Artists - How do you make time for art, with a job, relationship, etc.?

Question

Bushnell Keeler has this quote "For every hour of good painting you need four hours of uninterrupted time." And you know, that is so true. The problem, of course, is making that time without losing your job and/or all your friends, your boyfriend or girlfriend, your sanity etc.

Obviously being independently wealthy is where it's at, but most of us don't have that luxury. Most of us have to work for a living. I work in a creative field (graphic design), but that almost makes it even harder, because I'm burning out my creativity on the job, and at the end of the day, I just don't have a reserve of steam.

I also live with my boyfriend, who is not an artist, and I feel like I constantly have to explain/defend/apologize for the time I need to get things going artistically. He's a biologist, but he gets his biology on at the lab...lol...and I don't know if he really understands what it's like to feel like you still need to "work something out" when you come home for the day.

Answer 1

Problem is, I haven't really made time for my art for a number of years. Hopefully with the changes I'm making in my life, I'll be more inclined to make it a priority.

Answer 2

Your details were too long, so I'm only going to respond to the main question:  If it's your livelihood, then it is your job, so there is no conflict.  If it is a hobby, then you simply make time for it as you would any other hobby.

Answer 3

Hey Jon,

I didn't know you were an artist as well.  I like to paint and draw in my free time also.  Unfortunately, I currenty have an 8-5 job with the government and I'm going back to school this summer so my time is very limited and when I do have time off, I really just want to relax.  So yea, my painting/drawing has taken a back seat.  Hey man, at least you get to be creative during the day at your job!  Maybe you could set aside one night a week just for your art and no other interruptions or things to worry about.

^.^

Answer 4

I work part time, go to school part time, have a girlfriend, spend time with friends,and make time for art. I know what you feel like when you say you still need to work somthing out. I get home from work around 5:30, but I made a point to explain to my girlfriend that I need time alone to draw and paint, which I do right when I get home. She knows I feel incomplete if I don't have this time. I think your boyfirend understands that as well from what you wrote. As much as you want to take care of your boyfriend, you need to take care of yourself first. When you get home, say hi and go right to work, then you will be ready to spend time with him. I think as much as you want him to be happy, he wants you to be happy. And if doesn't know that you need to have "art time" to be happy, then tell him.  Let him know that you want to be there, but need to have this time as well. Other than that, on days that I can't work right when I get home, I work at night. I have insomnia, so I get up late at night, when my creative sparks get going. Maybe this is an option for you?

Answer 5

I'd say a major change in typical american type life is necessary, with more focus on things not requiring loads of time (Y! Answers), electronics and things or activities that stimulate creativity

when inspiration hits you, the rest becomes unimportant

if we foster the conditions for a creative and inspired life, our attention will stay on beneficial and lively things that constantly keep moving and changing.

our jobs keep us underpaid and make us work more to keep up

quality of life is what is important to me....when my stress is down, my creativity goes up and I make time for art (music, writing, building, etc)

Answer 6

That’s something I’ve been thinking about lately, as well.  I know my solution will probably be different from yours, but I’ve found that I can only spend one or two afternoons a week working on art.  

I’ve actually found that my son is an extremely enthusiastic “artist”, too!  Last Saturday, I sat down to paint, and he was right there beside me, painting his own version of everything I painted.  It was the most fun we’ve had together in quite a while!  

Is there some way you can involve your boyfriend in the creation process of your art?  I’m sure there’s something the two of you can do with paint, etc. that you both find enjoyable.  You could play romantic music and let him eat strawberries dipped in chocolate while you work on a portrait of him--clothing optional, of course!