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.
sweet sketch and thanks for the nice shopping list.
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine! Have a great week. xo
DeleteAdorable 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!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
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
DeleteGood for you Dea, we teach people how to treat us!! After decades of putting everyone else first I finally got smart!!
DeleteThankfully! Yes your kids learn what they live, so your son shall learn by your great example!
Hugs Giggles
OMGoodness we really do! And good for you--better late than never right? Thanks Giggles! xo
DeleteNora 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
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Dea!
ReplyDeleteThanks William! xo
DeleteHi 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
ReplyDeleteI 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
DeleteOK 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
DeleteI love that sketch. The colors are lovely and there's so much good vibes in it.
ReplyDeleteThis downloadable is helpful.
Thank you Lux. Thinking of making more downloadables--hope they come in handy! Hope you have a great week! xo
DeleteSuper cute Dea!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mona! Working on a book. :) xo
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