A lot can be accomplished in 30 minutes. I’m pretty infamous for putting off creative time because “I don’t have enough time right now”. A lot can be done in 30 minute intervals. It helps to have a designated space set up with all of my supplies so that I don’t have to take the time to get everything out and put everything away every time I create.
Having a set direction with projects is helpful for staying consistent and focused. Along with having supplies ready to go, it was helpful having specific projects lined up ready to go during the 100 days. April through July tends to be my busy time with my big show of the year – Summer Mosaic/Kaleidoscope – as well as many other shows that happen during that same time frame. Having an idea where I was going helped me to stay consistent and not have to take extra time finding subjects. Conversely, on days where I found inspiration and just wanted to sketch, the artworks that resulted turned out to be pieces that I decided to show for events I may not otherwise had pieces ready for.
The first 5 minutes is usually the hardest. Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. There were many days that I just didn’t feel like it. That I was tired or I wanted to do something else instead, but I still made myself sit and start. Generally after 5-10 minutes I find my creative flow. Some days taking some the time to create is just what I needed after a busy, stressful day.
Sometimes progress is more important than perfection. Waiting for the conditions to be perfect to start means I may never have gotten started. Sometimes I have to take the leap and acknowledge, that even if I don’t complete every day perfectly on time or if the piece I create isn’t at the level that I hoped, I am still farther than where I would be if I never started at all. Continued practice is the way that improve and grow in my skills.