Time is a fickle thing. When it comes to our creativity, it is even more ethereal. If we spend too much time on a bass line, or a melody then we might not have enough to finish the track. Or working on the technical parts of the track might drain our inspiration and before we know it, we spent 3 hours on something and have nothing to show for it.
Because of this I want to share techniques for a good workflow and keeping the creativity flowing. This article will go over techniques that can be used for any artist. Be it a painter, Ableton Live wizard, Logic Ninja, or writer.
1. Take a Step Back First
Having a really clear vision of what you are doing and why will save you a lot of time. It’s important sometimes to take a whole day, or even a week, to sketch out in your mind what your goals are. You should know that if you are sitting to create if you are just working on techniques, or a series of works you hope to complete in a month. The more time you spend on the bigger picture the faster and more on task you will be when you are in full creative mode.
2. Write Down The Plan
After having a clear plan it helps to crystallize things by writing it down. It makes it more tangible. Also creating a To-Do list will keep you on task. It also feels really good when you scratch things off your list. Make sure you have the smaller things in there too. Don’t just say.
- Task 1. Make a full album
- Task 2. Get signed to a label
Try adding the small stuff to get the momentum. This will make you feel more accomplished as well as not overwhelmed by the details.
- Task 1. Create a template for your album.
- Task 2. Share your track with some friends and get some opinions.
- Task 3. Email your buddies and see what Labels They are on.
This will make you feel more accomplished as well as not overwhelmed by the details.
3. It’s Ok To Say No
A key part of time management is what not to do. If all your friends are asking you to do remixes or help them out you might not have time to work on your project. It really is ok to say no. Sometimes I go through phases where I will not accept any new projects for 6 months. Even if it’s something amazing, I know I won’t be fully present. It has almost always turned out for the better. Pick and choose what you do and make sure you have time to really do it right.
4. Take Time… Take Time…
A few years back, I thought I could get an album done in a month and move on. Sometimes I feel really inspired to just bust something out, but it almost always takes longer than I think. After making the music I need a week to work on the final Mix. Then get the masters. Next I work on art, and then….
Over the years I learned that this is a process. Don’t rush it. Take whatever time is needed to do it right. Don’t put yourself into overdrive and burn out. Do it once, and do it right the first time.
5. Time Tracking
If you are trying to be a professional artist there is a lot more involved than just making art. You need to work on marketing, packaging, sending it for review, refinement, and so on. It can be overwhelming to balance all the working parts. Then when you mix, making a living in this it gets even more complicated. I found an important step to be successful is knowing where you should put your energy. To really understand this you should have a way of knowing where you are spending your time. Time Tracking really helps with this.
I have been using a free program called Klok. It helps me lay out where I am spending time. I can even make a pie chart of my week to evaluate. This has helped me cut out the fat and get right to the meat of things. A nice side effect is I waste less time on Facebook and the like when I am on the “Klok“.
6. Take YOUR Time
Remember, you are more than just this project you are working on. Take time to do other things like exercise, go on a date, read a book, and such. By being someone with a full life experience you will have more to share and be happier as a person. This definitely translates in how good your final art / music will be.
These insights and tips should help you navigate how you spend your time as a creative person. Over the years I have found the more I look at how I spend my time the more I am ruthlessly efficient with it and can not only get massive projects done quickly, but I can also save more time for myself. Always remember to take your time.
