Every month I try to open up a month long conversation about the creative practice, and this month I thought we’d talk about systems, rituals and routines.
What routines, rituals, or systems do you have as a working creative and what have they done for you? Any system that helps you run your life, not just the creative part of your life.
Use one comment per system and share as many as you like!
Some examples might be: a type of planner or journal, a warmup exercise, a diet, and exercise routine, a weekly meet up etc.
One thing that has saved a tremendous amount of time and mind space for me is to plan default meals. If I’m at home, I NEVER have to think about what to eat or when my next meal will be. I first did this by catering food daily for a year.
My wife has taken over the food duties and we plan the menu and get the groceries together. I’m so grateful for her :)
I start my day with a protein bar. It’s a treat for getting into the studio. Having energy to start your day is so vital and a habit I only developed in the last quarter of my life…
I start everyday with a simple routine that works for me. This in some cases may seems so normal for others, but working at home can lead to compromises (like open window, breath air, drink12 oz of water) and I "fever write" for 10 minutes. It sets me up. On days I am scattered, I block my time into 2 hours blocks - that are specifically aligned with my vision for life: (Create, Production, being of service, family/friends, self-care). Thank you for the topic!
I love those kinds of topics! I always have been a routine person. Even as a child, I would plan my week on a sheet with a clear system and multiple colors. The funny thing is that my 8 years old has began to do the same this week. She has created a little calendar and uses it with post-it.
I really like bullet-proof journal. Each Sunday, I write down what I have to do on the next week with color codes for priorities. It includes works, personal projects/exercises/promo, and sports. I also add meal plans for the kids lunches and supper.
In the morning, I work on what needs the more attention. And I try to allow my self one hour of exploration at my drawing table per day, depending on the amount of work.
My routine has been a bit disturbed with COVID lately (my kids and I tested positive, but not at the same time. We had someone with COVID at home for almost 1 month and a half.) but like you cleverly said in today's email, rather than fight, I decided to put some of my stuff on pause and allowed me more free time (usually walks alone on tiny mountain we have in Montreal) than usual to at least keep my mental health. It was the good thing to do because this week, I felt the energy and the motivation coming back and I'm working on my routine this morning!
At the moment my work is on hold due to family illness. All my work and routines relating to them are out of the window. BUT I have a small sketchbook with me all the time and sometimes get to draw, even paint in it. But these are for super short bursts of max 15 min a time. For now that's all there can be. Reading what you guys are up to is really helpful. It opens a window onto the world that is currently shut firmly. So thank you.
One thing that has saved a tremendous amount of time and mind space for me is to plan default meals. If I’m at home, I NEVER have to think about what to eat or when my next meal will be. I first did this by catering food daily for a year.
My wife has taken over the food duties and we plan the menu and get the groceries together. I’m so grateful for her :)
I start my day with a protein bar. It’s a treat for getting into the studio. Having energy to start your day is so vital and a habit I only developed in the last quarter of my life…
I start everyday with a simple routine that works for me. This in some cases may seems so normal for others, but working at home can lead to compromises (like open window, breath air, drink12 oz of water) and I "fever write" for 10 minutes. It sets me up. On days I am scattered, I block my time into 2 hours blocks - that are specifically aligned with my vision for life: (Create, Production, being of service, family/friends, self-care). Thank you for the topic!
I use a 10 min rule for everything! This helps me overcome the initial hurdle of starting.
Thank you for this incredibly useful conversation topic Adam. I am a big fan of Trello for making visual lists on everything!
Time-boxing my calendar!
I also talk about my creative practice is some depth here: https://cocreatespace.substack.com/p/5-cornerstones-of-my-creative-practice?r=14jxzf&utm_medium=ios
I’m looking forward to reading what else other people do.
I love those kinds of topics! I always have been a routine person. Even as a child, I would plan my week on a sheet with a clear system and multiple colors. The funny thing is that my 8 years old has began to do the same this week. She has created a little calendar and uses it with post-it.
I really like bullet-proof journal. Each Sunday, I write down what I have to do on the next week with color codes for priorities. It includes works, personal projects/exercises/promo, and sports. I also add meal plans for the kids lunches and supper.
In the morning, I work on what needs the more attention. And I try to allow my self one hour of exploration at my drawing table per day, depending on the amount of work.
My routine has been a bit disturbed with COVID lately (my kids and I tested positive, but not at the same time. We had someone with COVID at home for almost 1 month and a half.) but like you cleverly said in today's email, rather than fight, I decided to put some of my stuff on pause and allowed me more free time (usually walks alone on tiny mountain we have in Montreal) than usual to at least keep my mental health. It was the good thing to do because this week, I felt the energy and the motivation coming back and I'm working on my routine this morning!
At the moment my work is on hold due to family illness. All my work and routines relating to them are out of the window. BUT I have a small sketchbook with me all the time and sometimes get to draw, even paint in it. But these are for super short bursts of max 15 min a time. For now that's all there can be. Reading what you guys are up to is really helpful. It opens a window onto the world that is currently shut firmly. So thank you.
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