Time Management: How do you do it?

Linda Brandon · 04-20-2005, 11:16 AM

I've had three seperate conversations with other artists this week about time and how to arrange your day to maximize the amount of work produced, devote time to marketing, work on drawing skills, etc.

Does anyone have any special tips to share about making the best use of your time?

Here's the first one, from me: set a timer for computer use and internet browsing. When the timer goes off get back to work! (I set timers for lots of things, by the way, including getting household chores done.)

Kimberly Dow · 04-20-2005, 12:22 PM

Develop insomnia!

Say No to just about everything - leave the house messy, do not ever iron, teach the kids to do laundry, never get your hair cut, refuse to cook and last but not least - get a wife.

Enzie Shahmiri · 04-20-2005, 09:42 PM

I used to have a business planner on my computer, where I kept long term and short term goals with a beeping reminder. If I wanted certain things done by a certain date, I would enter them on the calender and do them according to priority. This worked well as long as I didn't get sick or had to travel unexpectedly.

I have not worked on a tight schedule in a long time, but for what it's worth I have found that 3 to 4 hours a session is about as much painting I can do before I start to make careless mistakes. The minute I feel I am drifting, I read E mails or do other art related things.

Being a morning person, the most productive time is from
7 am through around noon. That still leaves plenty of time in the afternoon for other things. I have sketchbooks in my car and by the TV which allows me to practice my drawing skills (same goes for reading material).

I think it is important to lead a well balanced life, where time is set aside for business activities, hobbies, family and friends. With a bit of time management and a certain degree of flexibility anything is possible.

Chris Saper · 04-20-2005, 10:22 PM

Since my best time and energy are immediately after I have awakened (6:15 is earlier that I like, get ready for the day, and kids to school by 7am), and if I do't go to the gyn on my way home, I know I won't do it later in the day.

If all goes smoothly I am at my easel by 7:15, or by 8:00 on gym/grocery days.

I leave my computer on all day, and when I take a break ( usually for more Diet Coke) I'll check out what's going on, then get back to work. This is fine with me because interruptions don't seem to break my concentration, but not everyone works this way. By 1;30 or 2:00 my brain is too tired to paint any more, and as Enzie describes, I'll start to undo whatever progress I've made during the day. Kids get picked up by 3:30, so once I get home I have a bit more time to goof around at my easel, return calls correspondence, etc. By 5:00 I am pretty worn out, dinner, homework, and the mindless stuff.

So my tips?
-Whenever your best concentrating time is should be devoted to painting, because it's harder than anything else in your day.
-Fit in your obligations in whatever windows are created.
-Do not spend time at your computer or anywhere else if you find that it is procrastinating time, or if your concentration gets interrupted by - well, interruptions.
-Buy low, sell high.
-It doesn't hurt to buy a lottery ticket.

This is probably WAY more information than anyone cares to hear. Linda, I hope you are not sorry you started this thread

Kimberly Dow · 04-21-2005, 01:31 AM

My above post was joking of course - but I did want to add one note of seriousness.

I will re-arrange my life when I'm in a good groove. If it is happening at night - I stay up. Maybe not the healthiest of habits, but I can always grab a nap when the kids are at school. If it happens during the day I postpone household chores, send out for pizza and let the kids know this is a painting day or evening. I'll get one of the older ones to help the youngest with homework, etc. Bribery works well in this area. If the husband is home and he knows Im groovin he will cook or bring something home and sometimes step up and help with the kids. If he isnt - living messy til the groove is done is OK as well. There are things of course that can't be put off - like the kids band concert tomorrow night, but that's ok. I'll paint after we get home!

Lani Powell · 04-21-2005, 12:20 PM

Without question, the decay in my time management skills since I've been home full time has been the biggest threat to my wobbly career. It is so reassuring to hear that it is a challenge for everyone. Apparently, time is like closet space and money: the more you have the more you need.

I have not yet implemented this, but I'm thinking of starting a system whereby I keep a time sheet for each project. That way, I can see on paper how much time I'm actually spending on a project as opposed to how many weeks ago I should have had it done. Might prove to be good discipline. Anyone else ever try something like that?