Schedule Creativity? Yeah, it works!

Where did the time go?

Working Out Life, Native American Series,
Watercolor & ink, Diana Campbell Rice

Lately, I find my self more and more involved commenting on face book than writing my blogs -- including this one, which ties directly to my sales site.  So, I knew it was time to have a discussion with myself about priorities, creativity and a plan.

Creating art for the specific purpose of selling -- either originals, prints or notes -- is just like any other business.  You have to work at it.  Marketing, promoting and selling art is a necessary part of the business plan and these days, it includes social media. 

I write because I really, really enjoy it.  This blog shares my art, philosophy and some good tips for other artists.  I paint and draw because I love it.  So, how does that fit into a creativity plan?

The Plan
1.  Just like a job - you go to work at a certain time and finish at a specific time.  Pick the times that work best for you (a schedule) and stick with it.  Think about your daily routine and schedule a time frame when you won't be interrupted.
2.  Give yourself some adjustment time in the studio -- 15 mins. or so to mental review your project for the day.  Think about your work -- gather your ideas.
3.  Make sure you have the supplies you need -- nothing is as bothersome and disrupting as running out of paint, paper...
3.  When you are in the studio at your scheduled time, avoid distractions, including, kids, spouses, friends, and phone calls.  Often, people don't get it that when you are creating in the studio, you are actually working.  You have one goal -- create -- don't confuse that with laundry, food prep, house cleaning, chatting with friends or appointments.
4.  Dress the part -- I love my painting clothes, apron, etc.  Wearing them is the signal for me that I am ready to paint.
5.  Take care of yourself and prepare for your work day -- eat something before you start; have a beverage handy and take regular timed breaks.
6.  Build in a schedule that includes all the activities you need to get done -- for example -- Mon./Wed./Fri. - create/painting time; Tues. - blog, social media, return emails, work-related phone calls; Thurs. -- all the other stuff it takes to keep the studio flowing -- meetings, shopping, errands, mailing, responding, packaging, etc. (You can mix and match on Tues./Thurs. because life happens).

I am working with my creativity plan with good result.  I hope these ideas help you put together a plan that keeps you creating!

My art is offered at http://www.dcrdesign.us/. 

Cheers,
DCR  

My love - Native American Artwork

Why Native American Art?

A friend on Face Book visited my website.  Happily, he loved it... and was surprised that I did Native American (NA) artwork.  His comments got me thinking about why I love creating NA art.  I began drawing and painting my own interpretations of NA art on my first visit to Sedona, AZ over twelve years ago.  We were fortunate to stay for two weeks -- long enough to absorb the beauty and history.  We explored, took photos (my husband is an excellent photographer) ate, talked to people, took in the historic sites and those off the beaten path.  We came to love the place. 

Eagles Return/DCR

While I was there, I filled up with a need to paint and communicate my own version of love for the spirit of NA culture.  I have wondered if my deep feelings for all things NA came from a family connection.  My great grandfather on my mother's side was full Cherokee.  As was common at that time, he was adopted by a white family, his name was changed and he became immersed in a completely different society than the one in which he was born.  I never met him.  My mom passed on when I was very young, so I really didn't get to know her side of the family and he had passed on at that time as well.

As well as watercolor and oils, my NA art has extended to the creation of fetish dolls and hand-carved, hand-sanded (38 times) and hand-decorated walking staffs -- many of them are in some nice galleries and private collections around the country.  I haven't created the fetish dolls or staffs in a long time and I am not sure I will return to them. They are very, very labor intensive and my heart has moved on for now. 

I used silver, elk hide, horse hair, fur, feathers, turquoise/other beads and copper on the staffs. The same materials went into the fetishes along with 100-year old muslin, wood, slate and pen work.

Last year, we took a trip to Santa Fe, NM.  Let me tell you, after a week in that art mecca, fabulous desert, Georgia O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch and the historic Turquoise Inn where we stayed, my being again swelled with inspiration to create Native American art.

We visited the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum in Santa Fe -- I highly recommend it.  Here is the link http://www.iaia.edu/museum/ if you are interested in American Indian art.  It is very contemporary and the artists are serious about their work.  

My NA artwork definitely has my own flair and vision.  You can see my Native American Collection of greeting cards on my website at  http://www.dcrdesign.us/index.htm

I would love in your feedback and comments.  Here's to inspiration!


Diana