I know firsthand how hard it can be to make time for creative pursuits when life gets in the way. Whether it's work, family, or other responsibilities, it can feel like there's just not enough time in the day to do it all.
THIS is one of my favorite ways to tackle that reality so I can still do what I want, darn it!
I’ve even curated the perfect starting off point that you can begin TODAY that I’ll be sharing in a moment. (can’t wait for this!)
Mini projects!
This is SO fun. When I dove into this, it was way more fun that I had originally thought it would be, and even before I was excited.
Choose small art projects that you can complete in a shorter amount of time. For example, you could create a series of mini paintings that only take 10-15 minutes to complete, or work on a series of quick sketches during your lunch break or moments that you’re waiting (don’t tell me you don’t have 15 minutes of downtime in your day cuz if I do, you do 🤣).
By breaking your art practice into smaller, manageable projects, you can still make progress and stay creative, even when you don't have a lot of time.
BONUSES: Yep, there are bonuses to this practice. Keeping artwork literally bitesized will not only help you tap into your creativitiy, but you’ll have way less pressure about your definition of what your finished is. This can do a few things.
- For one, it will almost certainly get you to explore new techniques because your brain will be working in these small chunks to figure out how to finesse with less, and in turn, develop a signature style when you aren’t overthinking.
- Secondly, your skills will improve. You’ll analyze your work without judgment and each time you visit your 15 minute block of time, you’ll inevitably test or try something new.
- Lastly, even though the list easily goes on far past this, your priorities will subconsciously shift after you begin. After you get in your zone, you might think “hey, maybe instead of needing to head to the post office, I’ll schedule a free pickup and that’ll buy me another 30 minutes of creation time.” Boom. Mindset shift? Resourcefulness? Heyoooo! AND 👉 You’ll be forming habits that are meaningful to you. That’s invaluable.
- Okay one more bonus: The beauty of mini projects is that they give you a sense of accomplishment and sometimes we must trick our brains. (Spoiler alert: You’ll learn before long that you’re redefining what accomplishment actually means, and I LOVE that for you.)
And here's another bonus for you - grab my ultimate list of creative supplies and resources for a easy, stress-free reference of all the things I love.
How to Get Started with Mini Projects
Getting started with mini projects is easy! Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Set realistic goals
Set realistic goals for your mini projects. If you only have 15 minutes to work on a project, don't try to create a masterpiece. Instead, focus on a specific aspect of your art practice that you want to improve.
2. Get some portable art supplies
Keep some portable art supplies handy so that you can work on your mini projects whenever you have a spare moment. I’ve got a list of my personal favs right here.
3. Redefine your downtime
Use your downtime wisely. Instead of scrolling through social media or watching TV during commercial breaks, use that time to work on your mini.
4. Join a community
Joining a community of like-minded artists can help you stay motivated and accountable. You can find online communities that share weekly art prompts or participate in an Instagram challenge. By participating in a challenge, you'll have a specific goal to work towards and a community to connect with.
And since I know it can be difficult to get started when the ideas aren’t flowing, which is why I’ve curated a 14-day challenge to create vintage wildflowers in watercolor, where you’ll approach each new day by loosening up and letting your brush run wild, to working with beautifully curated colors that celebrate an antiqued aesthetic, to experimenting with compositions and structure.
