10 Ways To Make Time For Art

Learning how to make time for art is something I’ve been struggling with for a long time, and even more so since becoming a mother 2 years ago. Figuring out how to fit art into my life along with dirty diapers, laundry and dishes hasn’t been easy. And even though I’ve made progress I still struggle with this almost on a daily basis. I’m sure there are those of you out there in the same place, which is why I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve learned along the way. Here are 10 ways I’ve learned to make time for art:

1. Decide that art is a priority. First of all, before you start trying to carve out some time for art, you’ve got to decide that it’s worth it. Determine that it is important and that you’re willing to fight for it, and even make some sacrifices along the way. Along with that, change the way you talk about it. For me, it made a huge difference when I started to refer to it as my “work.” I feel far less guilty about setting aside so much time when I think of it that way.

2. Figure out what you want to do. Do you want to sculpt? Paint? Scrapbook? Figure out what you want to do and where you want to go with it. Do you want to do it for fun? Do you want to try to sell your art? Next, write out a list of all the different tasks that would be involved in doing something like that. For me, my list looks something like this:

• Sketching
• Brainstorming
• Making Armatures
• Sculpting
• Sanding/Painting
• Sewing
• Photo Shoots/Editing Photos
• Blogging
• Checking/Answering Emails

3. Write out a list of all your other responsibilities. This would be everything else in your life you want and need to make time for. For me this includes stuff like:

• Dishes
• Laundry
• Grocery shopping
• Playing with my Son
• Reading
• Exercising
• Family Time
• Cooking
• Cleaning

4. Schedule out your day/week. I’m huge fan of planning and scheduling things. For me, if I write down what I plan to do it’s much easier to follow through when the time comes. Schedule when you’ll get your regular responsibilities done as well as your artistic pursuits. It also helps to write down some goals for each day and week. Give yourself some tentative deadlines.

5. Plan your time wisely. For me some things are just not feasible to work on when my toddler is awake. So I plan those things to take place while he’s napping or after he goes to bed. Some things I have to do in the morning because I don’t have the energy later in the day, like dishes – blech. Figure out which times of day are best to get certain things done.

6. Use every minute you get. Even if you only get an hour – use it!! Don’t waste the time you’ve got.

7. Get creative. My son is pretty good about letting me work while he plays next to me, but sometimes he really wants to be involved in what I’m doing. I love that and so I’ve had to get creative at times. For example, sometimes while I’m sculpting I’ll get out some Play-Doh for him to play with so we can sculpt together.

8. Multi-task whenever possible. I’m not the greatest at multi-tasking, but I try to whenever I can. For example, I often brainstorm while I’m working. I keep a pen and notebook near my work table so that I can jot down ideas as they come to me.

9. Be disciplined. If you sit on the couch all morning while you’ve got a pile of dirty dishes in the sink and multiple loads of laundry to do chances are pretty good you won’t end up having time for art. You’ve got to discipline yourself. Wake up early, work hard, and get shit done.

10. Enjoy yourself. Most important of all, in the midst of all that planning and working hard remember to have fun. Make preparations, but be gentle with yourself if you just don’t have energy to carry out the plans you made. Be flexible and remember that art is something you should enjoy doing. At the end of the day I’m glad that my son gets to grow up seeing me pursue something I love and striving to make time for it. I hope that he’ll learn from my example.

What about you guys? What are some ways you’ve learned to make time for art?