As the world changes and more stringent measures are put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, online and digital spaces have become more valuable than ever. Creative practitioners across all mediums must adapt to this new, perhaps temporary, reality, and embrace the opportunity to begin new projects as well as finish old ones (think that old dusty manuscript in the bottom draw, for example). In short, despite the magnitude of the current global situation, social isolation doesn’t have to be a drag for everyone.
Although I usually shun social media and dismiss it as a distraction (I would rather be working on my art), staying connected has now become synonymous with keeping sane. Focussing on maintaining good mental health and positive coping strategies are as important as the artworks themselves. For many people, the only way to stay connected with others at the moment is through online platforms. Staying connected to others may even result in the undertaking of collaborative works that may not have been conceived of before. A changing world requires adaptation to new (even if somewhat pathological) norms, and this can be powerful in shaking up old ideas, creating space for new ones to emerge.
While it is important to reach out when you need to and maintain connectivity with others, including professional networks, now is also a time for reconnecting with yourself. In a constantly busy world, we are currently experiencing a rare and prolonged moment of quiet. This can be viewed in a number of different ways, both positive and negative, but I like to think that it’s a great moment to reflect on what is meaningful in life, and to practise self-care. Many artworks are necessarily philosophical in nature, and it is vital to take a moment to track progress, ask questions and maintain perspective.
Now is also a time for great compassion. This is important in terms of work, quality of life and relationships with others. For example, track progress with care and be sure to identify strengths in the work as well as weaknesses. Beware of allowing the inner critic to take over, since this will only serve to stifle progress. Remember that these are challenging times and there are enough problems without creating new ones. Compassion is key to tackling these challenges. Staying positive during crises is not the same as being delusional – doing what makes you happy and being creative are just as important as before, perhaps even more so.
On the practical side, creative practitioners ordinarily face innumerable challenges when turning an idea or concept into a completed, publishable project. Let me say from the outset that no work of art is ever complete, and this can be one of the most fun and fascinating parts of the creative process. However, as a matter of practicality, it is important to be organised and to have a plan in place, as doing so can be crucial to economic survival. This may now be more vital a point than ever.
There is a certain romantic ideal associated with the life of creative practitioners. This mindset has to be abandoned. There is nothing romantic about spending many hours alone at a workstation, wondering all the while how you’re going to pay the bills, or if this is really something that can be done to keep food in the fridge. Conversely, such thoughts can be obstacles to getting the work done. That’s why, at least at the very beginning, it’s important to have other sources of income and to transition into the life of a full-time creative practitioner (where possible) at an individual pace. Creating is fun, and not having to rely on it as a way of paying the bills can help to keep it that way.
Even for the most advanced creative practitioners, it is often important to recap the basics, especially as the work becomes more complicated. Also, having a clear, uncluttered workspace is essential to maintaining focus and maximising creative output. Keeping a clean, attractive workspace can help to overcome the obstacle of sitting or standing at your workspace when resistance is highest. I can say that this is something I’ve struggled with, and now strive to maintain a clutter-free zone. There is no secret to being prolific when it comes to your art. The hard work begins with having an effective space to work from. And remember to take regular breaks.
Another important aspect of creative output is time management. This has been another hurdle for me personally, as I seemed to have contracted the steadfast belief that inspiration strikes whenever it chooses. This belief, I can tell you, does not result in a sustainable creative career. Having confidence, believing in yourself and your abilities, and regularly turning up to your workstation, does.
Time management is an important aspect of an autonomous work schedule for additional reasons. Spending a lot of time alone can take its toll on mental health, and therefore it’s important to take time away from the workspace to connect with others and partake in other activities. A well-structured work schedule can reduce feelings of guilt when away from the workspace, transforming thoughts of ‘I should be working on my project’ to ‘this is my time to take a break, do other things, and take care of myself and others’. When you do return to the workspace, you’ll feel more refreshed, engaged, and the quality of work is likely to be better.
Take care and stay safe!
Carl Beswick 