back and forth and everywhere inbetween.

April 24, 2007

Do you ever feel like you are constantly going back and forth (wherever those 2 places are)? For me, my studio to the stove (to make tea) and back to my studio, with and occasional, to-the-bathroom-and-back.

Yes, I will argue with most saying that I have the best job in the world (freelance illustrator/artist), free to live anywhere–in the magical forests of Northern New Mexico or in India even–because, ‘I can work from anywhere.’

Once our neighbor came for a visit with her son, and she was showing him how I paint pictures for my job. He looked at me kinda funny but smiled, perhaps wondering if I really was a grown-up after all. I told him, “Yeah, it’s like being in Kindergarden—I just color all day.”

There are, however, some challenges to my profession. Since my studio is in my home, and well, according to my mom we live in a closet (750 sq ft), I am always at work. And since I love what I do, I don’t mind rolling out of bed into a cup of chai and a painting. Or a sketch. Or a list. Or email, etc. My dog Oso does seem to keep a close eye on me and gets me to stop for a walk, a treat, back scratch, but still, I feel like I’m always working. (If it wasn’t for Patrick and the tv show Lost, i’d work a lot more–note: we don’t actually own a TV, but we download that one show via iTunes.)

To be truthful, and I think this dates back to my Hallmark days in the Fresh Ink studio, I’m vulnerable to distractions. I could probably get much more done in the day and in a lot less time if I simply didn’t get so distracted. I mean, I can focus when I need to, but I’m also an artist, and I think by nature, most artists are good at finding other (albeit creative) distractions: calling friends, reading blogs, looking at books, visiting artist neighbors, walking in the woods, etc. Not that these things aren’t contributing to my creative soul, but honestly, some days fly by, and I don’t know where they went and or what I did. Or, I end up working late into the night to make up for the day.

Which brings me to the topic for discussion: TIME MANAGEMENT for the freelance illustrator (artist, writer, etc) who works from home.

Personally, I’ve tried making lists (which I do daily, oh how I love lists and crossing things off of lists), and I’ve tried making myself a schedule (you know, like a highschool class schedule with blocks of time for everything I need and want to do: write, paint, read, draw, brainstorm ideas, email, yoga, play, etc, etc, etc. Sometimes that works, for a few days anyway. (okay, perhaps I need to work on discipline!)

Maybe I should try rolling out of bed and into the shower first thing so my morning starts faster.

Lately, I’ve fallen out of any schedule all together, and I’m looking to try again. I know this will help me keep my sanity as well as make me oh-so much more productive. And yes, I just cleaned/reorganized my entire studio, so I’m ready.

So, I’d love it if y’all shared your wisdom of how you go about your days and lists and juggling … And, post your comments (or fun distractions) below so we can all benefit!

Posted in everyday, illustration, studio | 11 Comments »

11 Responses to “back and forth and everywhere inbetween.”

Frizz Says:
April 24th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
I think we all share this affliction.
I will wash dishes and clean to keep from sitting down to paint (who WANTS to clean?). I can’t figure out if it’s laziness, procrastination, a wierd pattern or fear that keeps me from the canvas. I’ve tried lists and designated time blocks but nothing sticks. I try to just go with it and realize that whatever I’m doing at the moment will somehow contribute to my art. You NEED slow times and times of farting around to recharge. So soak it up. It all adds up to experience that can be thrown on with paint. Now I need just nee dto convince myself of this…haha!

Betsy Says:
April 24th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Jenny, I so appreciate you bringing this up and reminding me that I am not alone in suffering from serious distraction attraction. You even gave me some good reasons not to be so hard on myself about it! Yes, I’ve tried all the tricks you have, also with varying degrees of success and longevity. The thing that really bugs me is that I’ll be much more productive and focused when working on a deadline for a client than I will when just doing my own work. I do think it’s mostly procrastination…out of some sort of fear. I just finished a book that had some novel ideas about combating procrastination that I’m trying to put into practice (the jury’s still out). It’s called “The Now Habit” by Neil Fiore.

Anonymous Says:
April 25th, 2007 at 5:01 am
Jenny,
This morning, because of our conversation yesterday, I tried something new. Before doing anything else (checking email, starting on the 5 paintings that are due tomorrow, etc) I sat down for a good breakfast (2 hard-boiled egg whites, cheese, yogurt, strawberries, coffee and orange juice), watered all my flowers, and then took Vince for a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood. And it felt really good… that walk. The sun was casting cool shadows everywhere and I just listed all the thing that I was grateful for in my head. A good way to start the day!

Now it’s time for work… *after* I spent some time on ME.

We’re learning…

:)

xoxo

penelope dullaghan

coloredsock Says:
April 25th, 2007 at 5:13 am
thanks for all the comments–Betsy, let me know how those experiments work from “the now habit.”

patrick just read Penelope’s comment (before i could) and said, “yeah, that’s what you need to do!” i replied, “yeah–that’s what WE need to do.” did i mention we both work from home: distractions!

Red Fish Circle Says:
April 25th, 2007 at 6:01 am
I loved reading this post. It all sounds too familiar.
It is so validating to read everyone’s comments. I particularly relate to what Betsy said about being more focused when working on deadlines for clients. My big goal is to carve out special time to do personal work for my portfolio. Whenever I do, my work seems to take a step forward and it winds up to be very worthwhile, but somehow it always seems to be more “legitimate” work if it is for a client.
Also, I am not sure about it being procrastintation as much as recharging. I read an interview with Mike Nichols, the director, and when talking about the creative process he said how important it is to “let the fields go fallow” from time to time.

Aude Says:
April 25th, 2007 at 6:13 am
Hi Jenny!
Your post touches to a sensitive subject of mine, and it feels great to see I’m not the only one struggling, as at times I’ve wondered what’s wrong with me that I don’t paint more? Like Frizz, I find odd chores to do to not paint, and that seems insane as it’s the very thing I love doing! My solution is just like for exercise when putting workout clothes on, or my biking shorts: I put music on, shut the door of my studio, and put a brush in my hand. After that, it’s not necessarily easy, but at least, I’m doing it. Rituals can really help, for me it’s definitely putting music on, it makes me brave, gives me energy, and inspiration.

beth Says:
April 25th, 2007 at 6:49 am
I try to get ” inspired” instead of ” distracted” when I am avoiding something ( like the major promotional stuff that I am not good at). Park with the kids, walks with dogs, local book stores or a trip to the library make me feel productive. I feel like I have so little time beacuse I work around my kids schedule and we all are very distractable. Lists seem so great, love them! I just loose them or forget to put stuff on them. The real hard part is not always feeling pressure to get stuff done and not enjoy the moment.

annapurna Says:
April 25th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for including me in your emails. Your website is beautiful – obviously you are not wasting all of your time! I see from the comments that many of us writers and artists suffer from the same affliction – I sure love making those lists!
My office and studio are in my home and I have to manage my time both to make sure I get my work done, and to make sure I’m not working all the time! Here are my Time Management words of wisdom on the former – perhaps someone can help me out with the latter!

1. If you really, truly want to manage your time, decide what you want your hour, day, week, or month to look like and then just do it- everything’s a choice!
2. The way I start my day is very important to me – I’ve definitely waddled into my office in pj’s while brushing the sleep from my eyes – taking time to greet the day and set my intention for my actions and frame of mind seems to lead to more grounded work throughout the day.
3. I often meet friends for coffee in the morning for half an hour (or an hour and a half) and then work without distraction for the rest of the
day. Come join us at World Cup!
4. Whatever you’re doing, enjoy it and experience it fully! No sense in feeling guilty about taking a break – then you don’t even get to enjoy the break! Do it, enjoy it, and move on!
5. Sometimes the desire or need for distraction is about having fun or seeking inspiration – sometimes it can be about something else. What? I don’t know! That’s for each person to find out from moment to moment.
6. Singing a Hanuman Chaleesa can help settle a restless body and mind; sitting regularly seems to reduce the desire for distractions.
7. Going for a walk every day, at the same time of day, can add structure to a routine.
8. When I’m really pressed (I work on deadlines all the time) I set time limits for completing a project – then I let myself go wild for a bit before going onto the next thing.

Well, thanks for this distraction – I have to go back to work now! Love and Ram Rams, Annapurna Devika

shepherdgirl Says:
April 25th, 2007 at 9:57 am
I get up to a morning routine that is easy to stick to – first, yoga 15 minutes, then feed indoor animals, then walk/run 20 minutes treadmill, then pick up emails, but only pick them up, not answering them. I then do barn chores and while doing that I can think about day’s priorities, but still, I really focus on non-art – I focus and enjoy my animas [albeit, there are days when it is a bit rushed if I have an appointment]. When I get into studio, I now sit down at desk once, respond to priority emails, and then write a day’s list/goal. Sometimes theya re so simple, like “ship art”, “call vet” etc. But it helps. I carve out time to paint from 11-4 usually in summer, after 4 is hard for me to be productive. now that I’m married, I find working at nite is not working for me. I get more done if I intensly paint for 4 hours, versus taking a whole day to paint. I don’t really want to paint all day anyway – a fact I ignored for years, instead saying things like “I ‘should’ be painting”. Who says? Perhaps this sis why I am not in award annuals or rich!! xoxo

Your Sister, Renee Says:
April 25th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
…not from an artist or freelancer or one that works from home…but a 50 hour administrator and sister to the great jenny sue. Have you stopped and asked yourself, “Does my ‘me time’ (or your word for procrastination) really hurt me in the long run? Would I be the inspiring person/artist/thinker/dreamer I am without it? Didn’t God create the wandering mind for a reason?” Hmm…I think we all need our procrastination/laziness/distractions to make us who we really are. If you, my sister, really need some advice, do what i do. Stick a post-it up with just 1 productive thing to accomplish and 1 fun thing…that way, you get the best of both worlds.