Stress Management for artists? Most people consider those fortunate enough to make a living from painting and drawing as being fairly chilled out and relaxed individuals, after all, paintings and drawing is a relaxing and therapeutic hobby. They don’t tend to consider that professional artists can and do get as stressed as everyone else.

 

Working from home or being self employed may seem an ideal lifestyle but, being a professional artist means that you are accountable for the work you produce. You always have to deliver on time and to a high standard because your customers will not accept anything sub-standard, and of course, with every painting or project, your reputation is at stake. Therefore, stress management for artists and creative people everywhere, is a necessity.

 

Whilst everyone has to deal with a certain amount of stress daily and this is often due to the pressures of their work environment, the professional artist has to deal with similar issues, although some may be self-inflicted due to poor time management skills or even a lack of discipline.

 

The role of the artist is certainly not one of the being carefree and relaxed and the reason for this is that as well as tapping into a flow of creativity constantly, there is the small matter of juggling all of the other daily tasks such as paying the bills, cleaning up and of course any family responsibilities. Working from home too can mean that there are many more distractions.

 

It is important then that the professional artist plans efficiently and incorporates some self-help techniques into their schedule:

 

* Set reasonable goals. All goals should be obtainable in the time parameters allowed. If there are a great deal of tasks, put them in order of priority and work through the list. Outstanding commissions? Put them in order of a date and importance and steadily get to work.

 

* Time management is always a difficult one, but organising time efficiently will allow most of the amazing jobs to be completed. Go for the jobs that will help you to complete your art projects more effectively such as tidying the studio area. Less clutter mean a clearer mind.

 

* Ask for help. There is no shame in admitting that you are likely to struggle with certain demands.

 

* If repeatedly juggling a tough daily schedule is getting you more stressed, allocate any stressful situations a number from one to three. The higher the number, the more priority you should place on resolving it. Add it to a list and then tick it off the list once you have resolved it.

 

* If you are then feeling less motivated for your artwork after all that frantic stress busting, then do something that you enjoy doing for the sake of it, walking, bike ride, sitting in the garden. Allow yourself some ‘you’ time but limit it, as procrastinating will only get you more stressed as you then struggle to make up time.