If only I could commit to my art full time, then I would be more productive and happy. Well you may have more time on your hands but if you give up your day job to pursue your dream career as an artist, be prepared for some strange happenings.
The truth is, the majority of people who give it all up to pursue their art are faced with a whole world of different challenges which prevent them from creating regularly and deeply. Indeed most people find they’re just as productive as when they held a full time day job… how strange! So what’s going on?
Creative work gives us insight and enriches our lives. Creativity is part of what makes us human, but it can also be very difficult and extremely challenging. There’s a lot going on inside most creative people and creating can throw up all sorts of insecurities and anxieties which lead to blocks, procrastination or other avoidance tactics which hinders the creative process.
Now add a 15 hour working day, which feels as though it’s robbing you of your sanity and what little spare time you have. This daily chore seems to consume your motivation and you ultimately leave your art for another day. Instead you switch on the TV to relax and unwind over a beer, and the resentment builds.
Creating under these conditions with zero energy is near impossible. So what positive action can we take to re address this balance, become more productive, create more meaningful work, more regularly? (and maybe even start enjoying our days a little more!)
Below are 5 ideas which you can commit to right now!
1. Get up early
Starting your day an hour or two earlier is a fantastic way to get your work done. It’s amazing how good you will feel knowing that you have honoured your art and your day can start with a blast of creativity. You will also take advantage of the creative benefits of dream state first thing in the morning.
Once word of warning! Working on your art first thing can sometimes make your day job seem dull and uninspiring. When you finish working on your art pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Before you jump into your day job its worth saying out loud “I return with strength!” or words to that effect. You’re ready to take on your day and experience the wonders of the world.
2. Understand the value of your time and how you use it
Your time is incredibly valuable. Know where it goes and decide how you spend it. A useful tip is to break your day down into 100 points. Some of these points are spent sleeping, some are spent working and others are spent creating. You only have 100 points everyday so if you decide to spend 5 points watching TV they have to come from somewhere, what are your priorities? Alternatively if someone asks for your time, decide if you’re willing to invest these points. If not say no!
Some tips on reclaiming more points include
· Get organised the night before your morning art sessions to get straight into your work first thing. Try getting up 1 hour early, it really is the best way to ensure your work gets done. (4 points a day)
· Everyone has a least 30 minutes for lunch, most have an hour. This is a perfect opportunity for you to take yourself on an artist date, visit an art gallery, research your next novel, contact a few agents or anything which supports and/or develops your creative work (4 points a day)
· Most people spend at least 20 mins commuting to work (I spend 1:30 daily). A good use of this time is listening to audio books or reading. I can get through a book a week listening in the car. (6 points a day)
· Stop the TV madness – we sometimes find ourselves investing so much time on some very average programs under the guise of unwinding. Try turning off the TV for a week and invest the points in your art. It’s amazing how much you can get done. (6 points a day)
· The internet is an amazing tool for research, networking and connecting with artists around the world. But is your time on the net productive or just time wasting? (2 points a day)
3. Keep a notebook, journal and/or scrap book
When you get an idea write it down! (write it then and there). Dream journals (writing your dreams down as soon as you wake up) are also of great value and spark lots of creative ideas. Explore those ideas and concepts and let them evolve. Scrap books of inspiring ideas or quotes and images can also provide a source of energy and focus.
4. Make use of your creative nature at work
You do not have two opposing lives; you have one life and a choice to make of it what you will. One of the greatest truths I have learned is that if you want to change your experience first you must change your attitude. If your work is boring, find ways to make it interesting and challenging.
Ultimately the trick here is to try and focus on the positive aspects of your day job and use your creative nature to make your day more interesting and productive. After all, like most things in life, you get out what you put in. If you want your day job to be more meaningful then put more energy into doing it well, engage in the challenges that arise and improve your own situation through the gifts you possess.
If all else fails find a new job! Maybe you could find something which is more in line with your art or supports your creative direction by providing flexibility around hours?
5. Be active in the art community
Socializing with colleagues has long been recognized as important for creativity. Connecting with the art community and starting or joining a group is often the best way to generate ideas. Creativity is at its peak not in moments of solitary genius, but during exchanges with trusted colleagues.
It’s always a great help to have like minded individuals to provide support as well as give you the kick that is required to hold you accountable to fulfilling your creative goals.
Taking a course is also a great way to network. You may even learn something new! J
