How to get back in the studio and become productive.

Have you purchased an art supply knowing you had it somewhere in your supply stash but found it easier to order it new and have it delivered to your doorstep than to search for hours in your studio space ?


Last time in your studio did you spend precious time trying to figure out and remember where you left off on a piece, and why you left it the way you did, and then run out of time before you made any progress?

Do you sit down to create and instead find yourself checking Facebook or posting to Pinterest as the clock ticks time away?

Time for a change, I say.

Twyla Tharp said it best in her book The Creative Habit: 

“Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits.”

Yep.

Even in the studio actually, especially in the studio creating a good work habit is key.
So here are some ideas to get you developing some good creative habits:

Set aside time to put your studio in working order.
You want your studio to be a place where you love spending time. If this seems overwhelming, get some help. Get to work clearing out the chaos. Putting in the hours to make your space into one you’ll love will pay off quickly.

Take time to organize all your supplies.
Get rid of things you will never use, like those glitter glue pens that have hardened solid. Invest in some containers you like and mark them clearly. Add a photo of the contents inside to reduce the time required to find one simple item thus avoiding the distraction of sorting through container after container.

Identify one place to put all creative ideas and dreams.
A studio wall filled with little sticky notes and scraps of paper can get lost and scattered; and make you feel the same. For example, pick one “device” where everything goes. The best “device” is one that is with you all the time, so there is never a need to reach for that scrap of paper. I did an interview with Doug Fisher from the company Mission Control. He calls this device your “capture tool”. Today’s cell phones are great capture tools. You can record audio memos of a creative idea or take a picture for a visual reference you don’t want to forget. That way your creative ideas are safe and sound in one place, and ready to provide inspiration.

Schedule playtime.
We tend to put lots of pressure on ourselves to create. So schedule time to play, like in grade school with finger paints for example. Give yourself some “recess” in the studio. Take the pressure off and enjoy creating again without expectation of a result.

The first step is always the most challenging. Build momentum slowly, and form good habits.The latest research shows it takes at least 21 days of consistency to get a new habit to stick, so start simple, but make it daily. 



I love what Twyla Tharp says about creating:
You don't get into the mood to create – it's discipline.

xo
Alison