CLEAR!
As a talented professional, I struggle with maintaining the balance between the creative process and the business of selling services and products of the process. The greatest challenge is when practical matters outweigh the abandon of creating something new and exciting.
You may also find your “juices” drained after an “exciting” session of book keeping, telemarketing, networking or contract negotiation. If you don’t have people who can do these things for you (as many hopefuls don’t and can’t afford) these all fall squarely on your shoulders. By the end of the day, you have nothing left to market with.
Or can you jump start your creativity? Are there metaphoric cables and defibrillators?
The answer is YES, if you recognize your habits and accept your nature. Here are some suggestions:
1) Without a strong foundation, you are no good to any process. Make sure your basic needs are met – sleep, food, exercise, “fill in the blank” – if you’re not healthy, neither will your art be.
2) If you’re an e-mail/text/phone or other form of junkie, turn them off! The quick fix of accomplishment will only derail you – hours will pass without productivity while you watch for something to appear on your screen or in your mailbox.
3) Remember your time of day. Whenever your creativity is highest, schedule nothing before it. Save it for best results.
4) Remember creature comforts. Put on your lucky outfit, grab your favorite drink/munchies, turn on your preferred lighting and avoid contact with anyone you know will derail you.
5) Immerse yourself in creative stimulation – visual, auditory, even tactile-kinesthetic related to the task. In other words, music, pictures, motions that have something to do with the outcome – a “warm up” if you will.
6) Embrace the momentum. Once you have it back, recognize its fragility and negotiate as much time as you can to dedicate to the energy.
Now “lather, rinse, repeat” and CREATE!
Tags: advice, Art, balance, Life