I would have time for my art if only…

During a group discussion of some of the artists I mentor in Visual Artist Accelerator, an artist mused about what it would be like if she could quit her job and have sooo much more time to devote to her art. She envisioned painting for longer sessions and much more frequently.

Another artist in the group was quick to share her experience. She is retired (and thankful for that privilege). Before she retired, she too envisioned all the time she could devote to her art. But the reality is that she still had to juggle other demands on her time, either out of obligation (art business tasks and the tasks of modern daily life) or out of desire (spending time with her grandkids and her spouse). Yet another artist chimed in, echoing the same idea: finding time for art is a challenge, whether you’re employed, self-employed, or not working outside the home.

As one of my teachers told me, “The hardest part of art is putting your pants on and going into the studio.”

So what’s the best way to find and protect time for your art?

Some artists find it useful—necessary, even—to put art time into their calendar. One artist may find that scheduling 2 hours of painting time for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday works well for her. Another artist may work better by having themed days—devoting entire days to one type of work: a painting day, a day for art business activities (marketing, communications, packing/shipping, etc.), and a day for personal tasks (cleaning, shopping, doctor appointments).

As a mother, artist, and business owner, I’ve had to become more and more intentional about my time. My art business activities could easily run roughshod over my painting time (and from time to time, they have done so!). For the past year or so, I’ve combatted this by getting up super early and devoting some time to my business activities early each day. It took some doing to set this up: I had to make sure that my child was cared for during this time and I had to carve out a private space to work. But once this system got up and running, I found it energizing and effective!

Most days I’m conducting phone meetings with my team and seeing clients by 6am (thankfully, they are in different time zones than mine). I have a sense of accomplishment at the start of every day, and this allows me to cordon off specific times for painting, guilt-free.

Getting up at O-dark-thirty may not work for you, and you may not be able to devote entire days to any task. But there is a way for you to have dedicated art time. What changes could you make? I’d love to hear your ideas. Simply contact me to share your time strategies and struggles with me.

Organizing and protecting our time is always a work in progress.