I Hate When People Say ‘Just Make Time for Your Art’
Look, let’s get one thing straight. I’m Sarah, I’ve been editing art features for 22 years, and I’m sick of the patronizing advice about ‘making time’ for creativity. You know who says that? People who’ve never tried to juggle a full-time remote job, a side hustle, and a creative practice. It’s like they think art is some magical fairy that appears when you rub a lamp called ‘free time.’
I’m not saying it’s impossible. But it’s damn hard. And it’s messy. And it’s not pretty. But you know what? That’s okay. Because the truth is, the most interesting art comes from messy, complicated lives.
Last Tuesday, I was talking to my friend Marcus—let’s call him that, because his real name is embarrassing—about this exact thing. He’s a graphic designer by day, a painter by night, and he’s always complaining about how exhausted he is. ‘I just can’t find the time,’ he told me over coffee at the place on 5th. I looked at him and said, ‘Marcus, you’re 36 years old, you work 50 hours a week, and you’re in a band. Of course you’re exhausted. But you’re also creating some of the most interesting work I’ve seen in years.’
Which… yeah. Fair enough.
But Here’s the Thing About Remote Work
Remote work is a double-edged sword for artists. On one hand, it gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule. On the other hand, it blurs the boundaries between work and life so much that you might find yourself answering emails at 11:30pm while trying to finish a painting.
I remember when I first started working remotely back in 2008. I thought, ‘Finally, I’ll have all this extra time to write!’ Spoiler alert: I didn’t. I just had more time to procrastinate. And to waste on beauty products review best rated beauty products review best rated (which, honestly, nobody asked for but here we are).
But here’s the thing: remote work also gives you the freedom to create on your own terms. You can take a break in the middle of the day to sketch. You can work from a café and people-watch for inspiration. You can take a walk in the middle of the day and come back with a fresh perspective.
The Art of Saying No
I’m gonna let you in on a little secret: I’m not good at saying no. I’m the kind of person who will take on a new project even when I’m already overwhelmed. And that’s a problem, because it means I’m often too exhausted to create anything meaningful.
But I’m learning. And one of the things I’ve learned is that saying no to one thing means saying yes to another. Saying no to a late-night work call means saying yes to an evening in the studio. Saying no to a weekend brunch means saying yes to a day of uninterrupted creative time.
It’s not about finding more time. It’s about making the time you have more meaningful.
But What About the Money?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: money. Because let’s face it, most of us need to make a living. And remote jobs, while flexible, don’t always pay enough to quit your day job and pursue your art full-time.
I’ve been there. I’ve had to make compromises. I’ve had to take on projects I didn’t love to pay the bills. And you know what? That’s okay. Because every experience, even the not-so-great ones, can fuel your creativity in unexpected ways.
But here’s the thing: don’t let money be the only factor in your decisions. Because if you do, you might find yourself stuck in a job you hate, creating art that doesn’t fulfill you. And that’s a tragedy.
A Quick Note on Perfectionism
I’m a perfectionist. I always have been. And it’s a curse, honestly. Because it means I often spend more time worrying about getting things right than actually creating anything.
But here’s what I’ve learned: done is better than perfect. And sometimes, the most beautiful art comes from embracing the imperfections.
So go ahead, make a mess. Create something ugly. Start a project and never finish it. It’s all part of the process.
And Now, a Tangent About Coffee
Speaking of processes, let me tell you about my coffee habit. I drink a lot of coffee. Like, a lot. And I’ve noticed that some of my best ideas come to me when I’m half-asleep, stumbling into the kitchen to brew my third cup of the day.
I don’t know what it is about coffee that sparks creativity. Maybe it’s the caffeine. Maybe it’s the ritual. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m often reading something interesting while I wait for it to brew. Whatever it is, I’m not questioning it. I’m just embracing it.
So if you’re struggling to find inspiration, maybe try a different coffee routine. Or tea. Or whatever. The point is, sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference.
Final Thoughts (But Not Really)
Look, I could go on and on about this. But I won’t. Because I’ve got a deadline to meet, and a painting to finish, and a life to live.
But before I go, let me leave you with this: creating art while working remotely is hard. It’s messy. It’s complicated. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. So don’t give up. Keep creating. Keep exploring. Keep making a mess.
And for the love of all that is holy, stop saying ‘just make time for your art.’ It’s not that simple.
About the Author: Sarah Johnson is a senior magazine editor with over 22 years of experience in the art and culture niche. She’s a firm believer in the power of creativity, the importance of coffee, and the necessity of saying no. When she’s not editing, she can be found painting, writing, or complaining about the state of the world on social media.
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