Artists: If you’re ambitious but lazy, please watch this

Summary

In this video, the creator shares practical strategies for artists struggling with time constraints, creative blocks, perfectionism, and fear of failure. Drawing inspiration from successful creatives like Tony Morrison and Stephen King, the video emphasizes the importance of routine over motivation, starting small, and reducing perfectionist pressure. The creator highlights the significance of external accountability, creating a routine that fits one's unique life, and acknowledging the realities of limited time. With actionable tips, the video encourages artists to embrace small steps toward progress and overcome self-doubt, all while maintaining a sustainable creative practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Finding time to create art is a common struggle for many, but successful artists often make use of limited pockets of time to create.
• 😀 Don't rely on motivation alone. Successful creatives like Stephen King follow a routine and show up at the same time and place every day, regardless of inspiration.
• 😀 It's essential to find a routine that works for your unique situation, whether it's mornings, weekends, or other specific times that fit your life.
• 😀 Life changes and unexpected events will disrupt routines. It's crucial to acknowledge these without guilt and adapt accordingly.
• 😀 Successful artists develop routines that fit their needs, whether it's staying up late or waking up early. Routines should be tailored to your individual lifestyle.
• 😀 The hardest part of creating is often getting started. Use the idea of the 'smallest viable action' to break down tasks into manageable steps to build momentum.
• 😀 Perfectionism can hinder creativity. Lower the pressure by allowing yourself to make imperfect starts. Often, the final result ends up being better than expected.
• 😀 Confidence plays a role in overcoming creative blocks. Viewing your past favorite work can give you a sense of pride and motivate you to create more.
• 😀 External accountability can be a powerful motivator. Consider joining a class, group, or finding an accountability buddy to stay on track with your goals.
• 😀 Saying 'no' to distractions and external expectations allows you to focus on what's most important to you and your creative goals.
• 😀 Progress in art, especially with limited time, comes from consistency and commitment to small, deliberate actions. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can help push you forward.

Q & A

What is one of the biggest struggles many artists face when trying to make time for their art?

One of the biggest struggles artists face is finding the time to create, especially when juggling a full-time job or other commitments.

How did the speaker initially feel about their progress in creating art while having a day job?

The speaker felt guilty and exhausted after work, often thinking they couldn't make progress with their art because of their job and other responsibilities.

What advice does the speaker give regarding finding time to create art?

The speaker advises finding a routine that works for your unique situation, as successful artists have created art in small pockets of time despite their busy lives.

How does Stephen King manage to write prolifically despite limited time?

Stephen King relies on routine rather than motivation. He writes at the same time and place every day, regardless of how he feels.

Why does the speaker recommend Mason Curry's book 'Daily Rituals'?

The speaker recommends the book because it provides insights into how hundreds of creatives fit work into their unique lifestyles, showing there is no one-size-fits-all routine.

How does the speaker handle starting new art projects to overcome creative blocks?

The speaker uses a strategy of not finishing a piece in one sitting and stopping halfway through, so they know exactly where to pick up next time, reducing resistance to starting.

What is the 'smallest viable action' and how can it help artists get started?

The 'smallest viable action' is identifying the simplest, smallest task that can help you move forward with your creative goals, making the process less overwhelming.

How does the speaker combat perfectionism when creating art?

To combat perfectionism, the speaker encourages allowing for 'bad' first sketches, as they recognize that the initial attempt doesn't need to be perfect—just getting started is what matters.

What role does external accountability play in the speaker's creative process?

External accountability helps the speaker stay motivated. By sharing progress with others, like in weekly meetings with friends or through a community, the speaker feels a sense of responsibility to follow through.

What is the speaker's perspective on motivation and its role in creating art?

The speaker believes that motivation isn't always necessary for creating art. Instead, building a routine and committing to the process is what truly leads to progress, even when motivation is lacking.