Artist Creativity and the Art of Discipline

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Being creative types, it’s easy to lose focus with our art. Creating art takes time and dedication, and it is so tempting to let time slide by and allow ourselves to embrace complacency. So, how can we funnel our passion into tangible results, and most importantly, within an appropriate amount of time? I’ve found developing small habits that force my drive in a defined direction is extremely helpful. Start improving in consistent ways through small habits.

Julia CameronJulia Cameron, an author who has written many books on artist development, has a great quote on the subject:

“Writing is like breathing, it’s possible to learn to do it well, but the point is to do it no matter what.”

We’ve all heard that before. Just keep practicing, just keep writing, it will happen! But the point is to find ways to help begin that writing session, to help finish that chapter. I’ve been at it for around a decade now, and like most of you, I’ve slipped hard from my commitment at times. So much so that I had to reevaluate my whole approach as an artist, and through those reevaluations I’ve found practical ways to keep myself going when all I wanted to do was binge watch Game of Thrones. Actually… I did. But that’s beside the point.

1. Keep a Log

Keep a journal documenting what you do to improve any part of your creative lifestyle. It may sound tedious and boring, but you have no idea the difference this simple habit can make. It gets exciting to complete and add items to your journal, especially as you get a streak going. It turns into a game, where you find yourself saying, “Hell yeah! Why stop now?” Playing on the joy of competition can be an exciting way to stay focused.

2. Set Goals

…but not huge and intangible goals like,”I’m going to play a gig with Bob Dylan before he dies.” Set goals for yourself in a manner of small to large. For example:

  • Every day, I’m going to write at least three paragraphs of my novel
  • Every week, I’m going to write at least one chapter
  • Every month, I will finish at least four chapters.

Every goal ties itself into the following one, and you’ll get the satisfaction that accompanies completing each individual task. This makes it much easier to accomplish goals on a larger-scale. It seems too obvious, but trust me it works.

3. Remember Why

Remember what inspires you and why, regardless of what you do. If you’re ever feeling down, take the time to listen to that Miles Davis album that got you into jazz, or that Salman Rushdie novel that sparked your passion to write. Art is hard, and sometimes it’s downright painful. It’s important during these times to realize that all of your heroes experienced similar discomfort, and that impacting people (such as yourself) makes it all worth it. Read bios on them. Get to know your heroes. They may not end up as mystical as you thought.

Again, these may seem a bit intuitive, but being able to think of them and actually reaping the benefits of utilizing these tools are two entirely separate things. Give it a week, and I swear you’ll be feel better about whatever you’re doing. With that in mind, I’ll leave you with another quote from Julia:

“Art is not about thinking something up. It is the opposite — getting something down.”

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Nathan Phelps, 12South Music

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