In my grade school english classes I used to hate making a web diagram because it was too much planning - I needed my freedom of expression!  And I didn't want to confine it to a piece of paper before I had even written the story! 

Lesson #1:  They teach you that stuff for a reason!   

In the real world you have to have a plan.  From the beginning you need to at least know what you want to see happen for your space and some ways to make that happen. 

My first solo show was for my senior thesis class.  There were sixty of us in the class and only two galleries over five weeks to hold shows in.  I knew that if there was a possiblity for a solo show that I was going to grab it and run with it.  The first day (important!) I went up and asked for the Alcove Gallery.  At that point I kinda knew already what concept I was doing (pending approval)  and I knew how many prints I wanted to do/show.  Because of my preparation and ambition to make a solo show happen I was granted the space. 

Lesson #2: Don't just give up an opportunity!!!

I was fortunate enough to be the only one afforded that opportunity for a solo exhibition.  I knew I couldn't waste it so I quickly got to work.  I had two and a half months to make an entire show (and several promises) a reality.