
At IPaintMyMind, we’ve worked with hundreds of artists over the years from coast to coast, and it’s always interesting to see how folks work. Most of us want to get more organized in some aspect of our lives, but as artists and creators, it’s especially important that we work smart, understand our own energy, and implement strategies to ensure there is a method to the madness. Here’s 10 great tips for artists, tried and tested by our community of creatives!
This sounds basic but you’d be amazed how many people, let alone artists are basically winging it when it comes to their time. That’s why this is first on our list of tips for artists. Maybe the calendar app is installed but you don’t like it and haven’t found a new solution, or maybe you just love to rage against the machine. Despite your rebellion, knowing what’s happening next in your work day is the best way to be fully prepared and invested in the work you’re about to do.
Plus, getting places on time is actually one of the cool aspects of being an adult in business. Do it.
We all have energy spikes and lulls, times when we feel most creative, ready to think big, and make. It’s super important that you figure out when you’re raring to go so you can embrace that and really crank work out when you’re feeling potent, thoughtful, reflective, or ready to turn an idea into reality.
Daniel Pink talks about ‘chronotypes’ in his book, WHEN: The Science of Perfect Timing, basically saying that we all fall into one of three categories, and that understanding which chronotype we are can really help us get the most out of the times when our brain is on fire.
Speaking from experience, I can’t tell you how helpful Trello has been to getting my work organized. As an artist, there are tons of min-actions, getting supplies, preparing workspaces, etc. Being able to keep track of where projects are in their own timeline, and what stage of production it’s in can really help give you the feeling that it’s all moving along. It also helps make it abundantly clear when action is needed now, for example if you’re about to miss a deadline for a client because it was written down as opposed to tracked anywhere!
You can open Instagram and get image-y with it once the work is done. Even setting your phone down in another room helps the ADD of the modern age not seep into your beautiful, creative brain. Router filters and web blockers can help, there are a few apps that do the trick nicely.
Again, another one that sounds basic but can really make energy lag & keep you in a whackamole headspace. Instead of bopping from one thing to another with caffeine and sugar fueling the fury, have a huge mason jar of water filled all the time and be sure to sit down & have a banana from time to time. While you certainly need to embrace the times when inspiration hits, re-energizing by stepping back and having a healthy meal is so necessary to being your best.
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