Balancing an Artist Life

Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.      Mark Victor Hansen

I had a comment on a post recently that they haven’t drawn since before Christmas. It is the middle of February . Ironic, I too have been thinking about how one of the biggest struggles I hear from others is just that. They don’t have time.

I too haven’t always had time for my art.But looking back over the years I think what has become my secret is when I made a conscious decision to some how take/make time. Mostly in small ways that fit.I have always enjoyed drawing. In times life was so busy and demanding…I was happy drawing.  A small travel size book became my companion.Still happy to say my closest one!

I draw,keep lists,notes all right there. It wasn’t always easy.I didn’t think it was always proper or pretty.Giving it power ,being the only note/ sketchbook to keep track of helps,now goes everywhere. I don’t know what I’d do without it! My family and friends have come to know me with this little companion.

Which leads me to an article I came across about balancing life as a mom. I saw how many points could be transferred to creating a life as an artist or just creating that time for you.

Here we go…

Delegate chores..Didn’t change much of what they had to say here😉

“Even toddlers are capable of helping out, and they are usually more than happy to! Get your kids in the habit of doing their chores at an early age, so you don’t end up picking up after them as teens. And don’t forget that your spouse is a co-parent, not just someone who does the dishes when your sick.

 Have systems in place

Have routines for everything. They are what keep you from falling apart. You’ll read oodles of places to make an appointment with yourself. This does work. I’ve learned to say to others ” I’m working”. Seems people don’t question nearly what your doing if it’s “work”. And I think my brain doesn’t either! Also could be as little as leaving for picking up kids 15 minutes early and sketching at the bus stop till they came out. ( did this for a couple of years). Slowly building habits. if your shy about your sketching and journaling. Let kids, hubby, go into building for their appointment/practices and stay in car or sit out side for 15 minutes before joining them. Stay off electronics for a few minutes and replace with this time.

Without a system in place, everything just flounders. Make sure everyone knows the routine for getting to school, for instance. Have a laundry system, and a meal plan. These little things take some organizing, but are totally worth it once they become part of the family schedule. Then too I feel good about taking my time.

Be Prepared

Probably should have been up there first. As artist this would mean to have a sketchbook, pencils, water-brush, canvas,paints organized and ready to use at the moment time is available. In a suitable location to ideally leave out but definitely ready to bring out. Travel supplies by door or kept in car.have doubles of some supplies.Again, makes it easier to get to creating when you don’t have to run from car to house, office etc.

Ever Important, but often last for ourselves, Take care of your health

Apart from mental stress, not paying attention to your health can wear you out and make you feel less than yourself. Take small steps to eating healthier and exercising. Be regular with your check-ups. A healthy you is a happy you, and a happier you is a happier family.

Keep in touch with friends

It’s easy to get caught up with everyday life. But remember that your friends fill a social gap that make you feel complete and I find accountable with.This too would be your creative friends, or an organization to be with like-minded people. I know my family and friends don’t always get me the way my artsy friends do.So staying connected helps me. Meet friends regularly, and pick up the phone o talk to them once in a while, instead of just chatting on Facebook. In fact, don’t forget to keep in touch with business friends too. They will offer you a refreshing change of perspective!

Work on finding the right balance between finding happiness in being a mom,wife,daughter,hubby,dad, and doing the things that matter to you as an individual.Please share any strategies that work for you in the comments below. we all would love to hear.