Featuring colorist Ronda Francis

Monday, February 15, 2016

Your Work Style + Downloadable Shopping Page

Many writers and artists state that the first way to get things done is to have your butt in the chair. I think Steven Pressfield said it in The War of Art, and I took it very seriously.

In other words just be there, ready to work. I agree 100%.

I've had endless discussions with friends about this too--and we have come to the conclusion that you'll fail at everything you do not begin.


Of course.

But my question is: Do I get in the chair and STAY there?

After months of doing just that I find the answer is definitely MAYBE.

Actually it depends on the day.

There are days where I feel if I am interrupted I would cry, or at least be very upset at the disruption of the flow I am riding. Then there are other days where I feel if I don't get up and go somewhere I will get nowhere.

This is said after I did the butt in the chair thing exclusively for months. I fought every urge to go out for coffee, or meet a friend for lunch. I would not be able to jump up now if I were at an office, I would argue with myself. And I wouldn't. But that could be one of the reasons I do not work in an office, and was never meant to.

Don't get me wrong, I still get my hours in, but they might not be 9 to 5--in fact they may end at 2am, and that is fine with me. I do not allow myself to get distracted to the point where my work takes a back seat--I get my coffee, interact a bit, and get back to it. (Sometimes I get distracted by household stuff--pets, kids, bills, cooking, etc. Here is a shopping list page I created for myself to stay efficient, but I thought you might like it too. CLICK HERE to print :)



I think for some, sitting at the computer or canvas and working through a glitch works, for others the solution might be Starbucks or an episode of The Walking Dead. 

So to make a long blog post short, just because a famous writer or artist does their thing a certain way certainly does not mean you have to do the same.

Find your approach, and do it like a boss.

xo

Ah! Don't forget the art giveaway--click HERE to enter.

16 comments:

  1. sweet sketch and thanks for the nice shopping list.

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  2. Adorable Dea!! Yes different strokes for different folks that's for sure!! I agree you have to do what works for you, however so many complain they have no time for creativity...I say schedule it in like a doctors appointment... make it happen!! When I'm on a roll I hate to be interrupted...thankfully I am in a home that respects that!!Adorable illustration and great post!!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. Giggles I think that is a terrific idea! We need to honor our goals and realize our stuff is just as important as everyone else's! (It's hard if you are a mom--that stuff gets us--we put everyone first and sometimes even neglect ourselves completely. I decided it was important for my son to see me do a good job at what I love to do, and yes to put myself on my own list. I feel good that he will do the same one day. Thanks for the nice words--you made my night. xo

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    2. Good for you Dea, we teach people how to treat us!! After decades of putting everyone else first I finally got smart!!
      Thankfully! Yes your kids learn what they live, so your son shall learn by your great example!

      Hugs Giggles

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    3. OMGoodness we really do! And good for you--better late than never right? Thanks Giggles! xo

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  3. Nora I am so glad you came by! I love your blog too--such lovely images. I love the lighthouse by the water. I have a house by the sea also, I love to wake up and see the water. Hope you are staying warm--see you next PPF! xo

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  4. Hi Dea! Your little girl is so cute and what a GREAT shopping list. I don't have a printer so I guess I need to just make one similar? I won't copy yours. Your post was a great read. It is hard being home for whatever reason and trying to do art. For me my body has issues with standing, sitting or certain positions. I have learned how to accommodate myself to make it work on most days, lol! Your advice is great. I know when I get into the "flow", even the pain subsides and I would cry if I got interrupted. I love that place of really creating! That is what your post reminded me. Have a great day/evening! Hugs, Rasz

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    1. I know what you mean by how the pain goes away--even the tired goes away. In fact I have to force myself to go to sleep sometimes. We are so lucky we get to do this! Have a great week Rasz! xo

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    2. OK Rasz--I have update the contest and it now allows for blog comments too. Don't worry--I have already added TWO entries for you--one for the great idea and one for the comment. xo

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  5. I love that sketch. The colors are lovely and there's so much good vibes in it.
    This downloadable is helpful.

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    1. Thank you Lux. Thinking of making more downloadables--hope they come in handy! Hope you have a great week! xo

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