5 productivity tips for artists working at home
Working alone is part and parcel of being an artist. Even though the current global health crisis has made us all retreat into the safety of our own homes, we're all used to hunkering down in our own studios and churning out work. Artistic creation can definitely be isolating at times, and the problem is that the onus to stay motivated rests solely on you.
If you're feeling a little stuck and uninspired, below are some productivity tips that can help you kick-start your creative process.
Clean your workspace
Let's face it: we all have a bit of workspace clutter. A little mess here and there is unavoidable (especially when you're dealing with lots of art materials), but if your space has gotten out of control it can be hard to stay productive. The Balance's Tracy Porpora suggests setting time every week to go through your workspace and declutter. You can even make this a fun little routine by putting on your favorite music or podcast while you clean up!
Find your most productive moments
You can’t control when inspiration comes, but you can control your productivity. When it comes to staying motivated while working from home, lifestyle writer James Gonzales recommends scheduling your day around your own periods of peak productivity. These moments vary from person to person, and it might take a while for you to figure out what times you truly work best. However, once you figure it out, you’ll have a much easier time scheduling your work day and churning out consistent output.
Try a new side project
If you find yourself in a creative rut, sometimes the best thing to do is start a different project. Try focusing on your brand instead. Our article on How to Polish Up Your Online Presence emphasizes that all artists, regardless of medium, should have a website (free options available on variety of platforms). Setting one up isn't just a fun side project; it's also something that's going to benefit your career in the long run. You could also try out artistic mediums you haven't tried before.
Keep moving
There's nothing more rewarding than just losing yourself in your work, but the downside is that sometimes hours can go by before you realize that you've been in the same position. Doing a bit of light exercise here and there keeps your mind refreshed. According to the Mayo Clinic, even walking can do wonders for improving your mood. Making exercise a part of your daily routine can also help you structure your day, allowing you to be even more focused when you return to your space.
Allow yourself to take breaks
Last but not least, remember that taking breaks is okay too. We have so much time on our hands now that we're staying at home, and it can be tempting to fill every second of every day with something to do. Sometimes, doing nothing is the best way to help your productivity. Taking breaks to just do nothing — no work, no exercise, nothing at all — gives your brain a break and helps avoid burnout in the long run.
It's safe to say that many of us are experiencing a bit of cabin fever right now. Productivity can be hard to come by nowadays, but keeping these tips in mind can make your creative work less frustrating and more fulfilling.
Written exclusively for allshemakes.org
by Bethannie Joy
