A List of the BEST Productivity Hacks For Creative Professionals

Creative professionals often have demanding schedules and a lot of responsibilities which is why a list of go-to productivity hacks is essential.

Here are some productivity hacks that can help creatives manage their time effectively and stay organized:

1. Prioritize Tasks

Use a task management system or to-do list to prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Focus on high-priority tasks that align with your needs and goals. For example, if your priority is to make money from being creative focus on the activities that get you PAID.

2. Time Blocking

This is on of my favorite productivity hacks. Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks, such as gallery meetings, research, creating your art, and daily maintnence work etc. This helps you stay focused and prevents tasks from overlapping.

The suggested length is about 1 – 2 hours maximum. Take a short 5 minute break and then get back at it.

At the end of the 2 hours, do something completely different for at least 20 minutes before going back to another 1-2 hour time block.

3. Use Time Saving Technology

Utilize daily planning software, CRM systems, and other technology tools that can automate and streamline processes like portfolio management, prospect communication, and photo storage.

4. Task Batching

Group similar tasks together and complete them in batches.

For example, schedule specific times for returning calls, answering emails, or updating art goals.

5. Delegate, Automate And Outsource Whenever Possible:

Delegate tasks that don’t require your direct involvement, such as administrative tasks or data entry, to support staff. This allows you to focus on more creative activities.

Necessary online business marketing tasks such as content or social media marketing can be outsourced or automated to a certain extent.

Ultimately, tasks that need to be done that are repetitive can and should be delegated to support staff. This productivity hack requires that you concentrate on the ‘revenue producing’ activities that you must do yourself.

6. Set Realistic Goals

Set achievable daily, weekly, and monthly goals for tasks and art completions. This can help you track your progress and maintain a sense of accomplishment.

Many busy creative professional have routines like this where they will spend part of their morning or evening planning for the current or next day. Some swear by their ability to produce and perform based on this simple but effective goal setting exercise.

7. Limit Multitasking

This is a tough productivity hack. While it might seem efficient, multitasking can actually reduce overall productivity and quality of work. Focus on one task at a time to ensure better concentration and attention to detail.

I’ve found that multitasking is highly dependent upon the actual activities you are engaging in and how much attention they each need.

For example, putting in a load of laundry while listening to the radio and having a conversation about the weather with your neighbor is doable. This is manageable multitasking because none of these tasks need a tremendous amount of attention to get accomplished. Unless the neighbor really has a doozy of a story to tell. 🙂

8. Client Segmentation:

Divide your client base into segments based on their customization needs, whether they are a gallery or marketplace, and other preferences. This helps you focus your creativity on what the end goal is. Which is making great art/writing more effectively while still getting paid.

9. Automate Routine Tasks:

Look for opportunities to automate repetitive tasks, such as sending regular emails to clients or organizing photos. This productivity hack frees up your time for more value-added activities.

10. Regular Review and Planning:

Dedicate time each week to review your progress, assess your goals, and adjust your strategies as needed. Planning ahead can help you stay ahead of potential issues and identify growth opportunities.

11. Continuous Learning:

Stay updated on industry art trends, and what buyers are looking for. This productivity hack will help you create better art, write better stories, create better music etc.

12. Healthy Work-Life Balance:

This may sound like its one of those unnecessary productivity hacks. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining productivity. Make time for exercise, relaxation, and spending quality time with family and friends. Life is after all, staying in balance.

13. Simplify Communications:

Create standardized templates for emails to your subscribers, art inventory or writing and product catalogue and pictures to save time and ensure consistency in your communication. When you do this your work starts to look like a cohesive brand. It really helps to build trust – even if it stays in the subconscious mind.

14. Limit Email and Communication:

Set specific times for checking and responding to emails and messages. Constantly checking your inbox can be a major time drain.

Internet activities in general can be a huge time waster and productivity block. Leave the internet alone until you’re on your free time… not work time.