We will make space and time to start new
So here we are, starting our artistic path together. We will make a space detox, before we start working. But go easy and small, please. We are starting...
Choose a small area in your atelier and organize it.
Where you focus is entirely up to you - it can be a drawer, a box, a shelf, or another area of your atelier: however it will have to be small and manageable.
Then follow these steps:
Take everything out of the drawer/box/shelf/etc., and place everything on a table or the floor in front of you.
Clean the inside /top of it.
Then go back to look at the surface where you left the removed items. Divide into categories: return (to the same place), recycle, donate, throw away.
The ones placed on the return category can go back, arranging as needed, keeping similar items together. I like to organize by categories like watercolors (pans, tubes, etc.), associated medium, brushes, etc.
Decide immediately about what you will do with the "recycle" and "donate" section.
Leave them near the door so, you do not forget next time, you leave the studio.
This is a quick and easy task to start. Do not try to do anything else, today. Instead, go to next step.
Do a mini-mindfulness meditation, prepare your coffee/tea cup, and write a to-do list.
You can find some here or here, but don't choose anything that takes more than ten minutes. You want to clear your mind, relax and get ready and focus for the last step: create a to-do list for your studio.
Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and make a list studio`s projects for 2022.
Schedule 30 min. for that and write as much and detailed as you want.
"Rename your ‘To-Do’ list to your ‘Opportunities’ list. Each day is a treasure chest filled with opportunities; take joy in."— Steve Maraboli
The items must be related to the space. It could be what I call hardware: cleaning, tidying, organizing the space or software: artwork projects you want to develop there. It will be interesting to keep this list close by (don't delete or cut tasks, please); however, you will only work on a few of them.
Here are some examples:
Study/learn/improve a specific technique/theme/competence;
Choose a creative project to develop;
Improve or fix the lightning;
Create or improve the storage space;
Organize the space;
Organize materials/tools by recycling, restoring, updating, filling, etc.
Restore/purchase equipment (chair, desk, printer, etc.)
When you finish, pick a maximum of five goals from your list to accomplish this year. To help with your choice, underline what you are most excited to start with, the things that will be easiest, or the things that will make the most significant impact on your space.
Don't cross out the tasks you won't do or throw the paper away. At the end of the year, it will be interesting to review this list and see what has changed in your initial idea. Sometimes, some items no longer make sense or, despite not revisiting your list, the tasks will appear done.
Don't choose more than five tasks to start with. Remember, you can always revisit your list if you need more ideas and projects during the year. It's a master plan of short and long-term projects to improve your space.
When you have your selection made, rewrite it on a new sheet adding everything that is needed to accomplish the task:
Time, budget, skills, objectives, etc.
Try to write down all the associated information, pointing out possible solutions.
Add reasons why you want to accomplish that goal.
Stay objective and practical, but be kind to yourself and your space.
Focus on some concrete work you can do this year. Turn that art space better for you, so you want to come back more often to work.
In my case, I chose three (my magic number) objectives to start:
1 - I chose a creative project to develop - #The100DayProject - To start in February, using watercolors and painting botanical themes;
2 - For this, I will have to improve the lighting in my studio - mainly the direct light on my work table. I will have to deal with it in January. So I have a fortnight to do it.
3 - Starting in March, I would like to improve my final artwork system: scanner, digital treatment, digital file, and analog file (portfolio).
I'm trying to mix hardware with software, easy with more complex tasks. And as I finish them, I will go back to my original, uncensored list to get more ideas to do this year.
If you feel overwhelmed at any point, remember that it doesn't matter how far you have to go; what matters is that you are getting started! You don't have to do anything else today except getting it all down on paper.
“ Not only should you have a to-do list, but it must become your best friend." — Jim Kwik
See you next week!
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