Do you often feel like there is not enough time in the day to do your art?
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!
