Always need the reminder because it never ends.Recently, I started keeping track of time ACTUALLY spent painting, researching, etc.—it helps me stay focused. It’s humbling to watch how distracting “life” is, but also motivating to put distractions off for later. (And helpful to be able to say to people I share space with, “i’m working on getting x hours of painting done today—I can help you with y when my timer goes off.”)
Absolutely right. For me running an audiobook/podcast episode really helps because it really puts me in the zone. If I get distracted I'll have to pause the book and that small hurdle kind of keeps me on track and more aware of any time wasting instinct.
Definitely agree. There is a lot of friction even when I work in a new software (I'm a 3d artist) -so setting the ui and hotkeys so that the virtual workspace becomes intuitive really adds to the enjoyment of the work later on. Takes a bit of time but it is totally worth it. The friction is so bad sometimes you dont even want to open the software because of that initial discomfort. Similarly in the physical workspace- I learnt that my mouse and keyboard positioning were causing me wrist pain because of nerve compression. Spending some time figuring out your space and tools is really worth it- like I'm looking to switch to a standing desk soon for my back pain. Fighting that friction is part of the journey indeed!
I think a significant part of developing an art practice is learning to reduce friction in these and other ways. From palette organization, to buying good supplies, planning in advance… all lessons that aren’t necessarily intuitive, but make a big difference. Teaching helps me remember these things that I might forget from time to time.
Always need the reminder because it never ends.Recently, I started keeping track of time ACTUALLY spent painting, researching, etc.—it helps me stay focused. It’s humbling to watch how distracting “life” is, but also motivating to put distractions off for later. (And helpful to be able to say to people I share space with, “i’m working on getting x hours of painting done today—I can help you with y when my timer goes off.”)
I might have to steal this from you!
Please do! If I had to keep a list of all the ideas I’ve stolen from you—
Absolutely right. For me running an audiobook/podcast episode really helps because it really puts me in the zone. If I get distracted I'll have to pause the book and that small hurdle kind of keeps me on track and more aware of any time wasting instinct.
Yes—It helps to have the technical distractions (my phone) already distracted…. :)
Definitely agree. There is a lot of friction even when I work in a new software (I'm a 3d artist) -so setting the ui and hotkeys so that the virtual workspace becomes intuitive really adds to the enjoyment of the work later on. Takes a bit of time but it is totally worth it. The friction is so bad sometimes you dont even want to open the software because of that initial discomfort. Similarly in the physical workspace- I learnt that my mouse and keyboard positioning were causing me wrist pain because of nerve compression. Spending some time figuring out your space and tools is really worth it- like I'm looking to switch to a standing desk soon for my back pain. Fighting that friction is part of the journey indeed!
Thanks for sharing. Yes, sometimes friction is forced on us, and working through that IS the journey. Thanks for you thoughts.
Mine is definitely avoidance dressed up as preparation 😅
Bloody brilliant Christopher I am going to incorporate these strategies because I spend enough time stuffing around as it is!
I think a significant part of developing an art practice is learning to reduce friction in these and other ways. From palette organization, to buying good supplies, planning in advance… all lessons that aren’t necessarily intuitive, but make a big difference. Teaching helps me remember these things that I might forget from time to time.
And the added bonus is sharing what works for you with others who are struggling with the same challenges. Thanks for commenting!