Juggling Life and Art?
"How do I manage a full-time job, building my art career, AND still have a social life?"
This ☝️was a GREAT question asked in our Momentum community last night.
And because many other artists were nodding their heads in agreement, we wanted to share with you too!
Time management has been a hot topic in our community recently, and last night’s discussion was no exception.
So let’s get into it, because this is something that EVERYONE faces when trying to turn a passion or hobby into a thriving art career.
The truth is, it all comes down to clarity in your priorities, setting boundaries, and staying true to the promises you make to yourself.
There are seasons in life where your art fits into the cracks—ie. when you have free time, when the mood strikes, or on weekends and public holidays. That’s great in the early stages.
But if you’re serious about going ALL-IN on your art career, your mindset and approach need to shift.
So let's get into it...
1. Create Non-Negotiable Art Time
For instance, if you have a full-time job, consider when you can realistically set aside blocks of time each week for art. This is your non-negotiable art time—sacred creative hours that you guard fiercely. During these slots, social commitments, Netflix marathons, or random chores have to take a back seat.
Hot Tip: Mark this time in your calendar, just like any important meeting, and inform those closest to you (partner, kids, housemates) that this is your art time. Think of it as an appointment with your future self.
2. Stay Flexible, but Don’t Let It Slip
Life is unpredictable, we get it. There will be times when "life be lifin'," and something comes up during your scheduled art time. The key here is flexibility with accountability. If something interrupts your creative flow, commit to rescheduling that time later in the week. It’s not about being rigid; it’s about respecting your art practice and ensuring it doesn’t fall off your priority list.
3. Start Small and Stay Consistent
When Tom was working full-time as a Graphic Designer, he made a simple but powerful commitment—to draw for at least 10 minutes every day. He carved out small moments, like mornings over coffee or lunch breaks, to keep this habit alive.
Over the past 12 years, Tom hasn’t missed this commitment. If he couldn’t make his designated time, he made sure to catch up in the evening.
The beauty of this practice is that:
He fully committed to his art development and career by making a small, achievable promise to himself.
The 10-minute daily practice compounded over time, becoming a foundational part of his routine.
He built self-trust and confidence, which boosted his creative output.
As a result, Tom developed his artistic style, without stressing about “finding” it in his head—it evolved through the act of doing.
4. Find Your Creative Sweet Spot
Identify what works best for you. Are you more creative in the early mornings before your day gets hectic? Or do you find peace and inspiration in the quiet of the evening? Experiment with different times of day and environments to figure out your creative sweet spot and protect that time.
5. Set Micro-Goals
One of the biggest struggles for artists with competing priorities is the pressure to dedicate huge chunks of time to their art. Instead, focus on micro-goals. Start by committing to 30 minutes a few days a week or one small task (e.g., sketching, brainstorming ideas, researching) that moves your art and career forward.
Remember: Progress is progress, no matter how small it seems in the moment.
6. The Power of Accountability
Having a community or accountability buddy can be a game-changer. Share your creative goals and intentions with someone who will encourage you to stick to them. This is why our Momentum community exists & thrives—artists supporting each other through the highs and lows of building a sustainable career.
7. Visualise Your Success
The clearer your vision for your art career, the easier it becomes to prioritise your time. Visualise what success looks like for you—whether it’s hosting your first solo exhibition, selling out your latest collection, or becoming a full-time artist. Let that vision fuel your dedication and drive.
So, no matter what your current time commitments are, ask yourself: What small promise can I make to my art this week?
Because if you don’t prioritise it, no one else will.
And just imagine where you’ll be a year from now if you start prioritising your art career today...
To help you with both the mindset and practical steps, we’ve created a free guide and workbook designed to help you carve out that precious creative time and make it work for you!
👉 DOWNLOAD your ‘Supercharge Your Creative Time’ Workbook and Guide here!
Cheering you on toward your creative abundance,
-----------
And when you’re ready to go further, here’s how we can help 👇
PS: Tune into Tom’s podcast BenchTalk, where he’s been chatting with incredible artists from around the globe for the last 8 years. You won’t want to miss the insights into their journeys to going pro! [Listen here]
PPS: Ready to fast-track your art career? Check out Going [ART] Pro Self-Led, our 6-week program for early and emerging artists [Learn more here]
