Beat Procrastination and Create Like a Boss: 7 practical tips for artists

Hello Lovely Art Souls! 

Are you tired of staring at a blank canvas and wondering where all your creativity has gone?

 

Do you find yourself checking your phone every five minutes instead of working on your latest masterpiece?

 

If so, don't worry – you're not alone. As artists, we all struggle with procrastination from time to time. But don't you worry, my friends, I will share some practical tips to help you beat the procrastination bug and unleash your creative genius.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip #1: Embrace Your Inner Sloth

 

Let's acknowledge the elephant in the room – we all love to procrastinate. It's like a warm and fuzzy blanket that we wrap ourselves in, lulling us into a false sense of comfort. So, instead of fighting it, why not embrace it? Set aside some time each day to indulge in your favorite procrastination activities. Maybe it's watching cat videos on YouTube, scrolling through social media, or taking a nap. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that truly brings you joy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip #2: Break It Down

 

One of the main reasons we procrastinate is because a task seems overwhelming. When we think about painting an entire masterpiece, it can seem like an impossible feat. So, instead of thinking about the big picture, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Start with a sketch or a color study. Or maybe just focus on a small section of your painting. By breaking it down into smaller tasks, you'll feel more accomplished and motivated to keep going.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip #3: Find Your Muse

 

Sometimes, we procrastinate because we're lacking inspiration. We stare at a blank canvas and feel like we have nothing to say. In these moments, it's important to find your muse. Maybe it's taking a walk in nature, listening to your favorite music, or visiting a museum. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that inspires you and gets your creative juices flowing. So, don't wait for inspiration, make your own!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip #4: Make It Fun

 

Art should be fun, right? So why not make procrastination fun too? Try turning your procrastination activities into something creative. Maybe it's making a meme about your art struggles or creating a parody of your favorite artist. Or maybe you can turn your procrastination time into a mini art challenge – how many sketches can you complete in 10 minutes? By making procrastination fun and creative, you'll feel less guilty and more motivated to get back to work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip #5: Embrace your inner "imperfectionist"

 

Perfectionism can be a major source of procrastination, and let's be real, who has time for that? Instead of trying to create a perfect masterpiece, embrace your inner "imperfectionist" and view it as a natural part of the creative process. Allow yourself to make mistakes, take risks, and experiment with new techniques or styles. You never know, those imperfections may turn out to be your unique signature style.

 

 

 

 

Tip #6: Set Deadlines

 

As artists, we often work on our own timelines, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Without external deadlines, it's easy to let a project drag on for weeks or even months. So, set some deadlines for yourself. Maybe it's a self-imposed deadline to finish a painting by the end of the week, or a goal to have a certain number of pieces completed by the end of the month. By setting deadlines, you'll feel a sense of urgency and be more motivated to get the work done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip #7: Just Do It

 

Sometimes the best way to beat procrastination is to just do it. Nike was onto something with their famous slogan, "Just Do It."

As artists, we can often get stuck in our heads, waiting for the perfect moment to start painting. But let me tell you, that moment may never come. Sometimes, we just need to take action and start painting. It doesn't have to be perfect or even good – just start.

Once you get going, you'll often find that the momentum carries you forward. It's like a snowball rolling down a hill, picking up more snow and getting bigger and bigger. Before you know it, you'll be knee-deep in paint, and your masterpiece will be taking shape.

Finally, procrastination is something a lot of us artists deal with, but it doesn’t have to stop us. Let's take it easy like a sloth, break our tasks into smaller pieces, find what inspires us, set some deadlines, and just start doing. By taking these steps, we can beat procrastination and really tap into our creative energy.