Here are some good suggestions to be more productive as an artist and at the same time take care of the most important vessel to this production – you. Here are ten tips to practice to achieve this. 

1. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep a night. 

• Stick to a sleep schedule even on weekends. 

• Practice a bedtime ritual such as reading in bed before turning out the lights. 

• Turn off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime. 

2. Set your intentions for the day with a grateful mindset. 

• Think of three or four reasons you are grateful for being an artist. 

• Plan a goal of accomplishing at least three things in the studio for the day. 

• You frame your day for success by reminding yourself of being grateful for your art creative sources. 

3. Use the night before wisely before your day in the studio. 

• Plan out ahead of your daily intentions. 

• Order ahead of time any supplies you might need. 

• Plan a simple dinner to avoid being pulled from the studio to cook. 

4. Take care of your most important tool your body. 

• Studio work can take its toll, allow for frequent breaks from the work. 

• Using your body right away in the morning increases productivity, work out, practice yoga, go for a job as the sun rises. You will be mentally and physically prepared to begin your work in good time. 

• Take time to eat! Pack a lunch or take a break in the house to eat a sandwich. 

5. Sketch or doodle an idea or observation 

• When inspiration hits make sure you note it down before you lose it. 

• One small doodle in the morning can put your brain into the frame of mind of creating. 

• This small doodle with get you out of the mood of “I don’t feel creative today.” 

6. Take five minutes to learn something new. 

• Read a few pages of the book you are currently reading. 

• Watch a short YouTube art video. (But don’t get hooked there for time!) 

• Call an art associate and ask, “What’s new?” 

• Over time, these all add up and you will have developed the habit for yourself. 

7. Get after your goals. 

• Review your goals both short and long term. 

• Do one small thing every day to push you toward these goals. 

• Sign up for a workshop or send out a newsletter strengthen the goal objectives. 

• By reviewing and/or writing out goals every day you remind yourself of your projection. Going in the right direction makes the action feel positive and productive. 

8. Make yourself a to-do list. 

• Nothing new here, but writing a short list of daily goals will help you achieve them. 

• Review the list before entering the studio. 

• Check your list to see if they are goal oriented and are you proceeding with those. It’s ok to change your mind. 

9. Stick to a routine. 

• Does routine put an artist in a rut? No. Actually highly productive people live by routine. 

• As stated above check that to-do list. 

• Have a good breakfast before beginning work. A nagging stomach will distract you! 

10. Do one thing a day to stay organized. 

• Keeping your art business organized should be at the top of your to-do list. Check this every day. 

• Take care of paperwork and resolve due dates in good time and keep track of everything. This will set your mind into the creative state while not concerned or worried about paper details, even such things as paying bills. 

This is a lengthy list, but these are things if practiced will help you maintain and achieve a high level of productivity in the art studio. You cannot be worried about other things and be productive. The practices you do shortly after getting out of bed will make all the difference in the world in your creative day. Get off to a good start with these helpful hints for productivity!