Effective strategies to manage procrastination as an illustrator

Are you familiar with the term procrastination? I heard it many times in my years as an artist and illustrator, but never learned to identify it until recently.

What is procrastination ?  It is the action of delaying or postponing something.

Procrastination is a common challenge, but understanding the reasons behind it can help artists find ways to overcome it and keep creating. So why do artists procrastinate?

Artists, like anyone else, can procrastinate for various reasons. Here are some common ones:

1. Perfectionism: Many artists want their work to be perfect, and the fear of not meeting their own high standards can make them hesitate to start or finish a piece.

2. Fear of Failure: The worry that their work won't be good enough can make artists put off starting. It's easier to delay than to face the possibility of not succeeding.

3. Creative Block: Sometimes, artists struggle to find inspiration or feel stuck. This lack of ideas can lead to procrastination as they wait for the right moment of inspiration.

4. Overwhelm: A big project can feel daunting, making it hard to know where to start. Breaking it down into smaller steps can help, but if an artist feels overwhelmed, they might avoid starting altogether.

5. Lack of Motivation: Without a clear deadline or reason to finish a piece, artists might find it hard to stay motivated. This can lead to putting off work.

6. Distractions: Everyday life, like chores or social media, can easily distract artists from their work. These distractions can eat up time that could be spent creating.

7. Burnout: If an artist has been working too hard without breaks, they might feel exhausted and unable to work, leading to procrastination as they recover.

Procrastination is a common struggle for artists and illustrators, but there are several effective strategies to manage it and stay productive.

Firstly, setting clear and realistic goals is essential. Artists should break down their projects into smaller, manageable tasks and set deadlines for each stage. This provides a sense of structure and helps to overcome the overwhelming feeling of tackling a large project all at once. So for example, say I want to illustrate a children’s book. I will divide the process into steps. Research and brainstorm, sketching, thumbnails and page layouts, character development,  and colour scheme (obviously there’s more to it than that , I’m simplifying for illustration purposes). I will assign a time frame and a deadline for each one of those tasks, keeping my deadline in mind. (a day or a week depending on the time I need or have available for this project). And I will then block the time in my calendar so that I don’t get carried away and loose track of that time. Once each step is done, I will celebrate a win, and eventually, celebrate the end of the project with a reward. Before you know it, you’ve done it. 

Creating a routine and establishing a dedicated workspace can also minimise procrastination. Having a designated area for artistic work can enhance focus and signal the brain that it's time to get into a productive mindset. I have a desk, at which I know I have to answer emails, do admin, create copy and content, blog, etc…. and I draw on the couch ( small appartment space restrictions). So if I am on the couch, I know what I am doing. And if I am at my desk, I also know what I’m doing. Or to be more precise, my brain does. 

Accountability plays a crucial role in fighting procrastination. You can find an accountability partner or join a supportive community to share you progress. This external motivation and feedback can provide the necessary push to overcome the temptation to delay tasks. I have two accountability buddies. I have a surface pattern design friend, and I have my husband. They keep me on track and check what I have done weekly if not daily. And I do the same for them. Working from home, isolated, doesn’t feel isolating anymore when you know someone is waiting to see your progress and cheering you on. 

It's important to identify and address the root causes of your procrastination. You should reflect on your fears, doubts, or perfectionistic tendencies that might be hindering your progress. Developing a positive mindset and practicing self-compassion can help to overcome these obstacles and boost creativity. Remember, good is better than perfect, as what you will consider good, will be perfect to others. As artists and illustrators, we can be our own worst and ruthless critics.

By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate discipline, maintain consistent progress, and ultimately conquer procrastination, allowing your creative potential to flourish. It’s not a quick fix, but with persistence, you will see the fruits of your labour.