*Laurazee

Laura Z.

An Artist's Life, Part III

Sun Jun 22, 2008, 9:27 PM

Like any job, being an artist has its share of procrastination. My work pattern was always predictable: stress goes up, I produce... stress goes down, I screw around.

This pattern hasn't varied with my career change. I'll confess that I spent a few days in the studio where I didn't do anything especially productive. Moreover, the solitary aspect is a little unmotivating. According to some online Myers-Briggs test, I'm an ENFP (see, now you know the sorts of things I do when I am procrastinating!) which means I prefer being around people.

My deadline is September to produce a series of 20 "smalls". These are canvases all under 12". I can knock off one in a day or two, especially if it's a repeat of one of my larger ones. I prefer the big canvases – they are just more impressive, not to mention I hate having to pull out my glasses and tiny rigger brushes to paint a tree.

But I've realized one thing: painting tinyish pictures all by my lonesome in a kiln-heated studio in the summer? It is fucking work. Maybe I will take up Project Management as a hobby.

(I know, I know: I *still* need to write that %$#@ business plan)

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*raspil

Jun 22, 2008, 9:32:01 PM

ugh, business plan! what joy those are to write. i had to write one when i was in school and anticipate writing another in the next few years (unless the Mayans were right).

i was writing a lot over February through May but I haven't written anything in over a month. I've been baking instead but now that I'm almost done with that crazy cobbler frenzy, i think i might get back in the saddle.

i think i get overly excited about some projects and then find a new project and move on, leaving the first one unfinished (i prefer the word "hiatus" since i will return to it) -- sometimes it makes me feel guilty.

--
If you can't laugh at yourself, you don't have the right to laugh at anyone else.

*happy-gnome

Jun 22, 2008, 9:45:15 PM

Man, I'm glad someone else has the same stress to work ratio as me...this week is teh first week of Uni holidays, another four to go, and I have done nada...hmmm, how depressing. I actually signed up to do four hour shifts every morning at Dominos so that my day was tightened a little in the hope that I can get something done (and make some money rather than screw around)

--
Visit the EC at :[link]

Surreal Forum: [link]

~Superbum

Jun 22, 2008, 10:05:27 PM

If it was easy everyone would be doing it. I think that's why artist go insane sometimes because the hermatism gets to you. My old buddy and I talked about that from our time spent in art school.

The best thing I have worked out for a system of egtting work done is using a reward principle. For example make a solid pledge that you woill work for 2-3 hours and not screw around. Then when you get work done go and reward yourself to a set interval like 30 minutes of playtime. Then get back to it for another 2-3 hours; rinse repeat.

*Laurazee

Jun 22, 2008, 10:51:27 PM

Oh, being distracted by new shiny projects? I suspect you are an ENFP as well - that is one of the traits! On the upside, we're a lot of fun to be around, especially if we come bearing baked goods. Keep on cobbling.

*Laurazee

Jun 22, 2008, 10:55:00 PM

There's a need for restorative periods as well. But I hear what you say: there's that old adage of "If you want something done, ask a busy person." Sometimes crunching time makes it seem more precious (at least less of it to waste).

*raspil

Jun 22, 2008, 10:57:26 PM

i think i am an ITSJ, actually -- it's been a while since i took the MB test.

if i keep on cobbling i will be a giant fat ass and we can't have that.

--
If you can't laugh at yourself, you don't have the right to laugh at anyone else.

*Laurazee

Jun 22, 2008, 11:01:58 PM

Yep, you're absolutely right. And I do a variation of the work/reward thing: the studio has a beer fridge. Of course, that sometimes has a direct debilitating effect on my productivity and motivation (though stylistically it is sort of fun).

I must admit, I had to go look up "hermatism". I finally found a definition of hermatism as being the opposite of anarchy buried in some Libertarian essay. Gotcha! Excellent vocabulatory chops, man.

*Laurazee

Jun 22, 2008, 11:09:39 PM

If all the forces of the universe are in perfect balance, you should soon be distracted by some shiny running shoes or a treadmill as the cobbling activity wanes.

*raspil

Jun 22, 2008, 11:48:38 PM

thanks for believing!

--
If you can't laugh at yourself, you don't have the right to laugh at anyone else.

~Superbum

Jun 22, 2008, 11:50:49 PM

I meant hermatism as being the thinking of a hermit. Like person who knowingly isolates themself from others to get work done or improve there mind. I guess what I mean is hermetic. Allegorically Merlin in Arthurian tales is a good example of a character who does that. If you think hermetism is a big word LZ then I suggest you define what a sternocleidomastoid is.

I personally don't drink or do any illegal substances when I get work done. I notice when I drop in the zone of drawing my own brain starts doing stuff like that; and I chill out real quick. Drawing to me will take me out of just about any dark mood and if you watch me click into it it's like a pacifier. I have actually had people go from outraged and irritable to being extremely relaxed and gnerally happy in a matter of minutes.

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