Time Management Tips For Building An Art Business
Time Management For Creatives
Building an art business on your own can feel overwhelming. You may often feel as though your juggling two full-time jobs: one involves creating and continually improving your art. And the other is the business side, which requires an entirely different skill set, like marketing your work and managing your accounts and finances. On top of that, many of us are trying to grow our art business while balancing another full- or part-time job or family responsibilities. It’s no wonder it can sometimes feel like an impossible task.
Take an honest look at your time
Shift your mindset from “I don’t have any time” to “I have plenty of time.” Start by outlining exactly how much time you have available each day. Be specific so you can set realistic goals about what you can accomplish. For example, maybe you have a few hours each evening after the kids are in bed and work is done, or perhaps you can dedicate one or two full days each week if you work part-time. Use a calendar or planner to block out these hours for either creating your art or managing the business side of things. And then calculate your total available hours each week, month, and year.
It’s essential to be disciplined about using this time for your creative goals if you want to see consistent progress. While unplanned events may occasionally interfere, do your best to stick to this schedule. For instance, my kids go to bed at 7:30 p.m. and I go to bed at 10:30 p.m, so I have three hours available. I could spend this time watching Netflix, but it’s more important to me to work on building a fulfilling career. Of course, I enjoy some TV from time to time or an evening out with friends but it’s not every night! Remember that sticking to your schedule will get you to your goals more efficiently.
Set Goals Using a Scheduling Template
Sometimes, selling your art can take even more time than creating it, with countless tasks required to promote your work, build your brand, and connect with buyers. Even the best art needs effective marketing to reach an audience; without it, no one will see your work. Creating the art itself is also time-intensive, not to mention tasks like studying new techniques, generating new ideas, taking workshops, and observing other artists. Given the limitless possibilities and priorities, it’s helpful to set a few, achievable goals for the year.
Consider setting three main goals that balance both creative growth and business development. Start by defining a broad annual goal, and then break it down into specific, measurable targets for each month and week. Tailor your goals to be SMART. While you don’t need to strictly adhere to the exact time you set, having this framework provides structure and keeps you motivated each day. Try as best you can to stick to your daily schedules. A little everyday can make a huge difference. I have done a whole video on how just 20 minutes a day can compound over time and you can watch it here.
Figure out your why
Sometimes, when it all feels overwhelming, you might feel like giving up. In these moments, thinking back to your reasons for starting a business can make the entire process worthwhile. Reflect on why you create art or why you want to start a business selling it. Dig deep and be specific—for instance, instead of saying, because “I enjoy it,” consider, “I have a drive within me to create, and I want to share that with the world.” Clarifying your “why” will also help you define your main business goals. If you need to make a certain amount each month to reduce your hours at another job, align your goals accordingly. Get specific about how you’ll earn that amount, and focus on tasks that will bring you closer to that success.
Create Habits
Turn your daily tasks into habits by making them something you do frequently and consistently. One effective way to do this is through "habit stacking" — adding a new task to an already established routine. For instance, if you have children and follow a bedtime routine of bathing, putting on pajamas, reading a book, and saying goodnight, you could add your new habit right afterward. After saying goodnight, put on your painting clothes or spend 20 minutes on your laptop before relaxing with TV or going out. By linking new habits to existing ones, you’ll find it easier to stick with them regularly.
Use cues in your environment to help you stay on track with your goals. For instance, lay out your painting clothes on your bed so you can put them on as your kids change into their pajamas. Alternatively, place them by your bed and set an alarm an hour before you need to get up for work or wake your kids. When the alarm goes off, slip on the clothes right away—this can be your signal to paint for an hour, making it a natural part of your morning routine.
Routine can be a powerful tool. Each evening, I make it a habit to jot down any to-dos or thoughts on my mind. In the morning, I start my day with a coffee—our coffee machine is set on a timer, so it’s ready as soon as I get up. With my coffee in hand, I review my notes from the night before, organizing and prioritizing them. If I have enough time, I dive into my tasks before the rest of the house wakes up. This simple routine has become an integral part of my morning.
Be clever with scheduling tasks
Schedule easier tasks for when you're feeling tired and save your high-energy periods for more challenging work. If you’re most alert in the morning, focus on the tougher tasks then. Night owls might prefer leaving these for later in the evening. For me, my brain starts to switch off around 9 p.m., so I set aside simpler tasks for after that time—like importing video footage from the day, organizing receipts, or updating my business expenses spreadsheet. I can often do these lighter tasks while relaxing on the sofa.
Positive Procrastination
You might think procrastination is always negative, but research shows there are benefits to what's known as "positive procrastination." This approach involves intentionally delaying tasks until closer to their deadlines, in contrast to "negative procrastination," where tasks get postponed unintentionally due to poor time management. While positive procrastination may not suit everyone, it works well for me. I find that when I focus on more immediate tasks first, I feel less pressured, and sometimes I even have “aha” moments about the tasks I’ve postponed—similar to the insights you get while doing something routine, like showering or washing dishes. Keeping a small journal or a notes app handy is helpful for capturing these moments of clarity. If you are interested in finding out more about positive procrastination loads of research has been done so go and have a more in depth read.
Embrace a little chaos
Embrace a little chaos—let the laundry pile up now and then. Not everything has to be perfect. If a task only requires five minutes, don’t stretch it to ten. This isn’t about neglecting the important things in life, but about recognizing that your art is important too, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about carving out 20 minutes here and there to focus on it. Consider asking someone to watch your kids or take a half-day off to work on your business. Learn to say no; you don’t have to accept every invitation, and just because you’re working on your art business from home doesn’t mean you’re not working as seriously as you would in a 9-to-5 job. Set boundaries and make sure family and friends understand and support your priorities.
Fit in Artist Dates
An essential part of being an artist is the ongoing improvement of your skills. Studying other artists’ work and exploring new mediums or subjects can be highly beneficial for personal growth. Julia Cameron introduces the idea of “weekly artist dates” in her book The Artist’s Way, encouraging us to dedicate time each week to nurture our creative spirit. Finding time for this can be challenging, but you might weave these activities into daily life. For instance, you could visit a gallery while your partner takes the kids to a nearby playground, rejoining them after an hour of two. Or, practice sketching at the kitchen table while your kids are coloring. During lunch breaks at work , consider heading to a park to sketch or working in a café to handle some art-related tasks on your lap top.
I hope that the time management strategies I've shared in this post have provided you with some valuable encouragement and practical insights. Whether you're just beginning to pursue your creative goals or you're looking to take your small art business to the next level, my aim is to show you that with a little planning and focus, it’s entirely possible to carve out the time needed to nurture your passion and grow your business. Remember, every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to achieving your dreams.