A Juggling Act

Patricia Joyce · 09-21-2004, 10:20 AM

All of a sudden I am so busy and my thoughts and mind are going in a hundred directions. Many of you are fortunate and successful enough to be working full time at your art. I have a feeling we all fight against the clock . . .

How do you juggle:

- A full time job to pay the rent, put food on table and pay for those art supplies!
- Study art. There are three art books on my night stand. Classroom hours over 8, at least 8 hours outside the classrom with assigments.
- Accept commissions (a VERY new dimension to my life!)
- Build a portfolio, learn photography, make business cards, flyers, contact potential clients
- oh yeah, maintain relationships, eat, sleep

I have three projects going now and one in the wings (a second commission - WOW). I would love to hear how my favorite artists - YOU ! ! ! manage to keep your life in balance.

Michele Rushworth · 09-21-2004, 11:12 AM

I don't have another paying job to juggle and am one of those fortunate ones that gets to paint full time. I do, however, have two little kids and the usual mom and house duties that go with that. As I've written in other threads, I made a choice two or three years ago: If it doesn't have to do with family or painting, I don't do it.

I read art books at the breakfast table, I think about composition when I'm at my kids soccer game and I notice the light on the principal's face at school events. To non-artists, I'm a very boring person. (And maybe I'm boring to most artists, too!)

And every day I feel as if I'm racing against the clock. Time for me to get off the computer and back to the easel....

Cynthia Daniel · 09-21-2004, 02:23 PM

I realize this is premature for many artists, but as soon as you can afford to delegate, do so. There's a quite well known artist I know who still makes his own runs to the post office and puts mailing packets together. At his prices, he should be paying someone to do those things - or delegating to family members.

I don't have family at home, but in order to maintain Stroke and work the hours I do, I have to have a part-time assistant and a housekeeper. Of course, it does make for a rather one-dimensional life.

A lot of career people hold onto tasks that could be given to someone else. Just always keep in the back of your mind the concept of delegating and in the future you'll catch things you might otherwise miss.

Sharon Knettell · 09-21-2004, 06:22 PM

There are times when I am so busy, I don't have time to think. During those times I like to take the time to write out a detailed schedule for the day. 15 minutes for this, 30 minutes for that. I am constantly surprised at how many minutes I can add to a day this way. I also have one day that I do ALL my errands. That is my shopping, hairdresser, doctor, whatever day.

One of the things that help me, and this is personal, is taking some time for some kind of meditation, be it 20 minutes or an hour. It focusses the mind, heightens creativity and helps sort out a complex day. I don't mean dreaming or walking or sitting on a pleasant patio, but actually watching your breath, repeating a favorite prayer or mantra. A part time cleaning lady is good also!

I also have become a mean, mean penny pincher. I think 7 cups of fancy coffee at the local cafe is $14 a week, or over $700 a year. I make my own. I spend a certain amount of money on good client clothes, but it is bargain city for the rest. I shop local farmers market in the summer and don't used overpriced prepared food to cut down on food bills. I cook in bulk and freeze to save time.
Restaurants are only for very special occasions.

If I didn't do this I would not be able to do my own work and have to find a job. New car models don't thrill me like they used to.

Heidi Maiers · 09-21-2004, 07:22 PM

I don

Terri Ficenec · 09-21-2004, 08:08 PM

Hi Pat!

First, congrats on those commissions -- very exciting! Sounds like you're juggling more than I could handle. Just running the kids around and taking care of the house is all I can handle along with the painting, and related business stuff.

Janel Maples · 09-21-2004, 10:09 PM

Hi Pat,

I live by Michele's advice. "If it doesn't have to do with my family or painting, I don't do it"

I love that!!

And everyone is surviving around here. As I am writing this on my laptop my husband is ironing his own dress shirts right next to me. Of course having a family who supports my decision is priceless!!

The house isn't as clean as it use to be (I was a little over board in that area anyway) and meals aren't gormet dinners everynight but everyone is healthy and the kids aren't complaining about pizza.

I'd say enjoy yourself, this is important. The things that can wait, will. The things that can't you will find room for.

Good luck to you and congratulations.

Julie Deane · 09-22-2004, 08:24 AM

Hi Pat -

I sure can relate. I am a single mom of one son. When he was younger, there was not much time to do art. I work full-time at a job that has many demands, plus take care of the house by myself with some jobs delegated to said son.

I tried hiring household help for a while, and it was great, but took too much money to keep up for long. But I will keep it as an option for those up against a deadline times.

I had to look realistically at what time I have available, and plan accordingly. I can't do as much as quickly as someone who gets to stay home all day. That is just plain fact. But I can do what I can when I can.

Enough sleep, some exercise, and eating right are important, or I won't be able to do what I love. I have organized and streamlined paperwork to make life a bit easier. I plan to make my son help out more. Some things, like the weeds in the garden, will get to grow because they are just not as important.

In the works - rethinking the way I am earning a living and exploring other options.

Good luck in your artistic journey. You sound like a smart lady - I am sure you will come up with what works best for you.

Patricia Joyce · 09-22-2004, 09:43 AM

You are all Great, Great, Great!!

It helps to know I am in good company. Lots of good advice and interesting to hear how you all manage your time. I wish I could delegate, but there is no one to delegate to. So the laundry waits, the dust bunnies are beginning to look like cute bunnies (the younger me is having coniption fits in my head!!!), and if the TV is on it is for background noise while I work (HGTV or news). Sharon, I too meditate every day and try to exercise three times a week, at least. That and a full 8 hours sleep is invaluable!

I used to have my own accounting business when my kids were small. I worked mainly for smaller companies. Entrepreneurs are most challenged when they are successful and growth is rapid. Decisions have to be made about delegating, hiring more employees, investing in machinery, building assets. Growth/success of a product, is often what causes young companies to crumple and fold. I guess I can relate that to where I am now.

Reshuffling!!!

I do know that some of my best quality time is spent each day on this forum. I learn so much here and have increased my skills dramatically since joining. I feel you are a great support system and I thank ALL of you for your wisdom, humor, and above all for your hard won talents which never fail to inspire me!!