Artists outside their studios, in 5 personas
daily practices
Artists carry their art with them everywhere. It becomes core to who we are, and affects the lens in which we view the world.
Working on art every day creates a continuity, rhythm, and routine.
But working on art every day doesn’t mean being full time. It doesn’t mean spending all of every day in the studio.
If we’re willing to broaden what it means to have a daily practice, I think we can all achieve it.
I’ve developed 5 personas to represent ways artists can have a daily practice aside from a full day studio grind.
Comment below if I missed any!
The Dabbler
The Dabbler still has a consistent practice, but they only work on their art for maybe 30 minutes most days.
It allows them to keep a project moving forward even if progress is slow.
They know that small steps forward are valuable, and have the same results, just on a different timeline.
They’ve maintained their practice enough that they don’t fall out of habit.
The Scribbler
The Scribbler regularly turns to their sketchbooks or notes app to sketch or write down ideas.
This allows them to be thinking of their art and recording valuable thoughts and ideas even when they’re not able to work physically.
They know this has as much value as physically working on their art. They know the importance of letting the mind roam, and that new ideas don’t usually come at the same time as the physical making step.
It keeps their practice in the forefront, and can be accomplished from anywhere.
The Observer
The Observer makes a concerted effort to visit museums and attend gallery openings (or concerts, theater performances, or readings, depending on their medium).
This allows them to be inspired by other artists, have important art-related conversations, and make new connections.
They know that understanding the current art landscape and connecting with other art lovers are important elements of any art practice.
It allows them to marinate in spaces dedicated to celebrating the creative expression they adore so much.
The Investigator
The Investigator reads books, articles, and listens to podcasts and interviews about art.
This allows them to contextualize art, historically and modernly. It allows them to better understand the artist journey and what it takes to maintain an art practice.
They know that the more perspectives and opinions they expose themselves to, the better they’ll understand what they agree and disagree with. And they know it will impact and inform their work in some unknowable way.
It allows them to communicate more effectively about art. And it sharpens their understanding of self, why they create, and what they’re working towards.
The Absentee
The Absentee isn’t doing any of the above. They are not thinking about art. Maybe they’re out socializing, traveling, or spending time in nature.
This allows them time to rest, and broaden aspects of themselves outside an art-filled bubble.
They know it’s important to not take their work, or themselves, too seriously. They understand the value of balance and boundaries.
It allows them to clear their mind so they can come back to their practice refreshed and re-inspired.
Have you allowed yourself to see these aspects of your creative practice as valuable?
What personas am I missing?
Stay curious <3
jj
I’m definitely the dabbler. But that’s also how I work when I have unlimited studio time. Then I’ll just go from task to task, painting to painting, working on each thing for a bit. I’m sure it’s not the most efficient way to do things, but it works for my brain. And I do eventually get things done.