Unleash Your Creativity: Time Management for Artists

Finally, you have a whole day to spend creating and making art…Great!.. Now you find yourself asking ‘How can I make best use of my time, Is time management for artists a thing’?

Yep, it’s a thing alright, and it’s so important! Avoiding procrastination and waisting creative time is imperative for a productive day of creativity. Here’s how I schedule my days to get the most out of my time. 

paint pallet and paint brushes
Time Management for Artists
Setting Goals

Start by setting clear goals for great creative time management. What do you want to accomplish? Whether it’s finishing a specific piece, experimenting with new techniques, or brainstorming ideas, having a goal in mind will help you stay focused. I write a few goals down on a post it and keep it next to me. It really helps motivate me and keep me focused when I get a dopamine rush from ticking off the list.

Set up your creative space

Take a few moments to organise your art supplies, clean your workspace, paint pallet, and set up any materials you’ll need for your projects. Having an organised and clutter-free environment can help reduce distractions and free your mind for creative thinking and enhancing your productivity and make it easier to dive into your works.

Warm-Up Exercises

Begin your day with a warm-up to help you loose up and get your creative juices flowing. You might make a few quick sketches, do some doodling, or experimenting with different brushstrokes or mark-making techniques.

When I am starting a new painting, I will often sketch my subject in my sketch book or a scrap of paper. My first sketches will always be clunky and pretty dodgy… Then I sketch it again and again, super quick and messy. This process helps me to understand the shape of my subject and get into the mood. 

It helps to loosen up and mentally prepare for your main artistic tasks… Anything that helps us get into the flow easily is ultimately great time management for artists.

Explore Techniques

Don’t have a project you’re currently working on? Then use this time to explore new techniques or experiment with different mediums. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try something you’ve never done before.

You might like to try mixing different colours on your pallet or different textural techniques. Keep your experiments and put the in your visual diary for future reference and inspiration. 

This can lead to exciting discoveries and fresh approaches to your art.

Work on Multiple Pieces

If you have multiple projects in progress, allocate time to work on each of them. Switching between pieces can prevent creative blocks and provide a fresh perspective. 

When I am stuck on an artwork, I give my artworks a ‘time out’ and turn them to the wall. When I look at it again, I can see it with fresh eyes and instantly see areas that need more work or know if its finished… This is a much better option than staring blankly, fiddling and potentially overworking the piece. It also allows you to make progress on different artworks simultaneously. Great time management for artists and variety for your creative day.

Seek Inspiration

Take breaks to seek inspiration. Browse art books, visit art websites or galleries, or explore social media platforms that showcase artwork. Exposure to different styles and ideas can spark your imagination and give you new insights for your own work. Seeking inspiration is essential to evolve as an artist. 

Embrace Mistakes and Challenges

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or facing challenges along the way. They are an integral part of the artistic process and can often lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow as an artist.

Take Breaks and Rest

Remember to take regular breaks throughout the day to rest, stretch, and recharge. Giving yourself mental and physical breaks is good  time management for artists and can actually enhance your productivity and prevent burnout. 

Enjoy the Process

Lastly, remember to enjoy the process of creating art. Embrace the freedom, expression, and joy that art brings. Allow yourself to be fully immersed in your work and savor the experience.


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