In my last post, I discussed how being an illustrator with kids is hectic. Heck, being anyone with kids is hectic. But we illustrators come with our own set of issues such as looming deadlines, no "real" weekend and being alone in our studios with just Facebook to keep us company.
In my previous post I promised some methods for how I try to keep it together and make the most out of my sometimes short working periods. So, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve employed:
1. Warm up drawingsWe all learned in art school that warm-up sketching is important. I learned that too. But somewhere along the line, I totally forgot about how important it really is. Up until very recently, my mindset was, "I don’t have much time, I just have to sit down and dig into this deadline." So I would just sit and start working on my assignment. Sometimes though, my lines just felt wonky and the drawing didn’t turn out right. Then it would be time to pick up my son from school and I would leave, frustrated and waiting for the next chunk of work time so I could fix what I previously attempted to draw.
But recently, I decided that every single time I sat down to work, I would spend at least 15 minutes warming up. Doodling, sketching and hopefully, getting the "uglies" out up front. It has actually really been helping. Fifteen minutes of getting my muscle memory going and my hand-eye coordination ready really has saved me time in the long run because I’m not wasting time futzing on bad drawings. My post warm-up drawings are more relaxed and flow much easier. See?
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| Before warming up… |
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| A warm up… |
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| After warming up… |
2. Neatly organize working files90% of the time these days, I work digitally using many layers (oh how I miss my oil paint though). A habit which I’ve really found super helpful is to make sure I clearly label my Photoshop layers AS I CREATE THEM. Also, I make sure I create and label groups of files as I go. It saves a lot of time both as I’m working and when it’s time to send the files off to the client. Clicking through 20 unnamed layers to find that little thing I need to adjust the color of is a total waste of time. Now, with my specifically-named layers, I can go straight to the item I need without much fuss.
Also, when a client comes back and tells me they need a revision, having labeled layers and groups of layers makes it quicker for me when I have to revisit a file days later to make corrections.
Another thing that correctly labeling your layers does for me is shorten the time it takes to get my files ready for delivery to the client. In the past, I have spent hours the night before a project is due labeling and grouping layers so it was clear for the client. I finally figured out I could save so much more time if I do the labeling as I go.
3. Tune outWe all know that social media is the like the office water cooler for us illustrators. Because illustration is often a very solitary activity, things like Facebook and Twitter keeps us looped in with fellow illustrating friends. However, when it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty, to really hit that deadline, social media can really provide too much of a distraction. It can become a means to procrastination and really get in the way of getting work done. DUH! We all know this, it’s nothing new.
But, did you know there are apps that exist which will keep you off the internet for a predetermined amount of time? I mean they REALLY keep you off the internet? Like in a kind of scary (but good way)? I’ve used one of these apps before, called Self Control and it’s pretty amazing. Obviously, it’s not going to keep you off your iPad or phone, but it does it’ job for keeping you from trolling around on your computer when you’re supposed to be WORKING. There’s another one you can try called Freedom that is pretty popular too.
Another way I tune out and keep the distractions away from my workspace is to either shut down my email application or change the settings so new email only comes in every hour or so. Also–turn off the distracting "you’ve got mail" sound in your email preferences so you’re not tempted to check to see if that three-book deal came through.
So, these are a few things I’ve employed which really help me to streamline work and get it done in those small chunks of time I have. I know it sounds like doing simple things such as layering your files aren’t important, but time spent doing these things as you go really shave off wasted time down the road.
I’d love to hear what your time-saving tips and tricks are! What do you do to make the most of your precious work time?
