Written by Today, let’s dive into the exciting world of time management and organization for full-time artists. No, seriously, it can be exciting. If you’re anything like me, you’re not just an artist – you’re a juggling magician, trying to keep up with life, art, and everything in between.
Crafting a Creative Calendar
Picture this: life, art, family, friends – all swirling around you. It’s a lot to handle, I know. But fear not, because I’ve spent years fine-tuning a system that helps me stay on top of my art career, and I’m here to share it with you. Let’s start by creating a semblance of order with a weekly schedule. Why not make it fun and memorable? Media Mondays, Membership Wednesdays, and Zoom Coaching Sundays – catchy, right?
Mondays are my designated media days – the time I dive into video work, editing, and content creation. Wednesdays are all about connecting with my community through live streams. Sundays, I reserve for zoom coaching and meetings with members. These are my fixed points in the week, providing structure and routine. The other days? Well, they’re what I call wildcard days – days I keep flexible to tackle creative projects that strike my fancy.
Fantastic Four List: Conquer One Day at a Time
Now, let’s talk about the art of getting things done. To keep overwhelm at bay, I’ve embraced the “Fantastic Four List.” Each day, I set myself four manageable tasks – yes, just four. This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s an ingenious hack. See, when you set yourself up with achievable goals, you’re more likely to take action. And action begets momentum.
But why just four, you ask? The beauty is in simplicity. By focusing on a few key tasks, you avoid spreading yourself too thin. And trust me, you’ll still accomplish more than you’d think. It’s all about the power of concentrated effort.
Taming the Multitasking Myth
Here’s a myth I’d like to debunk: multitasking. The truth is, our brains can only handle one task at a time. Attempting to juggle multiple things leads to cognitive overload and reduced productivity. So, when you’re at your easel or workstation, give your full attention to one project. Save the other tasks for later. Your art will thank you.
Diverse Tasks, Energized You
While we’re on the topic of tasks, let’s discuss diversity. Your mind, body, and creativity all have different energy levels. Some tasks require intense focus, like number-crunching for accounting. Others demand your creative flair. Recognize these differences and organize your tasks accordingly. Break up your day with a mix of activities to keep your energy levels up and your motivation flowing.
Unleash Your Inner Klee
Your workspace is your creative sanctuary, and clutter can be its kryptonite. Take a page from Klee (Who is the most organized person I know) and organize your space. A tidy and well-ordered environment can do wonders for your creativity and productivity. Plus, a clean space is a reflection of a clear mind. Keep what works for you, whether it’s organized chaos or minimalistic simplicity. The key is creating an environment that supports your artistic endeavors.
Battling Procrastination: The Art of Batching
Batching tasks is a secret weapon against procrastination. Group similar tasks together, whether it’s recording multiple videos on Media Mondays or tackling multiple small art projects on a studio day. This not only maximizes your efficiency but also minimizes the mental shift between different types of work. Batching allows you to immerse yourself fully and make the most of your creative flow.
Facing Deadlines: Friend or Foe?
Last but not least, let’s talk about deadlines. They’re a double-edged sword – they can push us to action or drive us to the brink of stress. Embrace flexible deadlines that encourage productivity without inducing panic. They’re a tool to help you grow as an artist and achieve your goals, without sacrificing your well-being.
Remember, your journey as an artist is a marathon, not a sprint. The key is finding sustainable habits that help you flourish creatively while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. So, take these tips, experiment with what works for you, and above all, enjoy the process. Your artistic adventure awaits!
Stay creative, and until next time, this is Rafi signing off. Adios!
Oh my, do I hear you about not being able to do things when overwhelmed.
Great advice! After avoiding using Google calendar (I was burnt out from calendars from my old corporate job days), I finally got back into setting a written schedule this week. It’s been a stress reducer in that I have time for all the important task instead of wasting time worrying or worse yet, trying to multitask.