The Challenge of Managing Art Alongside Another Career

This year, choosing to recommit to my creative practice has been one of the most soul-nourishing decisions I’ve made. Honestly, for a while, I put creating on hold—not because I stopped loving art, but because life got in the way. I had piled so much on my plate, from work responsibilities, to personal commitments, to raising children, and coaching other artists, that slowly there wasn’t enough room for my art anymore. But the truth is, I was wrong. Adjustments needed to be made.

It wasn’t until I picked up my pastels again and let my hands get messy that I remembered just how much I missed it. The feel of materials in my hands, the vivid colors spreading across the paper, watching an idea transform into something tangible—it was like a part of me was coming back to life. And the moment I let myself step back into the flow, it all came rushing back. The joy, the peace, the sense of purpose. It feels like my creativity had been waiting for me all along, patiently bubbling just beneath the surface, ready to overflow.

But let me be real for a second: balancing a full-time career with art, on top of everything else life throws at me, is far from easy. There are days when I wonder if I can manage it all. There are days when the idea of squeezing in art feels impossible—like just another thing on a long list of to-dos. But you know what? Week by week, I’ve started carving out time. Slowly, but surely, I’ve made more space for my art again. And each time I do, it feels less like a struggle and more like breathing. It feels natural, necessary, and so deeply rewarding.

For anyone else who’s out there trying to juggle a full-time career and a family, while keeping your art alive—I see you. I know how tough it can be to find that balance. So here are a few strategies that have worked for me. They’re not magic, but they’ve helped me make art a priority again, even on the busiest days:

1. Prioritize Your Art: It’s so easy to let art slip to the bottom of the list when life gets busy. But I’ve learned that if I don’t prioritize it, no one else will. So now, I treat my art time like an appointment with myself. It’s non-negotiable. I set clear goals and schedule regular sessions—even if it’s just an hour here or there. And every time I show up for myself, it feels like I’m honoring something sacred.
   
   
2. Master Time Management: Time is everything, right? Between work, home, and everything else, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough. I started mapping out my week, hour by hour. That sounds rigid, but it actually gave me freedom. When I know exactly when I’m working and when I’m creating, I can be fully present in each moment. 
   
   
3. Create a Sacred Space: My art space isn’t huge, but it’s mine. A little corner where I can leave my materials out, waiting for me. That space is everything. When I step into it, I leave everything else behind, and I’m just in the moment. It’s a physical reminder that my art matters, and so do I. And sometimes I wear headphones just for that extra buffer from the world around me.
   
   
4. Set Realistic Goals: I’ve been guilty of overwhelming myself with huge projects that seem impossible to finish. Now, I break things down into smaller, bite-sized pieces. One step at a time, one pastel srtoke at a time. And you know what? Every small victory adds up. It’s about progress, not perfection.
   
   
5. 'Batch Your Tasks: I’ve started grouping similar tasks together—one day might be for sketching, another for painting, another for social media. This way, I stay in the flow and don’t waste energy bouncing between different things. It’s helped me focus and get more done in less time.
   
   
6. Stay Inspired: This one is big for me. When I’m feeling drained or uninspired, I surround myself with the work of other creatives, go to exhibitions, hop on a zoom call with another artists. Inspiration is everywhere, and I’ve learned that keeping that creative fire burning is essential.

I hope these tips resonate with you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just start small. Pick one thing and commit to it today. It’s those little, consistent changes that make the biggest difference over time. Your art is worth it. You are worth it.

You’re not just creating art—you’re creating beauty, connection, and joy. And the more you nurture that part of yourself, the more it will grow. Stay the course, and watch what happens.

With love and creativity,
Vanessa

1. Prioritize Your Art: It all starts with a commitment. Decide that your art is worth the time and energy, and treat it as a non-negotiable part of your life. Set clear goals and schedule regular art sessions, just as you would any other important appointment.
   
   
2. Master Time Management: Time is precious, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities. I’ve found that creating a weekly schedule helps me stay on track. I map out my work hours, family time, and most importantly, my art time. Techniques like the Pomodoro method can help keep you focused and make the most of the time you have.
   
   
3. Create a Sacred Space: Having a dedicated space for your art can make a world of difference. It doesn’t have to be a huge studio—just a corner where you can leave your supplies out and let your creative energy flow. This space becomes your sanctuary, a place where you can transition from daily responsibilities into your creative zone.
   
   
4. Set Realistic Goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself with massive projects when your time is limited. Break your work into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate each step forward. Setting achievable goals keeps you motivated and helps you maintain momentum, even on the busiest days.
   
   
5. Batch Your Tasks: Grouping similar tasks together can save time and mental energy. For example, I might spend one evening sketching ideas, another focused on painting, and another on marketing my work. Batching like this reduces the mental strain of switching between different types of tasks and helps me stay efficient.
   
   
6. Spend Time in Nature: One of the most powerful ways I recharge creatively is by stepping outside. Whether it’s taking a walk or simply sitting on an outdoor patio, nature never fails to spark inspiration and bring a sense of calm. The colors, the textures, the peacefulness—it all feeds my soul and reminds me why I create in the first place. Where is that space for you? Maybe it's church, yoga class, etc. Find your recharger.

I encourage you to choose just one of these strategies and start implementing it today. Remember, it’s the small, consistent changes that add up to big transformations. Your art deserves to be a regular part of your life, and with each passing week, it will become easier to balance your creative practice with everything else on your plate.

You’re not just an artist—you’re a creator of beauty, emotion, and connection. Keep nurturing that gift, and watch as it grows, enriches your life, and brings joy to others.

Regards,
Vanessa