At the end of 2019, I happened upon a new book by world-renown photographer, author, and CreativeLive founder, Chase Jarvis. The book is called Creative Calling: Establish a Daily Practice, Infuse Your World with Meaning, and Succeed in Work + Life. That title is a good understanding of the content of the book. These are a few notes from my reading.
There is no one correct way to develop a creative schedule because each person is unique and each creative medium makes it’s own demand. When you are establishing a schedule, there are several factors to keep in mind:
- Set a Cadence – Try to create every day, even if it only in small amounts. It doesn’t have to be in your primary medium either. Think about the daily creative practice like exercise or meditation: it’s nourishing and necessary. Also, regular work sessions to practice your craft. “Inspiration usually visits while we’re working.” As a result, set a schedule of full creative sessions and stick to it. Finally, start small. “A routine that isn’t sustainable isn’t a routine; it’s useless.”
- Batch Similar Tasks – Set aside a specific time of the day for processing specific types of tasks. For instance in one position I was in, I realized the best time for me to work was in the morning and I set up my day to work in the morning and respond to emails, return calls, etc, after lunch. This keeps you focused on your creative tasks.
- Work when you’re most effective – As a I noted above, I have found that my best work comes in the morning, and sometimes late in the evening after everyone has going to bed.
