FIVE TIPS TO BUILD MOMENTUM
My work table where I work on my sketchbook projects. The clamps keep the paper from buckling as it gets wet with layers of paint.
“A great free joy surges through me when I work.”
Clifford Still, Artist, 1904-1980
Five Tips To Build Momentum
I talk a lot about how important it is for an artist to gain and build momentum with respect to their creative quality and productivity. I am much more productive and I create much better work when I am on a roll, with momentum at my back.
Here are five tips to help you build your own momentum:
1. INTENTION
Intention opens the door to momentum. You have to do more than just “want” to create or have an “interest” in creating today. You have to declare your intention to create. What are you going to do today? “Today, I am going to continue to work on what I started last week and I am also going to start a new painting. By the end of the day, I intend to have two paintings in progress.”
2. EXPERIENCE
Simply put, the more work you make, the better you get, the more fun you have, and the more work you want to create.
3. LEARNING
Always be learning. Always be on a quest for knowledge. One of the things that I love about being an artist is that I am on a life-long journey to learn. The more you learn about your craft, the more you want to learn.
4. MAKING DECISIONS
Everything we do as artists involves decision making. Making choices. Choosing subject, idea, style, materials, techniques, size, surface, colors, brushes, tools, etc. And once we are actually working, every brush stroke or pencil mark you make is a choice that you get to make. Every decision leads to another.
5. COMPLETION
Every time you complete a painting or drawing you build momentum. It is so important to complete things. Completion builds confidence. When I complete a painting, I want to see what I can do with the next piece. And the next one. It helps to have 2 or 3 pieces going at once. When you finish one, you can keep the momentum going by jumping over to the next piece already in progress. This way you are not always starting on a blank canvas. When you finish a piece, start another one and get it in the rotation.
Building momentum is so important because it helps move you along your path more and more effectively, efficiently, and energetically. Momentum can carry you forward even when you are confused about where to go or how to get there. Momentum also makes it easier to fight off distractions and procrastination.
Learn how Barb Skoog, marbler, artist and writer, built momentum during my recent ELEVATE: Artist Mentorship Program (San Luis Obispo). We'll announce the ELEVATE: Los Angeles dates later this week. If you don't want to wait until then, hit reply and we'll send the details now.
Best,
David
