Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

Working remotely doesn't have to feel like uncharted territory, especially for creatives. With a few strategic adjustments, you can navigate the work-from-home terrain with ease. This article will guide you through some of the best practices for remote creatives: navigating work-from-home, to ensure your productivity doesn't take a hit. Let's dive in!

Establish Your Working Space

Think of your workspace as the canvas where you bring your creative ideas to life. A well-organized workspace is like a well-prepared canvas — it sets the stage for your masterpiece. Here's how you can set up an ideal workspace at home.

Choose a Dedicated Space

First things first: You need a space solely dedicated to your work. It doesn't have to be a fancy home office; even a quiet corner of your living room can serve as a workspace. The key is to separate your work area from your relaxation zones. This division helps your brain associate the space with work, priming you for productivity each time you sit down to work.

Equip with Necessary Tools

Once you've chosen your workspace, it's time to equip it with the tools you need. For creatives, this might include a computer with the right software, a sketchpad and pens, or any other tools specific to your craft. Also, consider investing in a good-quality desk and an ergonomic chair. Your comfort matters as much as your tools do when it comes to productivity.

Create a Comfortable Environment

Last but not least, make your workspace comfortable and inviting. Good lighting is a must — natural light is best, but if that's not an option, ensure your workspace is well-lit to reduce strain on your eyes. Adding personal touches like a potted plant or a few family photos can also make the space more enjoyable to work in. Remember, a comfortable workspace is one where you'll want to spend time — and that's half the battle won in the art of staying productive while working from home.

By following these steps, you're well on your way to mastering one of the best practices for remote creatives: navigating work-from-home. Next, let's explore how setting daily goals can enhance your productivity.

Set Daily Goals

Setting daily goals helps you stay focused and productive. By breaking down your larger projects into manageable daily tasks, you can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Here's how you can make goal-setting work for you.

Identify Priorities

Start by identifying which tasks are most important. Prioritize them based on their deadlines and the amount of effort they require. This step is all about getting a clear picture of what needs to be done and when, so you can plan your workdays effectively.

Break Down Tasks

Once you have your priorities sorted, break down larger tasks into smaller ones. This makes them more manageable and less intimidating. For example, if you're a graphic designer working on a new logo, your smaller tasks might include sketching ideas, creating a digital draft, and refining the design. This approach makes your work seem less daunting and helps you stay motivated as you tick off tasks throughout the day.

Keep Track of Progress

Finally, keep track of your progress. Use a planner or a digital tool like Trello or Asana to record completed tasks. Not only does this give you a sense of accomplishment, but it also helps you identify any bottlenecks in your workflow. Plus, it's a great way to demonstrate your progress to your clients or team.

Effective goal-setting is another best practice for remote creatives navigating work-from-home. Next up, let's look at how managing your time effectively can make a world of difference to your productivity.

Manage Your Time Effectively

Time management can make or break your work-from-home experience. Good time management skills help you stay focused, meet deadlines, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Let's dive into some strategies to help you manage your time effectively as a remote creative.

Plan Your Schedule

Start by planning your schedule. This doesn't mean you have to stick to a rigid 9-to-5 routine — the beauty of remote work is that it allows for flexibility. Instead, create a schedule that works best for you. Are you a morning person? Schedule your most challenging tasks for the early hours. More of a night owl? That's fine, too. The key is to understand your peak productivity times and plan your work accordingly.

Avoid Distractions

Working from home presents a host of distractions: household chores, pets, TV, social media — the list goes on. One of the best practices for remote creatives: navigating work-from-home, is to minimize these distractions as much as possible. This could involve setting boundaries with family members, using apps that block distracting websites, or simply turning off your phone during work hours.

Take Regular Breaks

It may seem counterintuitive, but taking regular breaks can actually boost your productivity. Studies show that short breaks can refresh your mind, reduce stress, and help maintain a high level of performance throughout the day. So don't feel guilty about taking a coffee break or stepping outside for a quick walk — your work will thank you for it.

Now that we've covered time management, let's move on to another critical aspect of remote work — communication.

Communicate Clearly and Often

When it comes to remote work, clear and frequent communication is key. You're not in an office where you can pop by a colleague's desk to clarify a task or discuss a project. Instead, you're relying on technology to keep the lines of communication open. So, how do you make sure your messages are getting across loud and clear?

Use Reliable Communication Tools

First, you need the right tools. Email, video conferencing software, instant messaging apps — these are all vital for remote work. Choose reliable platforms that are easy for everyone in your team to use. And remember, not all communication needs to be via email. Sometimes, a quick call or video chat can save time and avoid misunderstandings.

Maintain Regular Contact

Next, make sure to maintain regular contact with your team. This isn't just about checking in on work — it's also about staying connected on a personal level. Regular virtual meetups, team chats, or even a virtual coffee break can go a long way in making remote work less isolating.

Provide Regular Updates

Finally, provide regular updates on your work. This doesn't mean you have to give a minute-by-minute account of your day. Instead, keep your team in the loop about your progress on tasks, any challenges you're facing, and when they can expect deliverables. This not only keeps everyone informed, but it also builds trust within the team.

Alright, we've covered communication. Let's move on to the final, but perhaps most important, section: maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Maintain Work-Life Balance

Remote work can blur the lines between your professional and personal life. Without the physical separation of an office, it's easy for work hours to stretch into personal time. So, how do you make sure you're not letting work take over your life?

Set Boundaries with Family or Roommates

First, it's important to set boundaries with your family or roommates. Let them know when you're working and when you're available for household activities or socializing. It might be helpful to use a visual sign — like a closed door or headphones — to signal when you're in work mode. This helps avoid interruptions and allows you to focus on your work.

Schedule Time for Exercise and Relaxation

Next, remember to schedule time for exercise and relaxation. It's easy to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks. But remember, taking care of your health — both physical and mental — is just as important as meeting deadlines. Make time for a quick workout, a walk around the block, or some meditation to keep stress levels in check.

Avoid Work Creep

Finally, be mindful of work creep. This is when work starts to invade your personal time. It's tempting to answer emails or finish up tasks after hours, but this can lead to burnout. Instead, try to keep a clear distinction between work hours and personal time. When your work day ends, truly switch off and focus on your life outside of work.

And there you have it — these are some of the best practices for remote creatives navigating work-from-home. Remember, it's all about creating a productive work environment, setting daily goals, managing your time effectively, communicating clearly, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It's not always easy, but with these strategies, you can make remote work work for you.

If you're interested in improving your remote work strategies as a creative, don't miss Grace Miceli's workshop, 'How to Deal: Navigating Digital Boundaries'. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to effectively navigate the digital world, set boundaries, and make the most of your remote work experience.