Consistent Creative Routine: Tips & Techniques
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 7 min read

Contents

Every creative genius, whether it's a writer, artist, or musician, knows the importance of a routine. It's not just about the act of creating—it's about setting up a consistent rhythm that taps into your creative flow. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting your creative journey, establishing a consistent creative routine can transform your work and help unlock your hidden potential. So, how do you establish a consistent creative routine that works for you? Let's take a look at some practical tips and techniques to help you establish a routine that sparks your creativity.

Establish a Creative Space

One of the first steps to establish a consistent creative routine is to create a dedicated space for your art. This goes beyond just finding a quiet corner in your home—it's about creating an environment that nurtures your creativity and helps you focus on your work. Here's how you can do it:

  • Choose a space that inspires you: Whether it's a room with a view, a cozy corner with lots of natural light, or a quiet nook away from the hustle and bustle, choose a space that makes you feel inspired and ready to create.
  • Make it comfortable: Comfort is key when it comes to creativity. Invest in a comfortable chair, keep your tools within reach, and make sure the temperature is just right. You're going to be spending a lot of time here, so make it as comfortable as possible.
  • Keep it clutter-free: A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Keep your creative space tidy and organized. This not only makes it easier to find your tools, but it also helps to clear your mind and focus on your art.
  • Personalize it: This is your creative space—make it feel like your own. Put up posters of your favorite artists, keep a few inspiring books around, or even add some plants for a touch of green. A personalized space can make you feel more connected to your work.

Remember, your creative space is not just a physical location—it's a state of mind. When you step into your creative space, you're stepping into a world where creativity flows freely. So take the time to establish a creative space that works for you, and watch your creativity soar.

Set Consistent Creative Hours

Another effective way to establish a consistent creative routine is to set regular hours for your creative work. This might seem a little formal, but trust me, it works. When you set aside specific hours for your creativity, it sends a clear message to your brain: it's time to create. Here's how you can go about it:

  • Identify your most creative times: Are you a morning lark who's full of ideas as soon as the sun comes up, or a night owl who finds inspiration in the quiet of the night? Identifying your most creative times can help you schedule your creative hours effectively.
  • Block off your creative hours: Once you've identified your most creative times, block them off in your schedule. Treat these blocks of time as non-negotiable appointments with your creativity.
  • Start small: If you're new to this, start with just an hour or two a day. Over time, you can gradually increase your creative hours as you get more comfortable with your routine.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to establishing a creative routine. So even if you're not feeling particularly inspired, show up for your creative hours. Over time, you'll find that your creative flow becomes more predictable and easier to tap into. So go ahead, set your creative hours, and take the first step towards a more consistent creative routine.

Explore Different Mediums

Have you ever hit a creative wall? It's more common than you think and can sometimes make it difficult to establish a consistent creative routine. But don't worry, there's a fun, exciting way to overcome this - exploring different mediums!

  • Venture beyond your comfort zone: If you're a painter, try your hand at digital art. If you're a writer, give poetry or songwriting a shot. Different mediums can offer fresh perspectives and spark new ideas.
  • Experiment with new tools: Have you ever tried painting with a palette knife instead of a brush, or writing with a fountain pen instead of a ballpoint? Different tools can significantly change your creative process and output.
  • Blend mediums: Why not combine photography and painting, or music and poetry? The fusion of different mediums can result in unique, innovative creations.

Exploring different mediums isn't just about making new kinds of art—it's also about learning new ways to think and create. So the next time you feel stuck in your creative routine, remember: there's a whole world of mediums out there, waiting for you to discover. By exploring new mediums, you can keep your creativity flowing and make your creative routine more consistent—and more fun!

Create Without Expectation

Establishing a consistent creative routine is not always about producing a masterpiece. Sometimes, the best way to keep your creative juices flowing is to create without any expectations. Here's why:

  • It boosts your confidence: When you're not worried about the final product, you tend to be more daring and confident in your creative decisions. This can lead to surprising discoveries and break-throughs.
  • It relieves pressure: The pressure to create something perfect can be crippling. By letting go of expectations, you can relieve this pressure and enjoy the process of creation more freely.
  • It promotes growth: Every piece you create, whether it's a masterpiece or not, contributes to your growth as an artist. And the more you grow, the more consistent your creative routine becomes.

So the next time you sit down to create, remember to leave your expectations at the door. Just focus on the act of creating, and let your creativity take you wherever it wants to go. This attitude can make your creative routine more enjoyable, more productive, and more consistent. So go ahead, create without expectation, and watch your creativity flourish.

Practice Mindfulness

When you aim to establish a consistent creative routine, it's beneficial to incorporate mindfulness into your practice. What is mindfulness, you ask? It's simply the act of focusing your attention on the present moment. Here are some ways it can enhance your creative process:

  • Improves focus: Mindfulness helps you concentrate on the task at hand, enabling you to engage deeply with your work. This focus can lead to higher quality creations.
  • Reduces stress: Mindfulness is a known stress-buster. Lower stress levels can help you approach your creative work with a calm, clear mind, making the process more enjoyable.
  • Increases self-awareness: Practicing mindfulness can increase your self-awareness, helping you understand what inspires you, what blocks you, and what helps you thrive creatively.

So how do you practice mindfulness? It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before you start creating, or as involved as a daily meditation routine. The key is to find a method that works for you and stick with it. With mindfulness as part of your creative routine, you can create more consistently, effectively, and joyfully. So why not give it a try?

Set Realistic Goals

As you establish a consistent creative routine, setting realistic goals is fundamental. These aren't just any goals—they're specific, achievable targets that align with your creative ambitions. Let's see why this matters:

  • Offers direction: Goals provide a clear path forward. Whether you're writing a novel or painting a mural, having a goal gives you a fixed point to aim for.
  • Boosts motivation: Achieving small, realistic goals can give you the confidence and motivation to tackle bigger creative challenges.
  • Measures progress: Goals serve as milestones. Each one you achieve is a sign that you're moving forward in your creative journey.

But how do you set realistic goals? Start small. If you're a writer, don't aim to complete a novel in a week—that's a surefire way to burn out. Instead, set a goal to write a page a day. It's important to be flexible with your goals, too. If you're struggling to meet them, that's okay. Adjust them as needed. Remember, the point isn't to race to the finish line—it's to enjoy the creative process and grow along the way. So, aim for progress, not perfection.

Take Breaks

Believe it or not, taking breaks is a vital part of establishing a consistent creative routine. It might sound counterintuitive—after all, shouldn't you be creating as much as possible?

Here's the thing: creativity isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. And like any long-distance runner will tell you, pacing is key. That's where breaks come in. They're a chance for you to step back, recharge and return to your work with fresh eyes and renewed energy.

  • Refreshes your perspective: Ever find yourself stuck in a creative rut? Taking a break can offer a fresh perspective and spark new ideas.
  • Prevents burnout: Intense, non-stop creative work can lead to stress and burnout. Regular breaks help keep your mind sharp and your creativity flowing.
  • Boosts productivity: Studies show that taking short breaks can actually improve productivity and creativity. So, paradoxically, you might achieve more by doing less!

So, what should you do during these breaks? It could be anything that helps you relax and recharge—take a walk, read a book, meditate or simply daydream. The important thing is to give your brain a chance to rest and refresh. So, as you establish a consistent creative routine, remember: breaks aren't just allowed, they're encouraged!

Stay Curious

Curiosity might have been troublesome for the cat, but it's a goldmine for creatives. Nurturing curiosity is a fantastic way to establish a consistent creative routine. Why? Because when you're curious, you're eager to explore, learn and grow—and that's fuel for creativity.

Think about a child's curiosity: they're constantly asking questions, discovering new things, and imagining possibilities. As we grow older, we often lose that sense of wonder. But the good news is that curiosity can be rekindled. Here's how:

  • Ask questions: Get into the habit of asking "why?" and "what if?". These questions open up new pathways in your mind and spur creative thinking.
  • Seek out new experiences: Try a new hobby, meet different people, or visit unfamiliar places. New experiences broaden your perspective and stimulate your creative muscles.
  • Learn continuously: Keep learning, whether it's about your craft, a completely different field, or even just random trivia. Each bit of knowledge you gain can be a seed for a new creative idea.

Remember, creativity thrives on curiosity. So, as you establish a consistent creative routine, let your curiosity roam free. It might lead you to unexpected places, but that's where the magic happens. So, stay curious, my friends!

If you're looking to further develop your creative routine and discover new techniques, don't miss the workshop titled 'How To Deal: Cultivating Inspiration & Creativity' by Grace Miceli. In this workshop, you'll learn valuable tips and strategies to help you maintain a consistent creative routine and unlock your true creative potential.