This week on the pod we’ve both had fairly stressful things going on, which has led to some fwobbles and generally feeling like we are running on empty. So we end up chatting about how to apply self care during times when, well, there doesn’t seem to be time - and you realise there will never actually be enough time unless you make it. That led us onto the subject of time management where we discuss different strategies such as ‘paying yourself first’ and how we manage (and fail to manage) our time.
mentioned:
Ten percent happier, ep. 606 laura vanderkam
Quotes: “Have you accepted that you are who you are, or are you still hung up on becoming the person you think you ought to be?” Oliver Burkman
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Other useful links:
Letters from a hopeful creative podcast
That’s Helpful Podcast - working alone.
Advice from listeners
I’ve changed my mindset to managing my studio time and the way I work since having kids. I used to think I couldn’t create anything without good chunks/days of studio time on a regular basis. I now sometimes have to paint an hour here an half an hour there and I’ve found it amazing what you can achieve if you just keep chipping away even in small increments. It’s hard not to get frustrated sometimes but I’ve learnt it does eventually all come together to produce an abandoned (never finished 🤣) painting.
Chunk Like tasks together , be realistic about what you can achieve (don’t set yourself up to lose)
The things I've done to carve out time are, 1. Don't spend your child-free painting hours doing domestic work... You can prep dinner, bring in washing etc while talking to your kids. 2. Premix your painting colours in daylight so you have the right colours ready if you're going to paint at night. 3. Keep an art journal where you write down your ideas as one line descriptions of what you see in your mind (colours, feeling, concept) so when you get your art time you're not sitting there stressing about coming up with an idea in a hurry. 4. If you can't paint because it's family time, you can still sit and string canvas hooks while watching tv, or write up account records or small admin/practical tasks.
I think the idea of seasonality is important, accepting the change in time availability or priorities and not becoming resentful if other things need to take priority for a time. It’s not sustainable to think we can do everything all at once forever. Gentleness goes a long way ☺️
I have table with art kit always prepared for me to jump in
Keep a log of your painting times so you can guess how long future paintings will take
My time management definitely had to step up once I had babies. My art changed too... I couldn't think straight with minimal sleep / head space, so my art practice turned inward towards the domestic realm for a while & I just used pencils & charcoal. The good that came out of it was realising there was no time to 'get in the mood' & I just had to go for it with whatever time I had. My babies are 9 & 12 now so it's important to be kind to yourself & remember you still have the rest of your life to be making art.
I paint in the PM when shadows are minimal and do my admin in the AM
I find energy management far more important.
Kofi Thanks:
Thank you so much to Caroline, Barbara, Sophie, Michelle & Shona-Leigh
This week
Studio updates:
PG : Second adults art workshop:
JB: Finally seeing some progress here
Life Update:
PG : Poor Pixiedust 😥
JB: Loving the winter skies
What are you watching/ listening to?
PG : The Long Call, a drama set and filmed where I grew up! (Not helping the homesickness..)
JB: Dr Becky’s Podcast ‘Good Inside’ did an episode called “how to stop doing it all” , definitely recommend to anyone feeling like I have been. and another podcast called ‘Best Friend Therapy’ (recommended to me by a FLAPPer 😘)did a podcast on ‘Empowerment’ that made me want to embrance my inner Crone. Found them both very useful this week!
Fab meme of the week
PG:
JB:
Fave Art product of the week?
PG: Kitchen paper towels, went through so many of them in my art workshop!
JB: Loving the heavy linen I’ve been using from Jacksons art supplies
Anything random to share ?
PG: Pretty sure my desktop would give Julie the heebie jeebies 😂
JB: that definitely makes me feel weird.
Find Julie here: www.juliebattisti.com , @juliebattisti & Julie’s newsletter
Find Phoebe here: www.phoebegander.com , @phoebeganderart & Phoebe’s newsletter:
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Keep Failing!
Julie & Phoebe xx
I love your pod so much! Thank you for all you share. Each week your topics seem to be exactly what I need to hear. 🩷