Now that we’ve gotten to know each other (I rambled, you read to the end, we’re besties, etc…) I want to actually dive in to real point of this blog, which is for me to share what I’m learning about being a working artist and sometimes teacher as I’m learning it.

The first thing I want to talk about is “The Schedule.”

Anyone who is a working adult is probably used to having a schedule to adhere to during the work-week. My most recent schedule was planned out in 30-90 minute blocks and I had specific tasks to complete in each of those blocks. Before that it was 60 minutes in rotating stations. Before that it was just 8-10 open hours and lots of impossible deadlines.

Two months ago I walked away from “The Schedule”… and for a few weeks that was fine. I was working a short-term summer contract and my schedule really revolved around that. Plus we were also moving so any time I wasn’t working, I was packing, making trips, and helping my husband who managed to get two really painful medical ailments and a car accident in two weeks.

But then, that contract finished. We finished moving. The ‘ol man is on the mend.

So I sat down to decide what my regular day would look like and then promptly panicked.

What do artists do during the day?

Well. According to my research, that depends greatly on what the artist does as their work. For example a performing artist might have a day filled with rehearsals, auditions, exercise, and teaching. A graphic designer might need to meet with clients or colleagues. Visual artists need dedicated studio time.

So what should you be doing all day? Besides your actual artistic practice, do you have a framework in place? If not, here are 10 tips from my own experience and other artists from around the web to help you build a schedule that lets you meet your needs, get your work done, and not be overwhelmed the whole time. At the end, I’ll share my new schedule and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

6 Basic Tips for Making a (productive) Daily Creative Routine

 

1. Make a standing list.

This is one I’m currently experimenting with. The idea is that in your work space, somewhere it’ll catch your eye when you walk in, you have a list of tasks that eventually need to get done. I would advise sorting the tasks into categories like Studio, Professional Development, Contracts, Misc. Tasks, etc.

Having a master list of to-dos can make it easier when you’re struggling to get started or you’re overwhelmed with tasks. Just pick a couple from the master list and you don’t have to spend time stressing over what you’re supposed to be doing.

2. Schedule your tasks into “blocks” of time.

There’s a lot of names for this and it’s particularly helpful for those of us with ADHD or other neurodivergence’s that make keeping track of time hard. You may have heard of the pomodoro method or time blocking. There’s even a heavy duty version—time boxing—which I haven’t tried yet.

The specific method you use isn’t important. You have to experiment a little to find out what works best for you. What really matters is that you chunk your tasks into manageable,  realistic, blocks of time that ultimately help you finish the task without taking too many hits to your mental health.

For example,  I know after about two hours of drawing I need to stop. I could keep going. If I’m really dug in on a piece I can work for 6 hours without blinking. But somewhere between hours 2 and 6 I will start making questionable artistic decisions because I just want to be finished. Blocking out 2 hours for drawing means I can balance it with whatever else I’m supposed to be doing, so I don’t look up hours later with a cool drawing but nothing else done for the day.

Time blocking is also great for those of us who struggle with procrastinating non-preferred tasks! I know it’s a lot easier for me to say “I’m going to do as much filing as I can in 30 minutes” than “I am going to keep filing indefinitely until all the filing is finished.”

3. Make explicit time for stuff you need to be productive for the day.

For me, the best part of being my own boss is being in charge of my schedule. There is very little I can do before work if I have to be there at 7:30 am. I’m just not built to function that early.

Knowing this about myself, I decided to start my work day at 10ish. That means I have plenty of time to wake up, walk the dog, eat breakfast, take meds, pick up the house, etc. before I start working for the day.

And when I do get started? I sit down with a clear head, not stressed or anxious or exhausted. I’ve got the best possible chance of having a productive day.

4. Try to keep some semblance of routine.

Just because no one is standing over you making sure you’re at your desk on time doesn’t mean you don’t have to go to your desk on time.

I don’t mean that at an arbitrary time every day you have to be in a specific spot, but however you decide to structure your day you have to stick to it!

Try to take stock of what is actually realistic for you. Are you a morning person or a night person? When do you have the most energy? What kinds of tasks do you normally avoid? What kind of time sucks are you vulnerable to?

Use that information to come up with a start and end time to your work day at the very least. The more you follow your routine,  the easier it’ll be!

5. Define a working space that ISN’T your bed/couch/hammock

Okay, so it can be a couch, bed, or hammock BUT it still needs to be a work space. While I’m still unpacking my office, the couch in the living room has been my temporary work space. I made some small changes like putting my lap desk on the coffee table to elevate my laptop, installing my tripod set up, and leaving out my cup of pens and planner. When I sit down at this set up, my brain immediately goes into work mode.

I also like to go to a novel location and work. Sometimes, I need no distractions, including family, pets, and the pile of laundry staring at me. Is there a coffee shop, library, or park nearby where you could work?

6. Devote time to your creative practice INCLUDING professional development.

When you’re freelancing, it can feel like your head is on a swivel looking for contracts and like any down time you have in the work day should be spent drumming up business. And while that’s totally necessary sometimes, don’t neglect your own creative growth while you’re out there hustling.

When are you going to practice the fundamentals of your craft? When will you  network and meet other creative professionals, attend conferences and workshops to pick up new skills or learn something new? Remember your reasons for going down this path in the first place. If you’re anything like me freedom and professional growth were the big two.

Make sure you schedule opportunities for your own growth and stick to them. It’ll only make your work better AND you’ll feel more personally fulfilled, which can help stave off burnout.

A Typical Day For Me

So like I said, I can’t make a schedule for you. Your schedule, routine, ritual, whatever you call it needs to be totally personal to your goals, environment, and personal needs. I’m including my schedule here as a jumping-off point. A little inspiration if you, just in case getting started feels daunting.

Sample Artist Schedule

8:00 am- 10:00 pm personal tasks: I am a slow waker. I like to stretch, think about my day, check my messages etc. Then  I get up and dressed (side-note: putting on outside clothes also helps my brain get the message that it’s work time), take care of the dogs, eat breakfast, and take my meds. This is also a good time to run errands, schedule appointments, or do small household tasks.

10:00 am- 2:00 pm admin: This is the block where my brain is most active, so I like to take care of my most think-y tasks. I answer emails, review/sign contracts, edit the site, update my online shop,  make phone calls, etc. Anything that needs a bunch of spoons goes in the morning and the specific tasks just depend on the day.

2:00 pm-6:00 pm: This is a flex block. It can be for making more involved content like tutorials, professional development, or finishing anything from earlier that didn’t get started. I also use this time for more involved housework if my work tasks are done. Right now this has been the golden hour for unpacking and making up time on days when I oversleep. (Because after the last 3 months, ya’ girl is exhausted.)

6:00 pm- 8:00 pm: This is usually when I look up and realize I’m kind of hungry. I’m a big fan of ✨girl dinner.✨ Since we’ve moved to a smaller place there isn’t much room to cook big meals. I usually grab something small and sorta healthy, walk the dogs, manage any more small household tasks (like throwing a load in the dishwasher) hang with my husband, who is just getting home from work, and then head off to draw.

8:00 pm- 10:00 pm: this is my quiet work time. The house has chilled out and I can wind down. I usually break my own rule and get in bed for this part and commit to working on a specific piece of at least two hours. If I’ve still got creative energy at 10 I’ll work on a different piece until I’m tired. This ensures regular creative output so I’m not so under the gun when I suddenly need something to submit.

10:00 pm -12:00 pm: bed time! I shower, change, maybe grab a snack, and then I’m off to do something mindless until I fall asleep.

That’s it, my average day. It’s pretty simple, but I’ve found this framework to have just enough structure for me to get stuff done, but enough flexibility that I don’t feel restrained or stressed.

It’s important to note though, when you’re planning your routine, don’t get to hung up on following it exactly to the letter. Your schedule should work for you, not the other way around. There are plenty of days where my routine gets off. Maybe I have a doctor’s appointment, or I go out of town, or I take a teaching contract, or I have a class at the gym. The important part is that whatever deviation you have to make, you always know where to pick up when you’re back on track.

So what do you think? Are you inspired to organize your work day for max creativity? Do you have a routine that’s worked well for you? Are you struggling to balance work and life without a hard, external structure to follow?

Next week I’ll be back with some more specific tips, but until then, let’s talk about it!

 

❤ L