Staying Artistically Motivated

I know that a lot of people are having trouble finding motivation to make art due to the effects of the pandemic and new stressors. Life has truly been turned upside down and the longer that this has gone on, the bleaker it seems. I don't know how the future will turn out, or how much longer we will be in the heart of this pandemic, but perhaps some advice will help you achieve some things you've been wanting to do.

1. PLAN. If you have a planner, use it. Or get a digital version on your phone or even scribble on a piece of paper. Write down some short-term goals that you need/want to get done and do your best to stick to it. Note down a painting you have to finish, a chapter you need to write, etc. These days it's important to keep some sort of structure so that the weeks don't all muddle together. I personally have a planner that I write in every evening or morning and set my assignments for the day (I am taking some summer classes) and art projects. This has helped me stay on track as well as distract me from all of the difficult current events.

2. GATHER MATERIALS. If you want to work on a project (or several) get the materials that you need out where you can see them. Have your paper and paints ready or whatever media you use. This will make it so much easier to get right into creating without wasting time gathering your materials.

3. TREAT YOURSELF KINDLY. Things are hard right now for everyone in all different ways. It is okay to take breaks, to be upset, and to give yourself time to recuperate. If you aren't as productive as usual then that is okay. Do what you can, even if it's just 10 minutes a day and praise yourself for doing it. Something is better than nothing!

4. LOOK AT INSPIRING THINGS. I love Pinterest. I use it a lot not only for baking and cooking, but for aesthetic and inspirational boards. Use Pinterest, books, the vast Internet- to find things that inspire you and immerse yourself in it. I personally love travelling and nature but I cannot really enjoy either of those things right now. Instead, I make Pinterest boards and flip through my nature books when I need a bit of an adventurous pick-me-up. You can find so much inspirational content even when you're just laying in bed.

5. SHARE YOUR CREATIONS. I really enjoy sharing my artwork with others. When I talk to my long-distance friends around the world and they mention to me that they enjoy seeing my art (and look forward to it), that is the best compliment ever. Try to upload your pieces onto social media platforms, send them in an email to a friend, or submit them to an online contest. Sharing your artwork with others can help you feel more involved and connected even when being socially distant.

I hope that some of the points I've written here help you stay productive. Motivation can be difficult especially in such difficult times.

Keep making art. Whether you know it or not, the world needs your art.