Throughout time, artists have built unique habits and rituals that have helped them succeed. These routines also help them remain productive and inspired daily while working to improve their craft and avoiding creative burnout. The habits and daily routines of successful artists range from quirky to strict. This freedom to design your ideal creative routine is a significant benefit of being an artist. Let’s look at many successful artists' daily habits and rituals. Practices that have helped them succeed in their creative endeavors. Of course, using and taking care of your tools is crucial for any artist. Trekell brushes, tools, and care products are essential for any artist to have as a part of their routine.
- Waking Up Early
In many fields, joining the early risers club is a key to success. Gustav Klimt, N.C. Wyeth and Francis Bacon began their mornings with the first rays of sunshine between 4 AM and 6 AM. They took full advantage of the peaceful early hours, serene inspiration, and environment for optimal productivity. Sunrise is often a quiet time with fewer distractions, perfect for letting your ideas—and coffee—brew. It is reported that the mind is fresher in the morning, allowing for better creativity, problem-solving, and mental and emotional clarity. This set wakeup time also lends itself to establishing a consistent routine and a healthier lifestyle.
- Create a Routine That Fuels Creativity
Whether 20 minutes or 18 hours, dedicating time to be in the studio is crucial. Having this time daily is a key practice in the dedication required for success and how we, as artists, make time for mastery. Many of us are responsible for making time for our art before or after our day jobs and caring for our families. Time dedicated to the studio is precious and requires a certain level of dedication and personal willpower. Life often becomes busy with little warning. A set routine can help manage your individual and art-focused goals. While many successful artists choose to follow a routine and spend time in the studio, they also allow themselves time for sudden bursts of inspiration. Flexibility in your routine also provides time for reflection. Many great artists reflect on their inspirations and ideas. They review sketches and past work. This regular reflection helps you connect to your creativity, desires, and goals.
- Creative Warm-ups
British painter Chris Ofili is an example of someone who sticks to a strict studio schedule. He reportedly starts his work at 9 AM. Ofili begins his day with abstract marks on paper and then transitions to his medium of choice. New techniques can help you relax as you dive into your creative work. Try starting with simple doodles or quick sketches. You never know; you could be like Ofili and develop this practice into a collection, as he did with his Afro Muses. Other fun warm-ups are blind contours and sketching from new perspectives- look up, down, upside down, underneath, or on top. There’s so much to explore! Warm-ups also include learning and experimenting. It is so important to stay curious in many areas of life. An open mind helps you push boundaries. It can reveal parts of your creativity you didn’t know existed.
- Goal-Setting
There’s no one “right” way for artists to set goals. Still, setting them up can boost your motivation. It also helps you reflect on what you’ve achieved. Goals can include finishing a delayed project, completing smaller tasks, learning a new skill, or trying a new medium. Breaking big goals into smaller, manageable tasks is one way for artists to set goals. But what if you don’t achieve a goal you’ve worked so hard on? Successful artists embrace failure. It’s a key part of the creative process. In a letter, Vincent Van Gogh once wrote, "Success is sometimes the outcome of a whole string of failures.” Van Gogh knew something about failing as an artist, as most of his success came after he died in 1890. Instead of fearing failure, we, as artists, can see these moments as key parts of our journey. Much of what doesn't work is practice, which helps us to hone and perfect our craft.
- Physical Movement
Often, successful artists include physical movement in their routines. They might walk, garden, or swim outdoors. Exercise can help us gain fresh perspectives, sometimes without realizing it. Many do not know the grueling physical strain that comes with hours of creating and, admittedly, not the best posture when hunched over the easel. Incorporating stretching, running, tai chi, and chopping wood can help maintain flexibility and mobility. Spanish painter and sculptor Joan Miró thought physical activity was tied to well-being. After hours spent intensely working in the studio, Miró followed it up with intense exercise. The well-known saying, "A body in motion stays in motion, a mind at work stays at work," fits perfectly here. Exercising both body and mind can boost your creativity. Self-care and well-being are often overlooked but crucial elements of being an artist.
- Prioritizing Your Wellbeing
Successful artists use various habits and rituals for self-care and mental wellness. Self-care includes things like exercise, meditation, naps, and healthy meals. These activities help prevent creative burnout. It can also mean enjoying art and culture in person or online. In a world that is both physical and digital, you can easily dive into art and culture. It can be inspiring. You'll meet new people, discover new places, and find many sources of creativity. However, constantly seeing others can lead to a habit of harmful comparisons. We might feel like we aren’t doing enough or that our ideas aren’t fresh or impactful. Finding what self-care and mental wellness practices work best for you will be crucial to the longevity of your creative journey. You can prepare to connect with your artistic community once you set and develop these habits and boundaries. This will help you engage more with the broader art community. Engaging with the art community fosters collaboration, feedback, and support. By prioritizing your well-being, you will be better able to connect with other artists and share your art with others.
Waking up early to work in the studio, taking a long walk, doodling, or going to a workout class are all habits that create balance. Successful artists understand that inspiration isn’t on demand— we often have to seek it out. At the same time, our creativity thrives in an environment where both structure and spontaneity coexist. You may find solace in morning rituals that set the tone for a productive day, while others are more keen on late-night bursts of inspiration. Cultivating intentional habits helps artists keep their momentum. It also helps them avoid burnout and grow in their craft. Artists can thrive by balancing discipline and self-care. This way, their passion lasts longer. Creativity should be a joy, not a burden. Each artist's journey is as unique as the brush strokes on a canvas.