So, we've all done it but for an artist, procrastination often seems like an habit that just can't be beat. As they said in art school, "God didn't create the world in seven days... he slacked off for six and then pulled an all-nighter." And admittedly there is a truth to it. The adrenaline rush of a looming deadline does seem to get juices unblocked and flowing for many artists.

Now I've never been much of one to hold with the excuse that 'my muse just wasn't into it' because deadlines are deadlines and never to be missed. However, for those 'soft' deadlines or the "whenever you have time" requests... yeah. Make yourself comfortable because it's gonna be awhile. But not because I don't want to do it, but because I have enough hard deadlines to fill up my days! That's not procrastination, that's just too few hours between awake and asleep.

But having put the coat of procrastination on so many times, I think I've come to recognize a few things to help me through it and maybe these thoughts can help you too.

Admittedly, that whole 'muse' thing isn't entirely wrong. I've learned for myself that while I may not be in the "mood" to do one project, it's only because my brain is still percolating on it. It's not 'mood', that's emotional. It's intellect and problem solving of the creative sort. Your muse isn't ready because you haven't figured out how to turn the objective on it's head and take ownership of it. To really make it an enjoyable endeavour and not just another job to crank out.

The way I've found to speed the process up is to continue to work on other creative exercises. Sometimes that means switching media entirely and maybe busting out the brushes to work in traditional media or cracking open some origami books to play with paper for a bit. The important thing is to keep it in the back of my mind and not be in denial over a project. Continuing with other creative exercises keeps my mind open and refreshed so that I can ponder the problem. Often this leads to a burst of insight such that I've already planned and discarded a bunch of options before I ever draw that first line, making the time I do finally spend on something much more efficient and productive. Many artists litter their workspaces with small toys and knick knacks not just because they are fun, but because it's that added stimulation to the imagination.

As a professional artist I 'play' for a living. I get to draw and paint and colour. Basic, primal, childrens activities. A lifetime of it has allowed me to problem solve in different ways and gifted me with an 'honesty' towards myself, if not the world. Just don't be passive, that's gonna dull your mind. Keep thinking even when you're playing with your action figures (be honest) and you'll quickly find your muse ready to tackle more and more interesting projects with less and less effort and dread.

Later!

PS: Just a reminder that I'll be live on Ustream tonight from 7pm EST till around midnight. I hope you'll join me by simply clicking this link. I hope to see you there.

Reminds me a bit of the good ol' "Structured Procrastination" essay.

Good read if you haven't seen it.

Who doesn't play with their action figures still? Growing up completely is so boring....G.I. Joe isn't boring

Nice post... I have a lot of problems not so much with procrastination, but a lack of inspiration. I've been feeling the need to take up drawing (I'm a musician), so maybe that is the key to getting my music and lyrics flowing.

I'm in grad school for Theatre - primarily scene design, but I dabble elsewhere - and I was sitting here beating myself up about the pile of renderings I have to do, and giving myself a lecture on procrastination and time management and such. I know I still need to work on the time management bit, but my goodness, you've no idea how much better your post made me feel. Thank you!!

Procrastinator's To-Do List:

1.

haha Actions Figures are awesome! I have my most prized ones posed up on a shelf. Go Go Mighty Morphing Skeleton Predator ninja spawn spider-man turtles.

seriously though I know what you mean, Ive been writing this story. but I just can't get around to finishing it.