Here's my approach to this new found studio time:
- Set a routine. Getting into a rhythm is critical. I have 3.5 hours blocked out -- no scheduling other things into that time! Everything else should wait.
- Turn on the music. I find that while I can work without music, there's something about the right music playing that resonates with the creative brainwaves. The right music changes with the project. I tend to associate certain pieces with specific artworks from my past. Now whenever I hear them again, I'm transported back to working on those projects. I'm always searching for new music that seems art worthy.
- Have a clear idea of where to begin. I've deliberately left several projects in midstream, with a clear idea of where to jump in. First is my next Ring a Week (#3), shown here. I cleverly worked on this one at the same time as #2. So I have parts waiting for assembly and firing. All the hardest part is done. Somehow just getting going breaks the ice and gets the creative energy flowing. Then I can segue into other projects.
- Keep a clean studio. Yes, it gets messy as I work. At some point it can cross over to being a detriment though, when I can't find whatever tool I need. If I just take a few minutes at the end of a session to put things away, the studio is much more enticing the next round.
- Utilize deadlines. I'm good under pressure. Give me too much time and I'll web surf it away. But a hard deadline will get me focusing intently. Reminder to self: final Master Muse project is due next week.
- Keep a sketchbook of ideas. When the muse isn't speaking to me, I pull out the sketchbooks, either to draw or to peruse. I also use my Books of Attraction as jumping off points when all else fails.
- Improvise. Don't get blocked by some minor issue. So what if I don't have some needed item? Think of something else. Some of the best ideas come from having to make do. But keep a list of needed things and get them when I can. Having a big toolbox opens up more possibilities.
- Showing up is half the battle. Just do it. The repetition will start to become routine; the creative juices will start to flow. At the worst, go clean or make small components to use later. But get in there and do something.
- Keep a studio log. This record of what I get done each day is invaluable. I hate to see a blank day, so I'll use even tiny time increments to do little things to list. Every bit helps. So far, I use a notebook, one page per day, with a simple list of art-related accomplishments. However, I'm considering updating to a more involved log with construction notes, progress photos, etc.