OWN YOUR TIME, FUEL YOUR ART
OWN YOUR TIME, FUEL YOUR ART [T-H-I-N-K]
Time is the one currency that levels the playing field. Oprah has the same 24 hours I do—but I’m definitely not running a media empire by dinner! For artists, though, balancing creative studio work with the demands of running a business can feel like a constant trade-off. The good news? There’s no one right way to manage your time—only what works for you. Here are four smart strategies I’ve seen artists use (including me:) to stay focused and productive:
One Project, One Month
Choose a single focus for the month—like researching galleries or building your portfolio—so you can go deep without distraction.Tackle the Hardest First
Make a weekly to-do list, then start each day by knocking out the three most challenging tasks. You’ll build momentum—and free up mental space for your creative work.Theme Your Week
Dedicate specific days to different types of work: one or two for admin, the rest for studio time. This keeps you from constantly switching gears.Split Your Day
Some artists divide their days in half: business in the morning, painting in the afternoon (or vice versa). It creates structure without feeling rigid.
There’s no perfect system—but experimenting with structure can help you protect what matters most: your time and your art.
Rest [k-n-o-w]
Along with managing time, you also need to manage rest. And make sure you get plenty: good sleep, breaks, and balance.