Do you have all the time you need for art? I'm guessing the answer is no. We are all so busy with family obligations, our "real" jobs, and all the day-to-day activities required for getting along in this world, that it can be hard to make the things we truly want to do a priority.
Keeping an art journal can be an easy way to work art into your daily schedule. |
I'm no different. But I recently came across two pieces of wisdom that made me rethink my assumption that I "don't have enough time."
One was a web seminar on quick-starting your art business, with Lesley Riley. Lesley has built a career as an artist, author, teacher, and art coach, all while raising six children and assisting in her husband's business.
How did she do it? She started by committing to working on her art just five minutes a day. Lesley set up her supplies in her bedroom (usually working right on the bed), and worked for five minutes every day on her art. Some days she was able to spend more time, but she always spent at least five minutes. And little by little, she created art.
The second bit of wisdom was in a blog post on work/life balance from Paul B. Brown on Forbes.com. Paul says that instead of keeping two "to do" lists, one for work and one for home or personal activities, you should make a combined list ranked in order of priority. Each day, work your way down the list, and the most important things in your life will get done.
If you combine Lesley and Paul's strategies and you still can't fit art into your day, then maybe (barring illness or disaster) "I don't have enough time" is an excuse for not spending time on your art. Maybe you're afraid the results won't be "good enough" or maybe you feel guilty for spending time on something "frivolous."
But if you truly want to make to make more time for art, follow these tips:
1. Make art-marking a priority and put it high on your daily (or weekly) schedule or to-do list.
2. Commit to the smallest doable amount of time (such as five minutes).
3. Set up a small space with your tools so that you are ready to create and don't have to spend time gathering (or finding) materials.
One of the easiest ways of getting started with regular art making is to keep an art journal. You don't need a lot of supplies (you can get by with pens, some watercolor pencils, a water brush, and a glue stick or washi tape), and it's compact and portable.
There are many resources for art journaling techniques, but there's a new book that is perfect for beginners or artists who are short on time. In No Excuses Art Journaling: Making Time for Creativity, Gina Rossi Armfield demonstrates how to prepare and use an art journal that is within your comfort zone. You'll also learn techniques and tips from a dozen other well-known art journalers–including Lesley Riley.
P.S. How do you make time for art? Share your tips below.