Habits, Systems & Routines For Improved Creativity (according to the PROS)


I have spent so much time researching habits, systems, and routines for creatives because it is the area where I struggle the most. But not anymore – after my creative recovery through The Artist’s Way, I have finally been able to stick to my own creative habits and routines.

As a general rule, habits, systems, and routines can help artists establish a strong foundation for their creative practice. By being consistent, efficient, focused, and accountable, they can create more work and reach their artistic goals more effectively.

Why are habits, routines, and systems important for artists?

Habits, systems, and routines are important for artists for several reasons:

Consistency

Developing good habits, systems, and routines can help artists establish a consistent practice. By doing something regularly, it becomes easier to maintain and improve over time.

I find the hidden benefit to be the momentum that you maintain by just showing up every day. It makes it much easier to start and helps especially if you suffer from perfectionism or procrastination.

Efficiency

Systems and routines can help artists work more efficiently. By streamlining their process, they can save time and energy, which can be directed towards creating more work.

Focus

Habits and routines can help artists stay focused on their work. By establishing a set routine, they can reduce distractions and interruptions, and devote their full attention to their creative process.

Creativity

Habits and routines can help free up mental space for creativity. By automating certain aspects of their practice, artists can focus more on generating and exploring new ideas.

Accountability

Habits and routines can help artists hold themselves accountable. By setting specific goals and establishing routines to achieve them, they can stay on track and track their progress.

Daily habits for improved creativity

Successful artists often credit certain habits as key contributors to their productivity and success. Here are some of the most important habits that successful artists tend to practice:

Having a consistent practice: 

Successful artists often have a regular practice routine where they set aside dedicated time each day or week to create art. This consistent practice helps them to develop their skills and improve their techniques over time.

One of Julia Cameron’s ‘Rules of the Road’ is to ‘Show up at the page to rest, to dream, to try’. She also reminds us that it is our job to DO THE WORK not JUDGE the work.

An example of a consistent practice of an artist is painting every day for a set amount of time. This could involve setting aside a specific time each day to paint, such as early in the morning or in the evening after work. The artist could establish a routine, such as setting up their materials and workspace, taking a few deep breaths to focus their mind, and then beginning to paint.

Consistent practice is important because it helps artists develop their skills and deepen their understanding of their craft. By painting every day, an artist can explore new techniques, experiment with different materials, and refine their style over time. This consistent practice can also help an artist develop a sense of discipline and commitment to their work, which can be invaluable in the long term.

Of course, a consistent practice will look different for each artist, depending on their medium, their goals, and their lifestyle. Some artists may find it more effective to work in short bursts throughout the day, while others may prefer longer, uninterrupted blocks of time. The key is to find a routine that works for the individual artist, and then stick to it consistently over time.

Here are some examples of successful artists and how they maintain a consistent creative practice:

  • Maya Angelou – the American poet and author was known for her disciplined writing routine. She would wake up early in the morning and write for several hours each day, often in a hotel room or rented office space to minimize distractions.
  • Chuck Close – the American painter and photographer is known for his highly detailed, photorealistic portraits. To maintain his consistent practice, Close has developed a set of routines and rituals that he follows each day, including a daily schedule of painting, exercise, and rest.
  • Stephen King – the American author is known for his prolific output of novels and stories. To maintain his consistent writing practice, King sets aside a specific time each day for writing and makes sure to meet a daily word count goal.
  • Marina Abramović – the Serbian performance artist is known for her endurance-based works that often involve physical and mental challenges. To maintain her consistent practice, Abramović follows a strict regimen of meditation, exercise, and healthy eating.
  • James Turrell – the American artist is known for his installations and sculptures that explore light and perception. To maintain his consistent practice, Turrell spends time each day in his studio or on-site at his installations, working with his team to make sure that everything is running smoothly.

Journaling or morning pages

I wrote a very detailed post all about this but Morning Pages Opens in a new tab.

The idea behind Morning Pages is to clear your mind of any clutter or distractions that might be getting in the way of your creativity. By writing out whatever comes to mind, without worrying about grammar or punctuation, you can free up mental space and tap into your inner thoughts and feelings. This can help you identify any negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, or fears that might be holding you back, and can also help you generate new ideas and insights.

Morning Pages are meant to be a private and unfiltered stream of consciousness. You don’t need to share them with anyone or worry about making them “good”. Instead, the focus is on getting the words onto the page and clearing your mind.

Many artists have found Morning Pages or other forms of journalling to be a helpful practice for getting unstuck and jumpstarting their creativity. By making it a daily habit, you can establish a routine that supports your creative process and helps you stay connected to your inner voice.

  • Frida Kahlo – the famous Mexican painter was known for her introspective journaling, which often included sketches, thoughts, and personal reflections.
  • Virginia Woolf – the British writer and feminist icon was a prolific journaler, and her diaries have been published and widely studied for their insight into her writing process and personal life.
  • David Bowie – the legendary musician and performer often used journaling as a tool to explore his thoughts and ideas, and some of his journals have been published posthumously.
  • Joan Didion – the acclaimed American author is known for her meticulous note-taking and journaling, which she used as a way to capture her observations and experiences.
  • Leonardo da Vinci – the Renaissance artist and inventor kept extensive notebooks throughout his life, in which he recorded his ideas, observations, and experiments.
  • Sylvia Plath – the American poet and novelist was a dedicated journaler, and her diaries have been published and studied for their insight into her personal life and creative process.
  • John Steinbeck – the American author kept a journal while he was writing his classic novel “East of Eden,” and he credited his journaling practice with helping him to stay focused and motivated.

Artist’s dates

In Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way,” an Artist Date is a weekly excursion or adventure that an artist takes alone to spark creativity and inspiration.

The idea behind Artist Dates is to give yourself permission to explore and play, without any expectations or pressure to produce something “good”. These outings can be as simple as taking a walk in a new neighborhood, visiting a museum, or trying a new art supply store. The key is to choose an activity that you find enjoyable and engaging, and that allows you to connect with your inner child-like sense of wonder and curiosity.

Artist Dates are meant to be a way of nurturing your creative spirit and giving yourself time and space to explore new ideas and experiences. By making it a weekly habit, you can establish a routine that supports your artistic growth and helps you stay connected to your passion for creating.

Julia Cameron emphasizes that Artist Dates should be taken alone, as a way of creating a sense of independence and self-nurturing. She suggests scheduling them in advance and treating them as sacred appointments with yourself, just as you would any other important commitment.

Spiritual practice

Spiritual practices can vary widely depending on an individual artist’s beliefs, traditions, and personal preferences. However, here are some examples of spiritual practices that some artists have found helpful for maintaining healthy creativity:

Meditation

Meditation is a common spiritual practice that many artists use to calm their minds, reduce stress, and increase focus. By taking time to sit quietly and observe their thoughts without judgment, artists can cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and clarity, which can enhance their creativity.

Journaling

Journaling can be a form of spiritual practice when used as a tool for self-reflection, self-awareness, and exploration. By reflecting on their inner thoughts and feelings, artists can gain insights into their creative process and identify areas where they might be stuck or blocked.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. By cultivating a sense of mindfulness, artists can develop a greater awareness of their surroundings, their inner thoughts and emotions, and their creative impulses.

Yoga or other physical practices

Yoga, tai chi, or other physical practices can help artists connect with their bodies and their breath, which can be grounding and energizing. These practices can also help release physical tension and increase flexibility, which can be helpful for artists who spend long periods of time sitting or standing.

Community building

Some artists find that connecting with like-minded individuals in a community setting can be a form of spiritual practice. By sharing their creative journey with others, they can gain support, encouragement, and new ideas. Community building can also help combat feelings of isolation or loneliness that some artists may experience.

Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a way of cultivating a positive mindset and focusing on the good in life. By regularly expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities in their lives, artists can shift their perspective and increase their overall well-being.

Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements that are repeated to oneself as a way of affirming a desired outcome or belief. Artists can use affirmations to overcome self-doubt, increase confidence, and stay focused on their creative goals.

Visualization

Visualization involves using the power of the imagination to create a mental picture of a desired outcome or experience. By visualizing success, artists can increase their confidence and motivation, and attract positive opportunities and experiences into their lives.

Nature connection

Spending time in nature can be a form of spiritual practice, as it can help artists connect with the natural world and tap into a sense of wonder and awe. Spending time in nature can also help reduce stress and increase overall well-being. 

Creative rituals

Some artists find that establishing creative rituals, such as lighting a candle or listening to a specific type of music, can help them enter a state of creative flow and set the stage for productive work.

These are just a few examples of spiritual practices that artists can use to maintain healthy creativity. The key is to find practices that resonate with you personally and incorporate them into your daily routine in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

Self-care routines and habits

Finally, many productive artists prioritize their physical and emotional well-being as a key part of their daily routine. This may involve activities like exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, or spending time with loved ones.

Exercise

Regular exercise is a keystone habit that can improve your physical and mental health, boost your energy levels, and increase your focus and productivity.

Many well-known artists credit daily walks with their productivity and creativity. Whether it’s a way to clear the mind, get inspiration, or simply get some exercise and fresh air, walking has long been recognized as a powerful tool for supporting creativity and productivity.

Sleep

Getting enough high-quality sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health and can help you feel more alert and focused during the day.

Eating healthy

Nourishing yourself is a crucial part of self-care and usually the lowest on our list of priorities. Feed yourself how you would feed your beloved child or child-self.

Learning and experimentation

Productive artists are often curious and open to new ideas and approaches. They may spend time each day learning about other artists, exploring new techniques or materials, or experimenting with different approaches to their work.

Reading is an obvious fantastic habit. It’s relaxing, informative, and great for creativity.

Joining a fellow artist’s Patreon where you can challenge yourself to grow and learn while having fun. 

Signing up for a course in anything you are interested in – art or not. Even a short Skillshare class is so refreshing.

Organizational Habits

Organization in the environment

Successful artists tend to be organized in their workspaces and with their materials. This helps them to work efficiently and avoid wasting time searching for supplies or inspiration.

Organizing knowledge and ideas 

My favorite new thing to do is build my second brain. Building a second brain, according to Tiago Forte, is a methodology and a set of tools for personal knowledge management that allows individuals to capture, organize, and retrieve information effectively.

The concept of a second brain stems from the idea that our minds can only hold so much information, and that we need an external system to store and process the vast amount of information that we come across in our daily lives. A second brain, therefore, is a digital system that acts as an extension of our own cognitive abilities.

Tiago Forte, a productivity expert and founder of the online course “Building a Second Brain,” has developed a methodology that combines a set of tools and techniques to help individuals build and manage their own digital second brain. This involves using tools such as note-taking apps, mind-mapping software, and task management systems to capture and organize information, as well as developing strategies for effective retrieval and use of that information.

The ultimate goal of building a second brainOpens in a new tab.

There are several contemporary artists who have discussed using personal knowledge management systems or creating a “second brain” to help them manage their creative work. Here are a few examples:

  • Austin Kleon: Austin is an artist and writer who is known for his books “Steal Like an Artist” and “Keep Going.Opens in a new tab.
  • James ClearOpens in a new tab.
  • Tim Ferriss: Tim Ferriss is an author, entrepreneur, and podcaster who is known for his book “The 4-Hour Workweek.” He has discussed his use of a “second brain” system, which involves using digital tools like Evernote and Notion to organize his notes, ideas, and research.
  • Maria Popova: Maria Popova is a writer and curator who is known for her website The MarginalienOpens in a new tab.

These artists and writers have found that personal knowledge management systems can help them organize their thoughts, ideas, and research, which in turn can help them be more productive and creative. By creating a system that works for them, they are able to capture their inspiration and turn it into meaningful work.

Thomas Frank has an amazing tutorial on Youtube for how you can use Tiago Forte’s principles inside of Notion to create an amazing knowledge-capturing system.

How to create your own daily routine?

Creating a daily routine as an artist to stay creatively productive can be challenging, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Here are some steps that you can take to create an effective routine:

  1. Identify your most productive time: Start by identifying the time of day when you are most creative and productive. Some people are morning people while others are night owls. Identify when you feel most energized and alert and plan your routine around that time.
  2. Make a schedule: Once you have identified your most productive time, create a schedule for your day. Start with the most important tasks and work your way down to the less important ones. Make sure to include breaks and rest times to avoid burnout.
  3. Prioritize your tasks: It’s essential to prioritize your tasks based on their level of importance. Identify your Most Important Tasks (MITs) for the day and make sure you complete them before moving on to other tasks.
  4. Create a workspace: Set up a dedicated workspace that is free from distractions. This will help you focus on your work and stay productive.
  5. Use technology to stay organized: Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and productivity apps to stay organized and manage your time effectively.
  6. Take breaks and rest: It’s important to take regular breaks and rest to avoid burnout. Make sure to schedule breaks into your routine and use that time to recharge.
  7. Stay accountable: Share your routine with someone else or find an accountability partner who can help you stay on track and hold you accountable for your progress.

By following these steps, you can create a daily routine that works for you as an artist and helps you stay creatively productive. Remember, creating a routine takes time and effort, so be patient and stick with it!

How do you build a new habit?

  • Building habits takes time and consistency. It typically takes at least 21 days to form a new habit, but it can take much longer, depending on the complexity of the habit and your individual circumstances.
  • It’s important to start small and gradually increase the difficulty of the habit. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
  • Make the habit part of your daily routine. This will help you develop a sense of consistency and make the habit feel more natural over time.
  • Use positive reinforcement to reward yourself for sticking to the habit. This can be as simple as acknowledging your progress or treating yourself to something you enjoy.
  • Track your progress and hold yourself accountable. Use a habit tracker or journal to keep track of your progress and identify areas where you need to improve.
  • Identify your triggers and plan for obstacles. Understanding the things that trigger your old habits or hinder your progress can help you prepare for potential obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them.
  • Finally, be patient and persistent. Building new habits is challenging, but with consistent effort and a positive attitude, you can make lasting changes in your life.

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