End of Year 🔴 Small Works Challenge 2024

A Personal Approach to Balancing Art and Responsibilities

Dec 04, 2023

Uncover the Hidden Windows in Your Day 

Greetings fellow artists, dream-weavers, and creative souls! Ever been asked, "How do you find time for it all?" I get it. Balancing art, coaching, running a gallery, and curating can seem like an intricate dance. But here's my secret: it's all about those magical gaps in time.

Embracing the Gaps

Picture this: a podcast host wondering aloud how on earth I manage it all. My answer is a simple truth – beyond being a scheduling wizard, I live for those gaps. They're scattered through our days, even in the most hectic schedules. A gap of time is an opportunity waiting to be seized, often lost to mindless scrolling.

The Art of Making Time Count

Here's the kicker – it's not about working tirelessly without breaks. I'm a firm believer in a daily blend of work, rest, laughter, and enjoyment. Feeling stressed? Dive into a 3-minute gap for a laughter session. Running behind? Snatch 5 minutes to tackle that email stressing you out....

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Balancing Act: How to Thrive as an Artist Without Burning Out

Oct 30, 2023

If you've ever found yourself in a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and productivity, you're not alone. Today, I'm excited to take you on a journey through the intricate dance of creativity and the serene embrace of silence. As artists, we're always seeking ways to enhance our craft and make the most of our time. Here's a glimpse into my own adventure.

The Quest for Creative Productivity

For the longest time, I've been on a quest for the ultimate time management strategies. I've scoured the web for productivity hacks, tried out countless apps, and devoured shelves of self-improvement books, all in pursuit of squeezing every drop of creative brilliance from my day. Can you relate to this relentless search for artistic perfection? Like you, I've been hungry for knowledge and eager to elevate my craft.

The Endless Exploration of Tactics

I've ventured down countless roads, from limiting my news consumption to ensuring I get my full 7 hours of rejuvenating sleep. I've...

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Embracing Our Health Struggles, Inspiring Artists Everywhere

Jul 14, 2023

How can artists prioritize their well-being while pursuing their creative passions?

 

I wanted to take a moment to share a personal story with all of you. You see, I know firsthand the challenges that many artists face when it comes to living with illnesses, diseases, or other conditions that can impact our ability to create. For me, it's been a 16-year journey of grappling with vertigo – an inner ear malfunction that sends my world into a spin from time to time. It's a condition that comes and goes in seasons, and unfortunately, I find myself in the midst of one of those seasons right now.

The Genie in a Bottle Analogy

In coping with my vertigo, I've developed a unique perspective on my situation. I've come to affectionately call it the "Genie in a Bottle Syndrome." You know, like the genie from the Aladdin tales, except mine isn't granting any wishes. Instead, it barges into my life, disrupting my family time, studio work, and business endeavors. So, I've learned to put...

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The Power of Saying No: Empowerment in Your Artistic Journey

Jul 07, 2023

 

How can I navigate the challenges of balancing opportunities and time commitments in my art career?

I have a confession to make. It's hard for me to say no. I'm naturally a "yes" kind of guy. When someone asks me to do something, I find it difficult to turn them down. But here's the thing: saying yes always comes at the expense of something else. Every time you choose to do something, you're inevitably choosing not to do something else. It's a trade-off we often overlook in the pursuit of artistic growth.

The Growing Artistic Journey: An Influx of Requests

As our art careers flourish and our connections in the art world multiply, we find ourselves being asked to participate in various projects and events. It's both exciting and overwhelming. Opportunities knock at our doors, presenting us with chances to make a difference, to contribute our talents to noble causes. Take, for instance, when a non-profit organization reaches out, requesting a donation of our artwork for their...

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Studio Time: Finding Your Rhythm as an Artist

Jul 05, 2023

How can I determine the ideal amount of time to spend in the studio as an artist?

Have you ever wondered about the ideal number of hours you should spend in the studio each day? When I was an art professor, I used to get asked this question a lot. But let me tell you something: there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this. The key lies in embracing the seasons of your creativity and finding your own unique studio rhythm.

The Myth of Minimum or Optimum Hours

As artists, we often have a burning desire to immerse ourselves in the studio, to lose track of time and let our creativity run wild. However, it's important to recognize that creativity has its own ebb and flow. There are times when we need to dedicate countless hours in preparation for a show, pushing our boundaries and refining our craft. But there are also seasons where stepping away from the studio can bring tremendous growth.

Embracing the Seasons

Let's face it: life as an artist is dynamic, just like the changing...

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Embrace Mondays and Release Your Creative Force: A Guide for Artists

Jul 03, 2023

How can I stay motivated and focused on my art career?

If you've ever found yourself dreading Mondays, I have a little secret to share with you. Lean in closer—I love Mondays, and let me tell you why.

Carefully Aiming Your Bow

Mondays are like that moment when you carefully align your bow, preparing to take aim at your target. It's the start of a new week, a blank canvas waiting to be filled with your artistic endeavors. So, embrace this day with open arms and an adventurous spirit.

Shooting Arrows at Your Goals

As the week unfolds, it's time to unleash your arrows—one after another—with unwavering determination. Each arrow represents a step toward your dreams, and Mondays give you the opportunity to set your sights on a specific target.

Visualizing Your Goals

Take a moment after the weekend's respite to visualize what you want to achieve during the week. What is your number one goal? What's that one target you must hit? Imagine it clearly, feel the excitement...

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Embrace the Power of Being Gracious with Yourself as an Artist

Jun 30, 2023

How can artists learn to be kinder to themselves and embrace the power of starting anew?

Hey there, I want to talk about something that has been on my mind lately—the power of being gracious with ourselves. As creative individuals, we often set high expectations for our work and can be our own toughest critics. But what if we learned to show ourselves a little more kindness and understanding? Let's dive into why being gracious with ourselves is crucial for our artistic journey.

The Struggle to Be Perfect

I have a confession to make. For the longest time, I used to beat myself up whenever I couldn't complete a task or meet a goal. If I missed a day of sharing my artwork on social media or failed to seize an opportunity, I would feel frustrated and disappointed in myself. Can any of you relate?

The pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming. We want every stroke of the brush to be flawless, every word we write to be profound, and every melody we compose to be...

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