Being a Hobbyist Artist is not always easy! You have a lot to do and sometimes it is hard to find enough time for yourself and your art.
If you looked for this article, I am thinking:
You are a busy person, not feeling accomplished because there is never time for yourself and your hobbies.
When there is time, you’re just too tired to do anything.
Or when some free time comes up, it is just too small to do anything worthwhile so it’s kinda pointless.
Rest assured - I completely understand you! Look: I have my full time job as a Medical Doctor, I frequently have night, weekend and holidays shifts, I have to study, attend congresses, symposia, classes, meetings, I have to give enough attention and love for my fiancé, my family (that lives in another city! I have to constantly travel to visit them), my friends (who always want to go out and do something), take care of my dog (who loves exclusive attention!), exercise and be healthy… And believe me, I still manage to find time for my art, my music, and to write (oh, and to sleep too!). If I can do it, you most definitely CAN too!
My father used to tell me - “there is time for everything, you just need to know how to conciliate everything”. And it is true! It is not an easy task, though. And not always you will have all the time that you want. But you can manage everything with a little bit of discipline and dedication!
Let’s see some tips for you!
Schedule time - Organize your activities and plan them ahead. Try to incorporate art in them. Maybe a planner will help you out on this one. Try to at least include 15 minutes of art per week, and if possible slowly increase it until you reach your desired time.
Incorporate Art into your Activities - You can make art during quality time with your children, partner or friends, per example. Rearrange your routine, and try to include your family, if that works for them. You can take advantage of some situations to make art: per example, when you’re in a phone call, if you have to wait in the car, when you have to wait for an appointment, during lunch break, during breakfast, while waiting for that tv comercial to end, while waiting for something to cook, etc.
Carry a journal / notebook / sketchbook around - While you’re waiting for that bus, or idle at work, you could work on something artistic. Whenever some free time pops up, sketch a little, or write something - think how much could your surroundings inspire you? Keep things handy.
No laziness, nor procrastination - Just got some free time? Instead of doing nothing, what about making some art? Sometimes, we lose so many opportunities because we procrastinate or get lazy.
Reduce screen time - We spend too much time in front of our phones, tablets, computers, tv… What about reducing this time and being productive making art?
Take Art Classes - Art classes can force us into the artistic-mode and to include art in our busy schedule. Also, it will be an opportunity to learn, meet new people with similar interests and get inspired!
Wake Up Early - If you’re a morning person, you could wake up earlier and start your day with a few minutes making art. You will go to work refreshed!
Comprehension - Explain to your family and friends that you need some time for yourself. I am sure that they will understand. Tell them that even though you’re home (if this is where you make art) you’re busy and that they have to respect this personal time.
So, what do you think about those tips? Do you think they’re helpful?
I would love to hear your own experience.
With love and dreams,
danyDINIZ