Time Management for Artists Tips for Visual Creators
People often roll their eyes when I tell them I help artists get organized. “It must be like herding kittens,” they sniff.
Apparently, we have a bad reputation. I understand why time management for artists is a complicated topic. We have a lot going on. We juggle lots of different hats.
While time management is a critical skill, it is unfortunately a struggle for many artists. We sometimes lose hours following threads of inspiration. We are inclined to procrastinate doing tasks we do not like, such as those that will move our art careers forward (I am looking at you, marketing).
Learning how to manage your time is important. That is because when you do not do this, you are more likely to suffer from stress and tension. And those are the two biggest killers of creativity.
Many artists balance working other jobs as they build their careers, making time management even more crucial. That is why I am sharing tips for mastering time management as an artist. Incorporating these simple changes into your daily routine will result in more creativity when you are working on a piece while decreasing your stress levels and avoiding burnout.
Why Time Management Is Important
Time management is the act of organizing and scheduling your daily tasks to increase efficiency and productivity. By managing your time effectively, you can achieve your creative and career goals faster, ensuring that you stay on top of your workload.
Some artists tell me they struggle to find time to make art. Mastering the art of time management guarantees that creative time is scheduled on your calendar regularly, along with the other tasks that need to be done.
Managing your time helps you:
- Have more creative output in a shorter amount of time.
- Develop routines to help accelerate your career as an artist.
- Reduce stress and resentment by scheduling time to play and create.
Look Procrastination in the Eye
You are not the only artist who struggles with time management. I sometimes procrastinate but am learning to look procrastination in the eye and question it.
The first question I ask myself is, “Do I really want to do this?” That is because procrastination might be telling you something. It might be pointing you in a better direction.
If you determine the task is something you are committed to, ask yourself what you are afraid of. That is right. Procrastination is often a cover for fear. And once you see the fear for what it is, you can deal with it a lot more objectively.
You do not have to label yourself as a procrastinator. It does not mean you are lazy. It means you have some issues to work through before you move forward in the way you want.
How To Prioritize Tasks
For artists, time management is about prioritizing your most important tasks. Now, you might find it tempting to focus on smaller, easier tasks first to feel like you are gaining momentum. However, I recommend doing your biggest, most important tasks first.
Start by writing down a list of everything you need to do in a day. Then assess your list and decide which three tasks absolutely need attention and tackle those first.
By accomplishing your most important tasks first, anything else that gets done is a bonus. It can be tricky to figure out which tasks are most important and which ones can wait.
Think about it like this, which tasks will move the needle for you professionally? Which have real deadlines? Focus on those first.