blank page. In the middle of the page we place our main topic. From that topic we begin to record related ideas, tasks or other items.

We record our ideas as the come. Linking one to another using lines to show how they relate. Some ideas will have many subcategories and others will have only a few. It is not important how your map looks but that you generate and record your ideas as they come.

Here’s a little tutorial demonstration I built to show how to start a simple mind map. You can use mind mapping software or build your own mind map it’s totally up to you. There quite a few mind mapping applications out there some are even free. For this demo I used the free version of Mindmeister (CI is affiliated with Mindmeister).

Some things to keep in mind as you work on your mind map.

• A mind map will take a little work (don’t get discouraged if you don’t complete it in a half an hour while texting to your pals).
• Don’t skimp on the details. The more info you have the clearer your path will be.
• Have fun. Don’t be afraid to dream (you can always edit later).
• Make sure your map is easy to get to and easy to edit, otherwise it will become a chore and end up being ignored.
• A mind map is almost always a work in progress.

Homework: This is the big moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to dive in and get messy. Find your mind mapping software of choice and get familiar with it. Pick a random topic and build a simple mind map. The purpose of this exercise is to start getting the hang of building a mind map.

Truth is there really is no one simple answer. Everyone is different. We all have our own decisions to make when it comes to choosing the path we want to follow. What might work well for some may be a disaster for others. How you reach your destination will be up to you. There are so many different directions and so many choices to make, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t be discouraged at CI we’ve tried to put together some basic building blocks to help you find your way. We’ll go through them one at at time. Many of the things we talk about on the show will be featured on this blog as well. So be sure to check out the podcast.

Step 1- What do you want to be when you grow up?

Remember when you were a kid and people asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up? Now it’s time to answer that question. The more specific you can be the better. I want to be an artist is okay, but I want to make my living as a children’s book illustrator is better. Take some time to think about it. If you’re still not sure how to answer the question think about it this way. You are planning a trip, before you get in your car it’s a good idea to have a destination in mind. Without a specific destination how can you plan for your trip or for that matter know when you’ve arrived. I want to go to California is good. I want to go to the Monteray California is better. I want to go to Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, California makes finding your final destination a whole lot easier.

If you don’t have the exact address yet don’t worry. Fill in as much detail as you can for now and as we move forward the final destination will become much clearer.

Homework: Think about what you want to be when you grow up. Write it down. Fill in as much detail as you can.

• Have fun
• Be creative
• Take your time
• Be specific

This is part one in a weekly series I’ll be doing about getting your art career started. Thanks for reading… see you next week.