Working From Home: Tips From Artists

Rozalind MacPhail, musician, film composer and music educator is happy at her home workspace.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have had to adjust to a new way of life and for many of us, that includes a new way of working. Remote work is not a new concept but during this time of social distancing, it is one that has picked up a lot of steam. For many, kitchen tables, bedrooms and other areas have been transformed into home offices. And while working from home has its advantages, there are many challenges that come with it as well (especially for those who have children or other members of the household who require care).

For many freelancers and members of the arts community, some of whom work from home regularly and have multiple gigs going at once, this way of working is nothing new. So when we put a call out asking them for their best pieces of advice, they delivered.

Of course, everyone’s situation is unique and working from home during a pandemic is not the same as working from home when it's “business as usual.” But if you’ve been having a hard time transitioning, hopefully these tips will help.

"Having a schedule is key. Plan your list of tasks you want to accomplish the night before and set your alarm early to start your day early. A meditation or yoga practice before you sit at your desk will help you feel focused and in the right headspace. One tiny task at a time. Drink lots of water and have healthy snacks prepared. Getting dressed for success works well. Make sure to go outside for a walk around the block every few hours and decide when you are ending your work for the day so that you can celebrate a job well done!” -Rozalind MacPhail

“Sometimes, when you’re a writer, you don’t realize how much work you’re actually doing with writing and editing everyday, so I always need to take walks…and also make time to read. If you write, you need to read. It’s part of the work, but also a bit of a break.” -Kim Fahner

"Have a routine, a schedule and follow them. It’s also important to have small breaks during the work.” -Ana Luísa Ramos

"Make lists. Focus and work hard during your most creative/productive hours. Take breaks, take walks, get fresh air. Create your own boundaries and then stick to them. Be grateful for the blessings that come with working from home (ex: seeing your pet all day or hugging your kids).” -Sara Rostotski

“Turn off your phone.” -Pete Soucy

Artist Janet Peter, who specializes in paper mache, print-making and fibre art, shares a photo of one of her at-home workspaces.

"Try to build structure into your day and stick to it.” -Janet Peter

"Wear inside sneakers or hard bottom slippers. Tricks your brain into thinking you're going somewhere and helps (keep) you motivated.” -Jasmine P

"Every hour of work in the morning is as productive as two in the afternoon. Imagine while walking to execute while sitting.” -Edward Riche

"Dress for work. Keep a separate space for work if you can. Don't try to multitask - just keep to one thing at a time, without stopping to do the laundry or cook supper, even though it might seem like a good idea!” -Norton's Cove Studio & Café

"Get up at the same time every day. Sensibly early. Don’t check social media until you’ve done your creative/imaginative/future-building work first, do admin stuff later. If you get up early enough you can do your fav work before anyone else places demands on your time.” -Maggie Burton

"Get up when you can. Work when you can. Stay clean. Stay calm. Eat nutritious food. Connect with friends and family. Redefine productivity.” -Lorri Neilsen Glenn

"Create and live by a schedule. It is amazing how much more productive you'll be if you create some time constraints. But forgive yourself if you aren't as productive from time to time.” -MachineCore

"Try to have a routine and a clear schedule of the things you have to do. Prioritize.” -Eric Taylor

Have any other helpful working from home tips to share? Tweet them to us @BizArtsNL