Balancing Art with a Full-Time Career - Strategies for Juggling Creativity, Work, and Life

Hey Fellow Creatives,

If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you know that art has always been a part of me. But this year, I made a decision to fully recommit to my creative practice—and it’s been one of the most soul-nourishing choices I’ve made in a long time. I had to put my art on pause for a while—not because I stopped loving it, but because life got overwhelming. Between my career as a structural engineer, raising my family, and managing an art business, there just wasn’t room for creativity.

But then, I picked up my pastels again. And it was like magic. The mess of color on my hands, the vivid pastels filling the page—it felt like I was coming back to life. That’s when I realized something important: art can’t be a “when I have time” thing. It’s something that has to be woven into the fabric of life, no matter how busy things get.

But let’s be real: balancing everything is not easy. There are days when I wonder how I’ll keep it all together. The demands of work, home, and family can feel overwhelming, and art often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. But over time, I’ve found ways to carve out space for my creative practice, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.

If you’re in a similar position, juggling a full-time career, family, and your art, I see you. You’re not alone. Here are a few strategies that have helped me, and I hope they can help you too. These are not quick fixes, but they’ve made a big difference in how I approach my work and creativity:

1. Prioritize Your Art

Art is important, and if we don’t make it a priority, it can easily slip through the cracks. What I’ve learned is that if I don’t schedule my creative time, no one else will. So now, I treat my art time like an important meeting. It’s non-negotiable. Even if I only have an hour, I show up, and that small commitment makes all the difference.

2. Master Time Management

Time is precious, and when you have multiple responsibilities, it can feel like there’s just not enough. I used to be overwhelmed by my calendar, but now I map out my week hour by hour. I’ve found that when I know exactly when I’m working, when I’m with family, and when I’m creating, I can be fully present in each moment. The key here is structure—and it doesn’t have to be rigid. Find what works for you.

3. Create a Sacred Space for Your Art

It doesn’t matter if your art space is a grand studio or just a small corner of your home. The important thing is that it’s your space. A place where you can leave your materials out, ready for when inspiration strikes. That space becomes your creative sanctuary, a reminder that your art matters, and so do you.

4. Set Realistic Goals

I’ve been guilty of overwhelming myself with huge projects, but I’ve learned that small goals are the key. I break things down into manageable tasks—whether that’s sketching for an hour, finishing a section of a painting, or simply gathering inspiration. Every small step adds up, and that progress is just as valuable as completing a major piece.

5. Batch Your Tasks

One of the best things I’ve done is group similar tasks together. One day, I might focus on sketching, another on painting, and another on marketing my work. This helps me stay in the flow and avoid wasting energy jumping between different kinds of tasks. You can apply this to anything: work, home life, creative endeavors. Find ways to group tasks for efficiency.

6. Stay Inspired

Creativity doesn’t always come easily, and there are days when I feel drained or uninspired. When that happens, I make time to recharge. I look to other artists, I visit exhibitions, or I chat with creative friends. Inspiration is everywhere if you open yourself to it, and surrounding yourself with creativity can help keep your own fire burning.

7. Take Time for Self-Care

Finally, as busy as we get, we can’t forget ourselves. I’ve learned that taking moments to step outside, breathe, and recharge is essential. Whether it’s going for a walk in nature or simply enjoying a quiet moment, these small acts of self-care feed our creativity. A peaceful mind brings better art.

Final Thoughts

I know that balancing everything is a challenge, and I’m far from perfect at it. But I’ve learned to be kind to myself. There will always be times when things feel overwhelming, but the key is to keep showing up, one small step at a time.

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to choose one of these strategies and start small. Your best is good enough, and each small effort adds up. Your art is worth it. You are worth it.

Remember, you’re not just creating art—you’re creating beauty, connection, and joy. Keep nurturing that part of yourself, and watch as it grows, enriching your life and the lives of others.

With gratitude and creativity,
Vanessa