This was me a year ago. If you’ve read my last post about a creative time, you’d know that I touched on this topic a bit. So now I am going to tell you a secret:

Learn from Musicians and Athletes

Many performers and athletes arrange their time into three big blocks:

1. Focus Days: These are the days they fully focus on producing and performing. It’s the most physically and mentally demanding part of their week.

2. Buffer Days: This is the time they spend practicing, preparing, learning, and rehearsing—essentially their backstage days.

3. Free Days: They don’t think or do anything work-related. They rest, recharge, and do whatever helps them fill up their life energy tank.

This way, they ensure they always perform at a professional level and never burn out.

Since I adopted this philosophy, my workflow feels so much easier, and I am a happier, more fulfilled, and purposeful person.

I just started painting again after a month-long hiatus due to the busyness of the end of the school year and needing a break from painting. During that time, I read several books from different genres, relaxed, and took a vacation with my family. Now, I am fully charged to get back to my studio again. In less than three days, I  finished this 36 by 48-inch painting.

For the next month, I plan to single-mindedly focus on my paintings in the mornings while my children attend summer camps, except for a couple of travel plans. Then, I will take a week or two to rest and recharge. After that, I need to focus on marketing and prepare for my two shows in the fall.

This is a system that ensures you have a holistic life and more quality time and results, rather than just focusing on quantity.

One reminder for all of you high-achievers: When you are not in the highly productive stage, do not let anxiety creep in, thinking about EVERYTHING you need to catch up on in your art business. The resting stage is crucial for inspiring new ideas and helping you make quantum leaps in your personal and professional life. This is called psychological detachment from your work.

This approach gives you so much freedom of time—you actually spend less time but get more results.

If you like what I’ve shared so far, I actually got this idea from a book I just read. Click here for the link: https://amzn.to/4cJFdtt

I hope you have a productive and relaxing summer!

Your artist friend,

Ying

The post Work smart—time management secrets from pros appeared first on Ying McLane.

Are you sometimes frustrated with the different tasks you need to handle for your art business?

I struggled with that as well until I figured out that we creatives have a different concept of time than others! 

Other people can plan their days ahead with many different tasks, whether work or personal life. Creatives, on the other hand, live for spurts of passion and energy. 

Once I am deep into a painting, I become so obsessed with it that I often forget to rest, eat, or talk. Until I finish that piece, it occupies my mind constantly. 

Most creatives share this personality trait. It’s easier for us to dive headfirst into our creative endeavors than to calmly organize day-to-day life.

But we still have a life to live and families to take care of. So my solution is:

1. Know Your Priorities

My priority is always my family. I hadn’t picked up a brush for a couple of months, except for teaching art classes, because it was the end of the school year. Now it’s summertime with family travels, etc.

 Even though I have a couple of exhibitions coming up and need to finish some big pieces, I have peace of mind. This is because I know nothing competes with my quality time with my family.

2. Block Your Time

If you want to make amazing art, you must plan ahead and block significant chunks of time to paint. 

Marketing is an important aspect of my art business, besides making paintings, I also run this blog, and a Facebook group, and teach at my studio—yes, I still feel there is not enough time in my life sometimes. 

So my solution is: When my children are in school, I take one whole week, from morning drop-off to afternoon before pick-up, as my studio time. Then next week will be my marketing time. I will write my blogs, and emails, make social media posts, manage the Facebook group, and teach. 

Studies have shown that transitioning from one task to another task will reduce about 20% of your productivity. Blocking your time saves tons of wasted time and ensures you find your artist zone and stay productive.

For you, it might be best to block the morning for studio time and the afternoon for managing other business tasks. Whatever you do, you need to let everyone know that your blocked time is important to you and seek their understanding and support.

3. Be Present for Your Family

After I pick my kids up from school, I do not go back to my studio for the rest of the day. I want to be totally present for my family. My loved ones deserve my total undivided attention when I am with them. 

Not only is this important to balance your work and family life, but it’s also critical for your mental well-being.

4. Practice Self-Care

Last year, I felt a lot of pressure for some time. I didn’t exercise or eat well, thinking that after that period I would take care of myself. 

I learned a steep lesson: the more pressure you have in life, the more you need to take care of your mental and physical well-being. 

Now I go to the gym at least twice a week. The least you can do is do some stretching or yoga every day because artists spend a lot of time sitting or standing in front of our paintings. Giving your muscles a break is very important.

5. Remember Flexibility!

While it’s important to block time and plan, it’s equally important to remain flexible.

 Life is unpredictable, and sometimes your schedule needs to adapt. Allow yourself the freedom to change plans without guilt, knowing that flexibility is a key part of the creative process.

Balancing the creative life with other responsibilities can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it is totally possible for all of us!

What about you?

How do you manage your time as a creative? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

The post How is Artist’s Time Different Than Others? appeared first on Ying McLane.

In Florida, the heat is relentless, even during the supposedly cooler months of February and March. It was in this challenging climate that I stumbled upon a valuable, yet easily avoidable lesson. Welcome to the third chapter of my art show lesson series!

One essential item I needed for the art show was a metal rack for storing prints—a common sight in shops and shows.

I ordered one before the show but I underestimated the complexity of its assembly, naively thinking, “How hard could it possibly be?” As a result, the rack remained untouched in its box in my living room for several days.

On the morning of the show, I finally faced the task of assembling the rack… only to meet with failure. In a mix of frustration and desperation, I summoned my husband, who was busy with the tent setup. He too struggled but speculated that perhaps we were missing some parts. 

Sure enough, hidden at the bottom of the box were the nuts, bolts, and assembly instructions in a small bag. 

In our hurried state and the misleading belief that it would be a simple task, we still didn’t think to read the instructions first. 

After four rounds of screwing and unscrewing, my husband finally figured it out. By that time, we were thoroughly soaked in sweat.

So, what’s the takeaway? Never delay to the day of the show what can be prepared in advance.

In retrospect, this ordeal has become a humorous anecdote I plan to share with my kids. However, I assure you, I was not laughing at the moment.! 

In my next email, I’ll delve into more of my vulnerable experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me. Sharing our mistakes helps us all grow.

Have you faced similar trials? Your stories and reflections are welcome!

Warmest,

Ying

The post Are Show Success Series 3 appeared first on Ying McLane.

One of my twins, Luke, loves to play basketball. Last year, he joined a team where many teammates were more experienced and skilled. Yet, his love for the game drove him to try his hardest.

As time passed, Luke improved significantly in practice. However, during actual games, he hesitated to shoot, even when he was in perfect position, because of his fear of failure and concern over others’ opinions of him.

In contrast, there were three of his teammates consistently took shots in games, ultimately scoring the most in every game. 

But here is the interesting fact—their success rate wasn’t extraordinary. Often, they might make only 4 out of 10 shots, but their willingness to take more shots led them to score higher than others.

Simple math, isn’t it?

The same principle applies to your art.

Recently, a member expressed her desire to paint a portrait of her grandmother but doubted her skills despite being a talented painter.

I encouraged her to try regardless and offered my support. I’m still waiting for her response, hoping she’ll find the courage to embrace potential mistakes and accept the possibility of failing 6 out of 10 times. I believe this persistence will lead her to create a beautiful portrait of her grandmother, and what a precious family heirloom that would be!

Today, Luke confidently takes more shots in basketball games and has become one of the starting five.

 I urge you to embrace the possibility of mistakes and to give yourself the chance to fail. Often, the most significant lessons and long-lasting effects stem from our failures. 

Failure is our friend, not our enemy.

‘What if I continue to fail for the rest of my life?’

You won’t—if you learn from your failures.

Treat failure as a friend, and it will reciprocate, helping you in your journey.

Treat failure as an enemy, and it will try to defeat you.

Here’s a small piece of actionable advice: Start by identifying a small project or aspect of your work that intimidates you. 

Set a goal to tackle it head-on, focusing more on the learning process than on the outcome. Remember, every attempt is a step forward, no matter the immediate result.

Let’s engage: What’s one risk you’ve been hesitant to take in your art or life? How could embracing failure lead you closer to your goals? Share your thoughts and let’s support each other in turning our fears into stepping stones.

Remember this: “Embrace the shot, even when you’re afraid of missing. The misses teach us more than the hits ever will.”

Fear more the regret of not embracing risks that could lead to failure tomorrow, rather than fearing failure itself today.

Life is short, precious and beautiful. Let’s commit as many mistakes as possible and live life to its fullest!

Your artist friend,

Ying

The post What Should You Fear More? appeared first on Ying McLane.

However, diving into custom pieces isn’t always a walk in the park. My top takeaway? Communication is absolutely critical.

I recently wrapped up a commission for a wonderful mother and her kids. The starting point was a photo of them in front of their house. We decided to switch up the backdrop to something more nature-inspired.

Being a big fan of vibrant blues, I whipped up a few backgrounds featuring blue-hued palm trees and flowers. I was quite pleased with the outcome. But when I shared it with my client, her reaction wasn’t as enthusiastic as mine. She responded by texting me a picture of a book cover adorned with cherry blossoms, showcasing a more subdued, gentle color palette.

That’s when it clicked—she’s more of a serene introvert, drawn to art that exudes a calm, soothing vibe.

I’m so glad I started off with a mockup. It really helped to nail down exactly what she was looking for.

It’s a common scenario where clients might not have a clear idea of what they want or struggle to articulate it. That’s where digging deeper or presenting mock-ups can make all the difference. Often, seeing is believing, helping them pinpoint their likes and dislikes.

Throughout the painting process, I made it a point to send her updates with progress shots, keeping the door open for any tweaks she desired.

She requested to be depicted without her glasses and for her children’s outfits to be changed, which I managed without a hitch. 

However, painting her son’s hand was a bit tricky—shifting from a short to a long sleeve meant rethinking the pose, ideally with his hand in his pocket. 

I made several attempts to paint from imagination, but something always didn’t feel right. 

Frustrated, I suddenly remembered that a couple of my own sons’s portraits hanging on our wall showed them with their hands in their pockets. 

So, I went back to my house and checked out these photos. One of the photos was exactly what I needed, allowing me to finish that part with satisfaction.

So here is Lesson two: Flexibility and resourcefulness are key in commissioned work. Sometimes, you’ve got to improvise to fulfill those expectations.

Lesson Three: Strive to Be an All-Around Artist

Don’t limit yourself to just one artistic category. 

For most artists, having multiple sources of income is crucial. Indeed, there are artists who solely display their work in galleries and consider their job done. However, based on my experience, even artists who are represented by multiple galleries often need additional revenue streams to sustain their business.

This is why being an all-around artist is not just advantageous for your artistic growth but also essential for maintaining a thriving art business. 

Currently, I am creating paintings that including both landscapes and portraits. I exhibit my work at various locations around town, offer private and group lessons from my home, and have developed several online courses to help my students accelerate their progress. 

Additionally, I am active on social media and am learning about marketing to increase the visibility of my art.

Yes, it requires a lot of effort, but I approach it with joy. After all, pursuing your passion is one of the most rewarding experiences in life!

Last, I’ve put together a quick video of the entire painting journey. Feel free to check it out on my Instagram. And hey, while you’re there, please click the follow button—I’ll hit you back with one, too!https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5BkS8VuHRv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

With warmest regards,

Ying

PS: remember, you are just one piece of art away from your next breakthrough! 

The post Three lessons for you from my recent commissioned artwork appeared first on Ying McLane.

When I was in the second year of studying art in NYC art schools,  I took on a project inspired by Vermeer’s iconic ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring.’ 

This piece was a labor of love and dedication, taking me four months to complete. 

The good news? It won a national award! 

But here’s the flip side: my quest for perfection with this painting stopped me from trying my hand at other pieces during those four months!

This experience was a huge lesson. Yes, it’s great to devote time to detailed, meticulous work, but it’s also vital to keep the creative juices flowing. 

Balance is key. 

We grow not just by perfecting one piece, but by experimenting with many.

The beauty of art isn’t in perfection but in expression and growth. 

So, here’s my challenge to you: 

1:Paint a little every day. 

It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece or even complete. 

What matters is the act of creating, the strokes you make, the colors you blend. These daily practices help you break the chains of perfectionism.

2:Remember why you started painting. Was it to express, to capture, to tell a story? Let that passion be louder than the voice of perfectionism.

Share your daily art, no matter how imperfect,’ in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437940910025060

Let’s celebrate our progress and support each other.

As someone who’s been through the highs and lows of aiming for perfection, I’m here to tell you that with each stroke, each day you paint, you’re growing, you’re creating, and that’s what truly matters.

Share this post with an artist friend!

Ying 

The post The Number One Block In Your Art Journey—In My Opinion appeared first on Ying McLane.

Hello, wonderful artists of our community!

Today, let’s dive into a topic close to many of our hearts: finding your unique art style. 

It’s a journey, a personal evolution, and I’d love to share a bit of my own path to help illuminate yours.

Like many of you, I’ve experienced the pull of art trends. 

Living in a quaint beach town, colorful abstracts are all the rage. They sell well, they’re celebrated, and at one point, I found myself swept up in the current. Yes, I even tried my hand at abstract painting. 

But, here’s what I learned: following the trend didn’t fulfill me as much as I hoped.

My heart and my true strength lay in contemporary realism – blending realistic elements with an imaginative flair. 

This realization didn’t come overnight. It took exploration, trial, and error. 

The key lesson here? 

Know your strengths, understand what genuinely moves you, and pursue the kind of art that brings you joy.

Your art style is your voice. 

It should resonate with who you are and what you love. It’s okay to experiment, to try new things, but always circle back to what feels right to you. 

If your heart isn’t in it, it’ll show in your work.

So, how do you find your style? Start by exploring. 

Be curious. Paint different subjects, use various techniques, and play with colors. 

But while you do, pay attention to what makes you feel excited, what challenges you positively, and what feels natural to you.

And remember, it’s not just about what sells or what’s popular. It’s about what stirs your soul. 

When you create from a place of passion, your authentic style will emerge, and that is where the true magic happens.

Share your journey with us in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437940910025060

We all have unique stories and styles, and together, we can inspire and learn from each other.

As always, I’m here to support and cheer you on. Let’s keep creating, exploring, and finding joy in every stroke of our brushes.

Ying 

The post A lesson from me to help you find your artist style appeared first on Ying McLane.

These are this year’s gingerbread house and the elf on the shelf in our home.

And I don’t think you will judge me, right?  

I know, the gingerbread house somehow never quite looks like the cover image on the box it came in. 

And my elf never sits in a tub or wears a fancy dress, performing some kind of genius trick like you see all over social media during this time of the year. 

—He always just sits or lies somewhere high so the kids won’t be able to touch him. 

Our elf is lazy.

But I don’t care. 

You know why? Because my kids love them!

They love the tradition of making a gingerbread house every year. They love the thrill of being the first one to find the elf, even though they know it’s us, mommy and daddy, changing his location every night.

 It’s the simple act of doing our holiday tradition that makes them happy.

How about when you make a messy, bad painting?

 On average, one in four of my paintings is unsalvageable—doesn’t matter how hard I tried and how many hours I spent on it. 

But I still go to my studio every day to paint. 

Why? Because it’s the simple act of aligning with my creative inner child that brings me joy, just like making messy gingerbread houses and finding our not-fancy elf brings joy to my children.

As artists, we tend to have a lot of self-doubt, comparison, and judgment. 

May we all remember the simple joy of creating for creating’s sake. 

My children never once complained that their elf doesn’t do tricks, and they never once were disappointed with their messy gingerbread house. 

Let’s be like children.

With that, I hope you have a wonderful, joyful Christmas and a happy new year!!

Love 

Ying

PS: I have big plans for next year to bring more golden art nuggets and excitement to this community. Do you have any suggestions for my content? Simply reply to this email. I’d love to hear them!

The post Artist Mindset: My elf is never fancy appeared first on Ying McLane.