Isn’t it strange how something we very much want to do often becomes something we keep putting off, something added to a to do list, that quickly becomes a chore or a ‘should’?
Even as someone who is creative every day in some way, I can procrastinate with the best of them.
Sometimes even when I want to do a certain creative or artistic project, every time I think of it I decide it’s not the ‘right moment’, or ‘I must just do x,y and z first’.
There are all sorts of reasons why this happens, and mostly they’re about fear, in my experience.
And actually I don’t think it’s always necessary or helpful to start delving around in the ‘why’.
That can just be another way to procrastinate.
When it comes down to it, it’s actually pretty simple.
If you want to do something, you’re going to make it a priority, and you’re going to do it.
And of course if it was as EASY as it is simple, no one would ever procrastinate!
So just for now, let’s sidestep all the stories about why and focus on how to Just Make Some Art.
Obviously this list is not exhaustive; it is simply some of the best and most effective ways I’ve found to remove the ‘not right now’ hurdle.
1 | Start a daily project
I have found this to be an excellent way to ‘JFDI’.
What worked for me was committing to the project but not to how long I’d be doing it for.
To date I’ve been doing it for 77 days and am inspired to continue until I’ve finished the sketchbook I’m using.
Some days I don’t feel like it, but five minutes or less doing some colourful scribbling not only doesn’t kill me, it almost always turns out to be fun, and even generates new ideas and inspiration.
And because of the fact that I’ve made it ‘public’ by sharing it on Instagram and Facebook, and hearing that people look forward to seeing them or feel inspired by them, it adds another layer to the desire to continue.
Knowing I can stop at any time is ironically what’s helping me to keep going.
{The inner rebel in me just loves to be contrary, so why not use that to my advantage!}
2 | Find an accountability buddy
Online, offline, in a group, just one friend, set up creative playdates where you play with art supplies, join a course or group online that perhaps has weekly challenges or regular sharing sessions.
The point is, when we take it outside of just ourselves, it becomes instantly easier to DO something rather than just talk about doing it.
Someone who is not you can be a cheerleader, a support, an encourager, a catalyst, a brainstormer, a partner in creative crime, and someone to share your wins with, however tiny.
For me, a class is always a great way to ensure I’m creating art on a regular basis.
The accountability and structure of daily lessons and a place to share with others doing the same thing is an excellent catalyst and sustainer.
3 | Always have some materials on hand
Fellow artist Pauline Agnew gives a brilliant example of this with her ‘car studio‘.
Three items, stashed in your glove compartment, ready for when you need to pull over and draw something gorgeous you’ve seen when you’re out and about.
These can be small works in themselves, or warm up/reminder sketches to work up into paintings later.
You could also keep a small sketchbook and pencil case in your bag, or in your desk at work for lunch breaks or moments when you are sparked by inspiration or in need of some quick decompression.
4 | Play it down
From my observations, part of the problem is thinking there’s a problem!
It can help me a lot to really play down the importance factor.
Now obviously you will never hear me say creativity is not important as a part of life!
But I will say that if talking it up as a big deal in your mind is stopping you taking action, then start practising talking it down and see what happens.
When it’s nearing the end of the day and I haven’t done my DailyScape and I am not in any kind of mood to do it, I switch gears and think about how small and quick and ultimately unimportant it is really.
I tell myself, ‘Just run up to the studio and take two minutes to doodle with your oil pastels,’ or something along those lines.
See? No biggie. If you can talk yourself out of something you can certainly talk yourself into it!
{This also applies to the whole artist label thing; if you’re not making art because you feel like you’re not an artist, and your lack of artistic activity is ‘proving’ it, chuck the label. Sometimes you make art, sometimes you don’t, but YOU decide.}
5 | Be kind!
This leads on from my previous point.
If you’re verbally beating yourself about the head because you’re not putting paint to paper, that is unlikely to cause you to actually do it.
Self kindness is one of those things we’re all learning, and there’s plenty out there to help us do that these days.
As with anything, it begins in our own minds.
Don’t say ‘Argh, I haven’t made any art for ages, I’m so crap and clearly not an artist, there’s no point even starting, oh and I just remembered I have to do the washing up or I’ll have nothing to eat dinner off’.
Say ‘wow, I haven’t made any art for ages and I know I really want to. I’m going to stick the timer on for five minutes and move this pencil around the page.’
Don’t bother yourself with outcomes or meaning, or whether you actually make the full five minutes, just gently sidle up to your supplies and start.
Often that five minutes will become ten or much more.
6 | Create a coffee table art kit
Like this one.
I do much more art since I created mine, and its ‘ingredients’ evolve and change according to what I’m in the mood for, which helps prevent boredom, another reason for procrastination.
Simply by cutting out the part where I need to go somewhere else to find the supplies and set things up, I have made it that much more likely that when I’m watching a movie or hanging out on the sofa, I’ll pick up a sketchbook and draw something.
Work with what you know about yourself!
If you’re like me and don’t want to get up once you’ve finally sat down, have these things already in place!
7 | Make it bitesize
They say the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, and this is excellent advice for art and creativity.
You don’t have to be creating a masterpiece every time.
Small is your friend here.
Think small sketchbooks, doodling, Zentangles, a box of pre-cut words and images for collage on an index card.
Keep it small and simple and reduce the pressure of it needing to be a grand adventure each time you want to make art.
*******
Ultimately, it’s down to a personalised combination of self discipline, making it easier on yourself and a little bit of self trickery.
However, if you want to make art but aren’t, all the advice in the world won’t make any difference if you just read it and carry on in the same groove.
So I suggest taking one idea here and implementing it, right now!
As Amelia Earhart said, “The most effective way to do it is to do it.” 😊
I think about this topic a lot and am always keen to hear about how others get past the inevitable bouts of creative procrastination.
What can you add to this list? What helps you? Do you have a clever little psychological trick or a practical tip that works for you? Please do share in the comments!
simple yet brilliant…so good the way you’ve laid this all out.
now, excuse me, i’m off to create a wee bit before dinner…
{and that coffee table art kit…totally gonna do that}
xo
Always happy to hear that my words are helpful as you know Michelle. 🙂 And would LOVE to see a photo of your coffee table art kit when you make it!
Tara, I have been painting for a year now and still very much a beginner. I am in my first art show this weekend and am so hesitant to put my art work out there because of the other talented artist that will be there. I’m so nervous about it I’m thinking about not going. I can just imagine all these masterpieces of work and then there sits mine. I’m just blowing off nerves. I’m sure it will be alright…thanks for listening..lol
If it helps you gather your courage, blow away! 🙂 Very exciting and yes also scary but it’ll be a great piece of experience, whatever happens. Go for it I say!
Art is in the eye of the beholder. You never know who might be the beholder
Very true!
Yes yes yes here we goooooo
Thanks for your very practical and doable advice!
Glad you found it helpful Christine!
Just so good that you can convey exactly where I am and that is uplifting, hopeful. My latest thought stopper has been I cannot get started because what will I do with it. I need to have a need by someone of my art. That was the newest of many you listed. I am inspired by your understanding and tips. Thank you.
Oh that’s an interesting one – ‘what will I do with it?’. It can be hard to allow ourselves to make the art for its own sake, for ourselves, for pleasure and joy and creative experience. Glad the post helped you Angela!
Don’t think ! Just start working. More often than not it just starts flowing. If not, time to go for a hike or do something else for awhile. Get out of your head
The coffee table art kit is such a good idea. I have a trolley with supplies but not everything fits on it and I am running about the house getting things together. A small kit by the coffee table is great. I have been doing a little sketching while making a meal but this is another idea I can try. 😊 Thank you.
I’m so glad it was helpful Pamela! The trolley is a good one too, although it does take up more space.
These are great tips Tara :)) I will add, use a timer. If I set my timer to 20 or 30 minutes, I can do anything for that amount of time. Then when it goes off if I’m in the flow, I just keep going. I also loved Pauline’s suggestion for the car-kit, and your coffee table kit? that WAS my art studio for years before I just decided to incorporate my space into my bedroom. I had project baskets, paper baskets, paint baskets lol… I had a big coffee table!
That’s a great idea Patricia – a timer can be really useful at times like these! Yes, my coffee table art kit has spread somewhat too… 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your wisdom!
The timer idea seems to work for me. If I am in the Zone, I just keep puttering blissfully away.
Yes! Sometimes we just need the nudge the timer gives to get things flowing.
Wonderful tips, Tara!
They’re all very useful, so I can’t say which one is my favorite… 🙂
During the year 2013 I was committed to sketching every day and I did it. Every single day. But I made the mistake of putting an end date on the project so come 2014, I totally abandoned my daily sketchbook practice.
I will take your advice and start over with no end in mind.
P.S. I realized I actually stumbled into your blog a few months ago and I’ve followed you on Instagram!
I’m so glad you stopped by my blog, I see with have so many things in common 🙂
Hi Nela, thanks for stopping by! I definitely find that open ended works best for me; that way I can keep surprising myself by going further than I thought! Still, every day for a year is really impressive!
Fantastic tips Tara! I’m going to write them out into my journal 🙂 my creative endeavours veer from ‘obsessive compulsive let nothing else get in the way’, to nothing at all for weeks- and boy, do I suffer then…. And all I crave is a sustainable, meaningful daily creative habit. This is my biggest creative challenge, and I’m going to take in board your advice. Thank you! You have a great blog :))
Hi Maz, thanks for stopping by! I am the first to admit to that cycle of all or nothing, so this was as much for me as for anyone! But there are certainly ways to encourage yourself and make it easier to even things out a bit I think. Glad you enjoyed the post!
I’m so grateful for you advise. I have never really completed anything to it entirety in so long but, this is an easier way of completing this new found way of expression. I have been working in my journal everyday and your instructions have been easy to understand and keep me working on my artistic side of me. I love your courses and work them everyday Thanks Again Tara
Hi Jennifer – I’m so glad to hear you are finding my work helpful to you, and that you are enjoying your creativity. 🙂
Thanks for the inspiring post! After years of procrastinating, blaming it on becoming a parent, or too much work in the office I found out that it’s way easier to be actively making art at home when I ready have a project started. Once I know where to go, and don’t have to start from a blank canvas i find it easier to take out my materials and get started. So I usually go to a class and start different paintings but finish them at home (no studio here). Sometimes the result is not at all as I had thought when I started in class but that is not important.
Hi Gina – that’s a great point. Having something already set up can definitely be helpful! I love that idea about starting paintings in a class and then finishing them on your own – that way you can start strong in a supportive environment. Brilliant!
Thankyou x
You’re welcome!
Tara, I am the world’s worst procrastinator….I am prolific at stalling….for so many ‘reasons’….beginning to believe that I let my household chores pile up so have an excuse to not spend time creating….duh….making art a priority over household chores, will reverse my thinking and hopefully the way I use my time. This post has kick started, (right in my butt),..
To set up my coffee table kit and get going on ART!….any kind my any means! Thanks Tara????
Tara — great ideas. I will be trying them soon especially the ‘coffee table kit’ — super thought!
Cheryl — I think you may have hit on something. I too don’t feel like I should do my craft work because — and check out this list of excuses — I can’t get into my studio to work but I can’t work on that because I have housework I HAVE to do (but don’t), and I have Lions work I HAVE to do, and I have church work to do–how can I put that off but I do, I really can’t start working on something I love until I start learning to cook different kinds of meals (which I don’t like to do but should do anyway)… and the list goes on – thanks for your thoughts
Glad you found something helpful here Dawn!
Thanks for your tips, I live in France and will try to find a groupe of painter I am a little long to start someting new????
Go for it!
Hi I will only add..to much paralysis of the analysis ..how..with what..when..what everyone is doing..etc.. so thanks for remaining me ..on just do it.
Procrastination. What a word. I think we are all guilty of it. I started art classes for the first time in my life and love it. bUT have stopped my sketching. Thanks to this blog I will set up my coffee table sketch place. Thanks so much.
Glad it was helpful! 🙂
This is just the dose i needed, thank you. I think the daily project is an excellent idea however small your art is!
Yay! Always happy to hear a post is helpful in some way. 🙂 And yes, any size!
Hi Tara, am really enjoying your artnotes and all the tips and encouragement. I have been really ill, life has TOTALLY emptied out and the only thing I can see on my future horizon at the moment now I am starting to feel better, is to pick up my pencils, papers, paints again and just make something. I have an art bag in the car with materials in, and am blind contour drawing all the amazing leaves, flowers and seed heads out in the verges.
My block I think is feeling scared of getting completely lost and absorbed in the process, forgetting who I am supposed to be, or who I was, which seemed to be a facilitator of everybody else’s life! It feels selfish, quite lonely, and empty. Is this normal do you think? I used to go to classes but am not well enough yet to commit to something regularly, and found the energy of a class supportive and inspiring, as well as providing a framework for working. Thanks for all your writings and courses, they are really brilliant.
Hi Alison, thank you for the kind words – delighted to be of use! An art bag in the car sounds like a great way to sneak some art in – I find that having supplies strategically placed makes me more likely to do it too. 🙂 It’s interesting to me that your fear is getting lost in the process; in my experience, and from my observations of others over the years, the exact opposite tends to happen. We actually FIND ourselves in it because it’s coming from a True place inside us, one that maybe hasn’t seen the light of day for a very long time. It’s really normal to feel that taking time for your art is selfish; I don’t know if I’ve met anyone yet who hasn’t experienced that at some point! It’s just societal conditioning when it comes down to it, and of course the paradox is that doing more of what we love and has most meaning to us actually benefits others far more than depriving ourselves! I encourage you with all my heart to do whatever art you can and want to. It can only lead to good, although/and it may also lead to change. 🙂
I, too, thought I was selfish. Then a counselor I was seeing said to practice responsible selfishness. In other words, if I don’t give myself the care I would automatically give someone else, I will be in no state to help anyone else. It’s like on an airplane when they say to put the oxygen mask on yourself first so you’ll be able to put one on someone else.
Exactly! I think for many of us, women especially, that’s not something we’re taught, and we then have to learn it as adults. It’s trusting too that the highest good for one is the highest good for all, which isn’t always easy!
I know this was from a long time ago but I stumbled across it today and I just wanted to say thank you. I’m not an artist–in the strictest sense of the word. Not the way you meant, anyway. But I am a writer and all the same points pretty much still apply. Just reading this common sense advice in black and white really helped me out ! I ended up spending the whole night writing and I feel so much better. 🙂 So thank you again for taking the time to write all of this out. Very appreciated!
That’s great to hear Tamara! So glad it helped you get writing – brilliant! I find sometimes seeing something in black and white makes all the difference too, even if I ‘know’ it already. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!
Hi Tara. The reason I think why I don’t create works anymore is maybe because I don’t know how to sell them. It’s quite frustrating to see your hard work, just stored in some corner gathering dust and all. So making more paintings and running out of corners to store them, makes me hesitate to do another one. You know what I mean? I hope you can tell me what to do.
Hi Enrico – I do know what you mean! I wonder if it’s partly because of the mindset that says you have to sell your paintings. While that’s obviously totally valid, if you’re not making art simply for the joy of it, it can put pressure on it to do something that actually requires a different skill set. When you stop making art for the love of it and only to sell, it can take the meaning out of it, because in the back of your mind there’s always this pressure to sell it once it’s finished, and that sets you up for possible feelings of failure and self judgement if that doesn’t happen. And selling art requires a lot of ongoing work and marketing and connecting with buyers or galleries and so on, which is a very different process to painting.
I don’t know what your situation is regarding selling your work – whether you have a website, a mailing list, connections with galleries, social media platforms etc. There are so many possible ways to sell your work now, on and offline, but all of them do require continued effort and time. There are lots of courses out there that will teach you how to sell your art {on Instagram for example, or via your own website}, and lots of free information about that too, and about approaching galleries if that’s what you want to do. I can’t tell you what to do but I would suggest looking into your options for selling your art as a separate project from making it right now. Make it because you love it, and that will also come through when it comes to talking about it and marketing it. You can absolutely have both! Hope that helps!
Greetings Tara ,
You you hit the nail on the head (or stroke on the canvas)! It’s encouraging just to read that I am not the only “top procrastinator in the world”. Looks like there is a lot of good company up here.
Your mention of the word ‘fear’ spoke to me. Despite being an outgoing, cheerful person who is selling paintings, there is an underlying idea in my mind, when I observe the art that others are creating, that I am not really an artist.
Reading that artists had many of the
same excuses I use to procrastinate was enlightening…..some so silly, I had to laugh.
What a relief!
Thank you all!
So glad you found something that resonated here Barbara! I am a huge fan of the power of ‘me too’ – sometimes we just need to hear someone say it rather than know it’s true in theory that it’s not just us. 🙂
Thank you so much! I needed to read this for more than just one reason!! For just a time as this!!!
Yay! Glad it was helpful Ava!
I make sure to keep my sketchbook and pencils with me all the time. I also try to pull inspiration from everywhere. I keep pinterest on my phone for reference (the only problem with that is sometimes things aren’t sourced and I sometimes get distracted by scrolling through).
I didn’t realize that I had done a ‘coffee table studio’ but a few months ago, I learned that I wasn’t getting into my studio because I had guilt over others things not getting done, primarily spending time in the living room with my family. So I packed chalks and sketch pad into a back pack, and keep it behind the sofa. Prior to this I hadn’t really played with chalks, but it is a fun medium and doesn’t take up much space, and best of all, I am creating again. Great tips in your blog, thank you.
Yay for living room art stations! 🙂 There’s always a way. Glad you enjoyed the blog, thank you for stopping by Elsie!
Thank you for the “fire-starters”—great ideas to spark creativity! The excuse I leaned on was that my children would interrupt me when I’d get in the flow so it was too frustrating to even begin (I worked from home and was never without my children). So I didn’t create. Then one day I decided to try doing abstracts instead of realism to get away from the need for it to be perfect and I loved it. If my child made a mark on it it was no big deal and sometimes added to the composition. If I had to stop and make a PB & J, it was easier to restart for me with abstracts. It helped me cross the procrastination hurdle and helped me find myself artistically.
So glad you found something helpful here Joelle! So interesting to hear your experience and how you adjusted it to serve you better. Love it.