Productivity for artists is not some hard to achieve thing. Being productive can be simply attained by making a strong plan. This plan is then used to help get things done in a timely fashion. Being productive is all about maximizing strengths and destroying weaknesses.

No matter an artist’s lack of time or motivation, this article can help. Learn how to get more art done, improve art skills, and feel proud of art achievements.

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Productivity for Artists by Using Higher Standards

Create a New Outlook

Firstly, forget any past short-comings. This is a fresh start. Additionally, decide that going forward you will be productive. Also, keep a positive attitude to increase morale. Finally, know that anyone can achieve productivity.

Make Specific Goals

Start by listing out projects or creations to work on. Then, break each project down into the tasks needed to bring it to completion. Afterwards, prioritize which goals are most important and tackle those first.

Determine Why This is Important

Productivity is important for all artists, but make sure to have a firm answer on why it is important for you. The reason could be wanting to improve drawing skills, needing to get a comic ready before a due date, completing art school homework on time, and/or trying to earn an income from art. Later, if lacking motivation, remember how important these goals are.

Be Ambitious

Do not set the bar too low; otherwise, little content will be produced. Set a goal to produce 10-20% more content than currently being produced. If the goal is reached, increase production another 10-20%.

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Increase Productive Art Time

Make Trade-Offs

Sacrifices are required to achieve productivity for artists. Take time off from other activities, and instead, create art. Cut back on hobbies and socializing for a period if needed. Wake up early or work late when other household members are not requiring attention. List excuses for not being a productive artist and try to solve or work around their root cause. Hire people to do tasks that are taking away time that could be spent making art. Monetize art so less time can be spent doing other jobs.

Increase Speed

Streamline art processes to allow more productivity. For example, jump right from thumbnails to inks. Work in a simpler style or skip shading. Do not over detail a piece. Also, do not waste time trying being a perfectionist and restarting or reworking a piece too much. Take shortcuts like using reference photos instead of trying to think of what a pose should look like. Keep drawing programs open with a new canvas so they are ready to go. Charge drawing tablets or styluses overnight so they are ready to use. Work on tasks in bulk, like an assembly line, to increase production speed. Make smaller pieces that do not take as long to create. Do not watch paint dry. 😉 Work on other tasks during this time.

Cut Out Distractions

Spend less time watching t.v., using social media, playing video games, etc. Instead, use these activities sparingly as a reward. Turn off phone notifications or lessen subscriptions. Purchase needed supplies and keep an organized workspace so tools will be easily accessible when working. Clear your mind of mental clutter by relying on God. Go to a cafe or library to work if unable to focus at home. Get help to manage ADHD or other focus problems.

Eliminate Wasted Time

If extra time arises, do not waste it. Do you ride as a passenger on a car, plane, or subway? Draw during this time. Have a break between classes or bored at recess? Again, draw during this time. Accidentally wake up early? Draw some more. At a band recital or holiday party? Draw using this extra time.

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Plan Out an Art Production Schedule

Time Management

Utilize apps, alarms, calendars, daily planners, etc. to organize what time will be spent on getting art done. Morning birds should plan to do the bulk of their work early in the day, and reserve later hours for other tasks. Night owls, of course, should do vice versa. Do the most unpleasant tasks first.

Block out times in your weekly schedule to work on creating art. The longer a time block is, the easier it will be able to stay in a productive workflow. So to maximize productivity, try not to rely on five minute work blocks. Additionally, block out time for other necessities like work, school, chores, etc. Also, remember to leave time for breaks, sick days, etc.

Use a Physical Schedule

Print out and keep a schedule of tasks in a place it will be seen every day. This will serve as a reminder of what needs to be done each day. Also, as tasks get accomplished they can be checked off. Keeping track of accomplishments and shortcomings is important. That is because having a record will help in planning out how long future tasks will take.

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Create a Strong Work Ethic for Art Productivity

Set Rewards

Make fun incentives to help finish art projects in time. These rewards could be going for a walk, playing with your kid, having a root beer, or reading a comic. Share progress via social media or with a friend to feel proud of achievements.

Increase Motivation

Have people help with accountability. Work even when not in the mood. Put on some music while working to make things fun. Take inspiration from skilled artists and their work ethic. Do not dwell on past failures. Focus on using the present to work towards a better future. Do not let creative block stop you.

Get More Energy

Get good rest so enough energy is available to complete tasks. Drink some water or coffee to help stay awake. Do some stretches or jumping jacks to reenergize and reset focus. Change direction and switch up tasks if one is getting too boring. Do not give up without an effort. Make time for relaxation in order to recharge.

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Do These “Productivity for Artists” Tips Work?

Here are some art goals I have been able to complete using these tactics.

• Derailed Comic
• The Plant Witch Comic
• (600 Page) Sketchbook Slam Challenge
• 100 Heads Challenge
• 100 People Challenge
• Inktober
• Filled Nine Sketchbooks
• Made This Art Website

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Put Productivity Into Action

Follow the steps above. Then, get started in making dreams a reality. There is no time like the present. So, turn off the wi-fi and pull out some drawing tools. Finally, reflect on things that are not working, and implement changes to increase art productivity.