3 Ways to Help You Make Time for Creative Projects

First of all, let’s change the word project to experience. Doesn’t that sound more enticing? And it is much truer to what creativity does for us. The more we experience the creative process, the more we have to bring to other things we do on a daily basis. It gives us more of ourselves to take with us or to leave behind.

So, let’s talk about time. Who has enough? Since we cannot add time to our lives, we must make the time we have count. Setting your creative process high on your priority list will motivate you to carve out opportunities for diving into art. Make a regular date with yourself (or with friends) to create every day, week, month. Whatever your goal is, put it on your calendar or to-do list. Use what works for you to move it to the front burner of your life. This is way number one.

The second way I make time is by saying “no” to other things that take up time I could otherwise spend creating. Think of it as a time budget. There are bills that are due every month, but we can allot our spending money how we choose. Just like I can spend less on my Coffee Shop addiction to reallocate money to my new shoe fund, I can binge less Netflix to make time to finish a new mixed media design. Even better, I can watch part two of Stranger Things season four while simultaneously creating. Manage time by combining compatible activities.

My favorite tip is number three. Add art and craft supplies to your actual budget and get shopping! Nothing gets me more excited to make something than adding new supplies to my personal collection. It is like getting a new shade of nail polish. I have to use it right away.

Bonus Tip: Creating multiplies. Maya Angelou said, “You can’t use up creativity, the more you use it the more you have.”. The more you create, the more you will want to create. Employ all of the above and you will be on your way to a living life creatively!

What are your tips for making time to grow as an artist?