Motivation, You Say?
Painting when I can - © Michael Warth
Being an artist is a fulfilling yet demanding choice of vocations and it requires consistent motivation. For myself, I find warmer days and sunshine much harder to motivate the inner creative in me and find time to make art. Challenges artists face in maintaining their enthusiasm and drive can be overwhelming and in a lot of cases lead to long periods of doing/making nothing. If you have a full time job and a social life, while trying to be a professional artist, carving out quality studio time in a week can be extremely difficult.
In this post, we will explore three effective tips to help artists stay motivated and inspired throughout their artistic endeavors. These tips include setting clear goals, surrounding oneself with inspiration, and embracing a routine and discipline. I believe these three things alone will provide you with enough momentum you won’t have to wait on your muse to motivate you.
I. Setting Clear Goals
Setting clear and achievable goals is crucial for staying motivated as an artist. When you have a specific vision of what you want to achieve, it becomes easier to stay focused and motivated. Start by defining your model of what success is to you and then break down the things you want to acheive into smaller, manageable goals. For instance, if your ultimate goal is to be a successful artist, you can set intermediate goals such as stepping stones to reach the success you want to achieve.
I’m sure you have some sort of dream in mind when thinking about what you want to achieve as an artist. Many years ago, I was reading a book by Tim Ferris and it suggested we do a “dreamlining” exercise. Think of it like day-dreaming. The idea is that we envision our life as a successful whatever. In our case, a successful artist. You can think of it like this:
What does your perfect day look like?
What do you want to do in life?
How much free time do you want?
When do you want to work?
You get the idea. I like to call this my true north - the direction I am going. You see, success to me isn’t about reaching a single goal or financial peak, it is about reaching several goals throughout my life as an artist. I don’t see myself retiring from being an artist at any point along the way. I am just headed one direction - to be an artist. Though, at some point, I want my creative life to support me and my family financially at a comfortable level and afford me the time to do the things I enjoy.
Keep this in mind as you plan. Success isn’t reaching all your goals, success is more about allowing yourself to set goals and live the life you seek. Your definition of success is personal.
Moreover, breaking down your goals into steps not only makes them more attainable but also provides a sense of direction. By dividing your artistic journey into smaller milestones, you can track your progress and celebrate each accomplishment along the way. Achieving these smaller goals provides a continuous stream of motivation and momentum, and propels you forward towards your ultimate vision. You might even stop thinking about success as a place to quit and retire, and more like a lifestyle based on your idea of what a great life you can have as an artist.
II. Surrounding Yourself with Inspiration
One of the most effective ways to stay motivated as an artist is to immerse yourself in an inspiring environment. Surrounding yourself with various forms of art and seeking out sources of inspiration can fuel your creativity and keep you motivated.
Visiting art exhibitions and museums is a wonderful way to expose yourself to different artistic styles, techniques, and perspectives. The visual stimulation and the opportunity to witness the work of talented artists can ignite new ideas and push the boundaries of your own creativity. Pay attention to the elements that resonate with you the most and reflect on how you can incorporate them into your own artistic practice.
In addition to physical art spaces, the digital realm offers countless sources of inspiration. Follow artists on social media platforms, explore online galleries, and engage with art communities. The internet provides a vast network of artists from various backgrounds and disciplines. By connecting with these communities, you can engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, seek feedback, and even collaborate with fellow artists. The support and encouragement from like-minded individuals can be highly motivating, especially during times of self-doubt.
III. Embracing a Routine and Discipline
While art is often associated with freedom and spontaneity, establishing a routine and embracing discipline are key factors in staying motivated. Waiting for inspiration to strike may lead to inconsistent progress and hinder your artistic growth. By incorporating art into your daily routine, you develop a sense of commitment and consistency that can propel your motivation forward.
Most of you who really know me, know that I am a schedule nerd. Some might even say I am obsessed with planning my schedule. I use iCAL and spreadsheets like the Cookie Monster eats cookies. I don’t go a day without looking at what my plans are. I fail to follow the schedule most of the time and it does have a negative impact on me but I also find that this planning helps me do something. Without it, I would simply quit making art. However, I also find that being flexible with the schedule keeps me from pulling my hair out - so, take this with a grain of salt. You don’t have to be perfect.
In fact, I love writing. I find it to be something I can do while using the creative side of my brain when I am not in the studio or when drawing and painting is not convenient. However, as you may have noticed, I haven’t published anything in a blog for quite some time. I added “Write A Blog Post” to my calendar this week and boom, here we are. I’m picking on myself a little here but without committing to it, I would not have sat down to make a post to share.
Allocate dedicated time for your art practice each day, even if it's just a few hours here and there. Treat this time as a non-negotiable commitment to yourself and your craft. It may be challenging at first, but as you prioritize your artistic pursuits, it will become a habit. By showing up regularly, you cultivate discipline and create momentum that can carry you through the times when inspiration may be lacking.
Experiment with different techniques and various times throughout the day to find what works best for you. Some artists prefer working in the morning when their minds are fresh, while others find solace in the quiet hours of the night. Discover your most productive and creative periods and structure your routine accordingly. Remember, discipline is not about forcing creativity but rather creating an environment that invites it.
Conclusion:
Staying motivated as an artist is a continuous journey that requires dedication and self-awareness. By setting clear goals, surrounding yourself with inspiration, and embracing a routine and discipline, you can enhance your motivation and continue to grow as an artist. Remember that motivation may fluctuate at times, and you will find it easy to procrastinate. I would urge you to just show up. Get in the studio or wherever you make your art and enjoy the process.
Improving just 1% per day has a profound compounding effect on your success. In just a few months, you will have created a habit that aligns with your goals and you’ll be on the path to achieving the goals you set for yourself.
There will be days that are better than others, but the point is that you stay disciplined and you keep the momentum going. Soon, you will find that motivation arrives when you are working rather than wasting time waiting for your muse to motivate you.
If you found this post useful, share it with your creative friends. I want to build a community of like-minded artists and creatives from all walks of life. You got this!
