Habit 1: Schedule Your Art
Put it in your calendar
The main excuse artists have for not creating the art they want is that they don’t have enough time. By putting your art in your calendar or planner, you make it an obligatory event that you are committed to attending. Treat it like a meeting or appointment that you cannot miss.
Create a task list
To make the most of your creative time, create a task list of specific things you want to complete during your scheduled art sessions. This could include writing part one of a script, laying out the base colors of a painting, or coming up with alternative melodies for a song. By having a clear plan, you can stay focused and make the most of your creative time.
Eliminate distractions
Once your scheduled art time begins, turn off all devices and eliminate any distractions. Give yourself the full attention and focus you deserve. By removing distractions, you can dive deep into your creative process and produce your best work.
Remember, scheduling your art, creating a task list, and eliminating distractions are all essential habits to help you create more art in 2023. By implementing these habits, you will be well on your way to achieving your creative goals and making this year your most productive and fulfilling one yet.
Habit 2: Read or Listen to Creative Books
Refuel your brain with creative ideas
One of the best ways to keep the creative fire burning is by continuously feeding your brain with new ideas and perspectives. Reading or listening to creative books and artists can provide the perfect source of inspiration and motivation to help you create more art.
Find inspiration and motivation
Immersing yourself in books on creativity and art can expose you to different techniques, styles, and approaches. It allows you to expand your knowledge, gain new insights, and discover fresh ideas that can ignite your creativity. Even dedicating just 15 minutes a day to reading or listening can make a significant difference in how you approach your art.
Recommendation: “The War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield
One highly recommended book in this genre is “The War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield. This book delves into the concept of resistance and provides practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and other internal barriers that may be holding you back from creating your best work. Whether you’re a writer, artist, musician, or any other type of creative, “The War of Art” is a valuable resource that can help you break through creative blocks and unleash your full potential.
By incorporating the habit of reading or listening to creative books into your routine, you’ll be constantly exposed to new ideas and perspectives, fueling your creativity and enabling you to create more art than ever before.
Habit 3: Do It Every Day
Consistency is Key
Creating art consistently is essential for growth and improvement. Make it a habit to dedicate time each day to your artistic practice. Set aside a specific time, just like you would for a meeting or appointment, and commit to it. By treating your artistic practice as a priority and scheduling it in your calendar or planner, you are holding yourself accountable and creating a sense of obligation to your craft.
Push Past Frustration
Starting something new or continuing a creative project can be daunting, especially when faced with the fear of failing or not being good enough. However, it’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere and that progress comes with practice. When you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, remind yourself that even spending just a couple of minutes working on your art is a step in the right direction. Push through the initial resistance, and you’ll find that once you start, you’ll likely spend more than just a few minutes immersed in your creative process.
Improvement Over Time
Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks or feelings of inadequacy. Creating art is a journey of growth and improvement. Embrace the fact that you may not be the best when you start, but with consistent practice, you will become better over time. Remember that the cumulative output and progress you make are more important than any single piece of art you create. Celebrate each small step forward and track your progress to see how much you’ve grown and evolved as an artist.
By incorporating these habits into your artistic practice, you will create a conducive environment where you can thrive creatively. So, make a commitment to yourself, push past any doubts, and watch as you create more art and fulfill your artistic potential in 2023.
Habit 4: Stop Comparing
Comparison kills creativity
One of the biggest obstacles to creating more art is the constant comparison to others. We often find ourselves looking at fellow artists and feeling inadequate or discouraged because they seem to be doing better or achieving more. But here’s the thing: we are all on different paths, with different skills, experiences, and journeys. Comparing ourselves to others only hinders our own creativity and progress.
Focus on your own progress
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own progress and growth. Track your own journey and see how far you’ve come. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Remember that every artist starts somewhere, and the important thing is to keep creating and improving.
Track your growth
By tracking your own progress, you can see how much you’ve grown and changed over time. Set goals for yourself and measure your success against your own standards, not against others. This will give you a sense of fulfillment and motivation to continue creating.
Remember, comparing yourself to others is a waste of time and energy. Embrace your uniqueness and focus on your own journey. By doing so, you’ll create a more supportive and nurturing environment for your creative process, allowing you to create more art and reach your full potential. So, let go of comparisons and start embracing your own artistic journey today.
Habit 5: Create an Environment without Friction
Make it easy to engage in your art
Designing an environment that supports your creative process can greatly enhance your productivity as an artist. By making it easy to engage in your art, you eliminate the friction that often prevents you from creating. Keep your creative tools, whether it’s your guitar, piano, or writing materials, readily available in a room where you spend the most time. This way, you won’t have to set up every time you want to start creating. Additionally, keeping your microphone and audio interface always plugged in can save you time and effort in setting up your recording equipment.
Keep creative tools readily available
Having your creative tools within reach not only saves you time but also serves as a visual reminder to engage in your art regularly. By keeping your gear in a convenient location, such as a visible shelf or corner of your workspace, you eliminate the extra step of searching for and retrieving them. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in motivating you to create more art.
Distractions can hinder your focus and hinder your creative flow. Unplug your devices, uninstall mindless scrolling apps, or even put your TV into a closet to create a distraction-free environment. By reducing the temptations and distractions around you, you create an environment that supports your creative process and helps you stay focused on your art.
Creating an environment without friction ensures that your creative process is smooth and effortless. By making it easy to engage in your art, keeping your creative tools readily available, and eliminating distractions, you set the stage for a productive and inspiring creative journey. So, take some time to assess your surroundings and make the necessary adjustments to create the optimal environment for your artistic endeavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating these five habits into your daily routine will help you create more art in 2023. By putting your creative time in your calendar and planning it out, you create accountability for yourself and ensure that you prioritize your art. Creating a task list during your designated creative time will further help you stay focused and productive.
Additionally, reading or listening to books on creativity and art can provide you with inspiration and motivation. Spending just 15 minutes a day engaging with creative ideas can have a significant impact on your artistic output.
It’s essential to remember not to compare yourself to others and their progress. Each artist is on a unique journey, and focusing on your own growth and progress is more valuable than comparing yourself to others.
Finally, creating an environment without friction can make it easier to engage in your art. By keeping your creative tools accessible and eliminating distractions, you can create a space that fosters productivity and creativity.
By implementing these habits into your daily life, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your artistic goals and creating more art in 2023. So start incorporating these habits into your routine and watch your art flourish.