As we mentioned in our previous article on side hustles for artists, it can be difficult for artists to generate steady income when creating takes up a huge chunk of their schedule. However, for some people, it’s the other way around. It can be difficult to create when you have to focus on other obligations, such as work, school, and family. Fortunately, even if you’re busy, there are still ways for you to make time for your craft. The following tips can help you develop your creative passions despite your busy schedule.
Image: Alexander Woisnet, 2018 Art House Artist Inventory Challenge
1. Create A Schedule
If you’re absolutely committed to developing your craft, make it a priority. James Clear’s acclaimed book, ‘Atomic Habits’, good results come not just from setting goals, but from changing your system. Improving your craft, then, is all a matter of incorporating practice into your daily routine. Instead of waiting for the right moment to engage with your craft, block out time in your calendar for related activities. Once you’ve made the commitment on paper, it’s easier to treat it seriously.
2. Learn To Say No
Once you’ve made your passion part of your schedule, treat it as seriously as you would any other obligation. That means when other non-essential events and commitments arise, it’s important to learn to say no. Don’t be afraid to make time for yourself and the things you love.
3. Cut Down Screen Time
A 2020 World Economic Forum article revealed that the average internet user spends about 2 hours and 23 minutes on social media each day. Though there’s nothing wrong with staying connected, it can be very easy to fall into the trap of mindless, unproductive scrolling. Give yourself more time for your passions by limiting time with gadgets.
4. Take Advantage Of Waiting Times
Daily life can be full of waiting. Mundane activities, such as commuting and waiting in line at the grocery or doctor's office, can take up huge chunks of your day. Instead of passively standing by, use these between times to act on your passion. For example, you can watch YouTube tutorials while on the bus. Or, you can read helpful books while in line for an appointment.
5. Start Slow
If you lack time to go in all at once, try to divide each session into easier, smaller tasks. Busy digital hobbyist, for instance, can dedicate one session for sketching, then another for line art, then another for shading and coloring. Though progress might seem slow, every small step you take will later add to your overall improvement.
6. Make Your Passion Part Of Your Physical Space
It would be easier to pursue your passion if the necessary equipment was easily accessible. That’s why many people are fans of home gyms — having their weights and treadmills in the house removes the annoying step of having to commute to the gym. Artists and crafters can follow the same principle and motivate themselves to paint by keeping an easel and some paints close by. If everything is nearby it will motivate you to pick up your tools if you have any downtime or after work.
7. Watch YouTube Tutorials
YouTube has a fantastic selection of educational content that you can use to develop your craft. Video tutorials tend to go on the short side, with runtimes ranging from 10 minutes to 1 hour, so you can easily sneak a quick watch between task breaks, or (as previously mentioned) during waiting times like queues and daily commutes.
8. Take Online Courses
YouTube can be a fine guide for beginners, but those who want to go more in-depth can look into online courses. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and edX have affordable online courses that come with certificates of completion, which students can even use to boost their resumes. For example, an aspiring web developer who wants to turn their passion for UX into a career can take online courses to prove their skills to future employers.
9. Read Books On The Craft
If online learning is not your style, then it's a great idea to peruse books on your craft of choice. Books give experts the space to share their experiences, thoughts, and advice to novice artists. Writers, for instance, can turn to Stephen King's ‘On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft’, which is a widely respected resource within the writing community. The book outlines Stephen King's experiences in the publishing industry and provides tips on grammar, editing, characterization, and other important aspects of writing.
10. Join A Hobby Group Why not blend your social life with your passions? If you have friends with similar interests, you can schedule get-togethers centered around your particular craft. You can even create friend groups based on your hobbies through social platforms like Meetup. The Meetup website lets you organize group events for strangers with common interests. It can be hard to balance your passions with obligations like work, friends, and family. Through strategic schedules, flexible classes, and hobby groups, you can slowly build time for your chosen craft.
Article written by Reanne Juliet
Exclusively for:
Art House, Inc.
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