How to create more space for creativity in your creative business

Do you feel overwhelmed by the business side of things? Feel like there is no space for creativity anymore? Are you spending more time on finance, social media promotion, email list building and blog posts than on the actual creative side of your business?

When I first started out I soon found myself drowning in the amount of non-creative tasks I had set for myself. I wouldn’t paint or draw for days because I was too busy with this other side of my business.

Suddenly the art side didn’t feel as important because it felt like time off since it was my “hobby” right?

But the creative side of your creative business should be the driving force behind the whole thing. Having a balance between the two is what makes your business thrives.

Also, when you make space for your creativity, chances are you will be enjoying yourself a lot more.

So here is how you make more space for creativity in your life and business;

1. block out the time

If you are like me, you never made the time in your schedule for art. Or you had blocked out the time at one point but slowly your other tasks would take it over. I felt like my creativity should come “after business hours” (because who draws when they are “at the office”?)

But if you have a CREATIVE business then creativity is part of that business. And thus there should be a space for it in your schedule.

Blocking out a time in your day where you will spend it just on creating will make you more likely to do just that.

Make sure you plan in some hours a day or try to have an entire day (or even multiple days) just to be creative

2. Make a physical space for creativity

Another problem I found is that my workspace made me more likely to do other work. At my desk, the chance was that I would just end up doing more business. Simply because that felt like my productive workspace and creativity felt like a fun time.

So now I leave my desk when I want to start working on art. I am slightly weird because I love working on the ground. I like painting and drawing while sitting on the ground or I curl up with a sketchbook on a comfy chair.

But carving out that space as my creative space helped me focus more on that part of my business.

If you don’t have another space you can always try things like having two boxes; one with work stuff and one with your creative tools. When it becomes time to switch between the two tasks you put away one of the boxes and open the other.

I am a big believer in carving out physical space for different parts of my life. Just like how you should not work in a place you use for rest (like your bed… yes that is where I am right now…). The idea is the same; different place, different mindset. 

different place, different mindset

3. Build habits

For some time I was terrible at sketching. Sketching is, however, one of the quickest ways I know to improve. It helps build millage and it makes it easier to try new things (without ruining a piece you have worked on for hours or work you are doing for a client)

Getting into the habit of sketching daily keeps me in touch with the creative side of my business and helps me improve on it! 

Whatever your creative side (be it writing, photography etc) building a habit of doing something daily helps you improve and makes it easier for it to be a consistent part of your business.

It takes around 21 days to build that habit so why not start now!

4. Set goals for both sides of your business

Everybody tells you to have good business goals. Have a clear idea of what you want and how to get there and it will massively improve your chances to reach your goals.

You probably have goals for 10x growth for your social media or blog. You probably have ideas from themarketingheaven.com. Are you setting goals for your email list and how do you want to grow it?

But how about creating? Do you have goals for that side of your business?

I am talking about things like is there something you want to learn by the end of the year or a project you want to finish.

For example; I want to fill up my sketchbook before the end of the year because I never finish sketchbooks.

I find that since I have set goals for that side of my business I have also found it easier to see that side as “important” too.

Read more about setting goals and achieving them here! 

5. Nurture both sides of your business

All the above add up to one truth. You need to nurture both sides of your business. Both are equally important and each takes work and time.

Growth on both sides helps your business improve.

Even though your creative side might not feel as “important” (again that is just how it felt for me for some time) You need to realise that both sides are crucial.  Without the creative side, you are just a business person. And there is nothing wrong with that. But if you’re dreaming of making a living from your art/creativity you need to be both.

Keep yourself accountable for both sides and find ways to include them both in your business plans and projects!


What is the most important way to find more space for creativity in your business?

Having space for creativity in your creative business often gets overlooked. How can you start focusing more on bringing back that creativity into your creative business. 5 tips to help you make a place for the creative side in your business!

P.p.s. This post was featured at my favourite linky party; Bloggers Pit Stop. Check it out!  

12 Responses to “How to create more space for creativity in your creative business

  • I love the idea of setting creative/creating goals for my business! So important. Thank you for sharing.

    • artsbysofie
      6 years ago

      Thank you so much for reading and sharing Melanie! I totally agree both are super important! Thank you for your lovely comment!

  • This shows the importance of setting aside time to be creative and scheduling. It’s good to have goals too. Thanks for sharing at Blogger’s Pit Stop

    • artsbysofie
      6 years ago

      Thank you so much! I am glad you like it. Scheduling is super important and I love writing about it!

  • Hi Sofie. This is a very interesting post that many of us need to consider in maintaining the creative side and developing it. We will feature this post on Thursday on the Blogger’s Pit Stop.

    Kathleen

    • artsbysofie
      6 years ago

      Kathleen, thank you so much for the kind words and the amazing opportunity! I love the positive community over at Blogger’s Pit Stop and I look forward to the next one!

  • I love this post! Being a creative of many stripes, I find it SO hard to have time to do the core of my work, create stuff. Good tips!

    • artsbysofie
      6 years ago

      I am so glad you liked it! I feel exactly the same way sometimes! Finding that space and time has really helped me get more done!

  • Beautiful tips. I love that you point out the need to make time, space and processes for both sides of your business.

    • artsbysofie
      6 years ago

      Thank you so much, Elise! I think both are very important!

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