Artist Question, How Can I Manage Job, Family and an Art Business?
Well there is no right way to answer this. There are so many things that we as people have to juggle in today’s world. You have a soccer game, dance practice, work, church functions, marriage and it seems like there is no time for anything else. One of my biggest challenges was trying to create art between all of these activities. I tried painting in the morning, maybe do a little while everyone is gone to a game or birthday party and it always seem like I was always pushing for time. What I learned is that i had to find out what works best for me. I have two children and a wife so the best time for me is when everyone is asleep. Yes, I have to stay up longer but this is the best time for me to create my work and work on my business. But remember, what works for one artist may not work for another. One artist may not have children or a spouse but constantly works in the late afternoon so the best time for that artist may be in the morning. Another artist may have to take care of his or her mom and finds it hard to muster up the energy to create art, let alone, work on a marketing plan. My advice would be to set aside a particular time where there are no distractions and you have energy to work on your art and managing your business models. If you have to bribe your kids to not disturb you for an hour or two do it. One great time managing technique is using a timer, such as an egg or kitchen timer, and set it for an hour or two giving you a time frame for creating your work or working on the other aspects of your business. This will keep you focused and help you concentrate on the project at hand. This can also help alleviate distractions from your family members by simply stating that once the buzzer rings you can ask me anything or get my full attention. I say try it out and see if it works. Again there is no right way to manage all the things that go along with your life but finding small time spots within 24 hours to work on your art business is the key and only use that time for your business.
