Consistency is one of the most important things when it comes to practice. Consistency is what helps you grow your craft, and push your creative boundaries. And stay aligned with your artistic purpose.
But, life isn’t always the same, sometimes you might get busy, your inspiration can run dry. And the discipline to return to your practice daily can sometimes feel like a mountain to climb. So, how to be consistent? How to maintain a consistent studio practice?
Here’s a comprehensive guide for you. In this blog, we discussed 12 differences that will help you to help you build, maintain, and enjoy a sustainable studio routine. Something that fuels your passion instead of draining it.
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1. Define Your “WHY”:
Before anything you do, question yourself- why do you want or are thinking of a studio practice session? Do you believe a studio practice session will improve your skills, and help you get prepared for a show? Or do you just want to get relieved from some stress, or you are thinking of pursuing a career in the arts?
People often think of going for a studio practice session because of either of these things. What is your WHY to start a studio practice session? If you know what drives you to studio practice, you will have motivation, and a purpose to practice and do your best. When your motivation kicks in, you will have a WHY to anchor you back to your goals.
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2. Set realistic and flexible goals:
You should not set some really impossible-to-crack goals and cry later just because you could not achieve them. This will not just demotivate you but also depress you about your failure. Instead make goals for short-term, and long-term, something that is realistic, and that you can achieve in the specified time.
For instance, you can commit to two to three hours of studio practice a day, or spend more time, whatever feels achievable to you. Leave some space for flexibility, sometimes life has some other plans, and that is okay.
3. Create a Dedicated Place:
Sometimes all you need is a space solely for your artwork. This not only provides you with a purpose to focus but also keeps you motivated throughout. Does not matter how big of a space you dedicate to your artwork or your studio practice. All that matters is a space that is well-organized and inviting.
To keep yourself engaged in your studio practice, you need to fill the space with all that encourages you, and inspires you. It can be anything from mood boards, previous work, natural light, and plants, to even a comfy chair for thinking breaks.
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4. Design a Routine That Works For You:
Everyone has their own routine that they can stick to, you need to define yours. A routine that will work just fine for you. There are some people who can work really well at night- the night owls, however. Some need to be in bed by 11 pm,- they thrive in the mornings.
Make sure you understand yourself, when your creativity is at its peak, and plan your studio practice session accordingly.
You can start by building a ritual for your practice session. For instance, you can start your session with a sip of coffee, or tea to freshen up, followed by a five minute meditation. Or a specific playlist, routine rituals prepare your mind for flow.
5. Track Your Progress:
For a better experience of your studio routine sessions, an important thing that you can do is maintain a log book. A logbook helps in maintaining your momentum. The logbook helps you get insights into your patterns, breakthroughs, and areas that are in need of improvement.
You can maintain a log book in any way, it can be a simple notebook or a digital space to write and track your experience. You can celebrate your small wins like- “completed a new piece”, or “experimented using a new technique”.
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6. Limit Your Distraction:
You need to limit your screen time. It includes your phone, emails, social media, and also everything that can distract you from your goal. When you are in the studio for your practice session, make sure you have turned on “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone. You need to set clear boundaries with your family, roommates, and your friends about your studio time.
The less distraction you will have with yourself, the better and deeper you can focus on your practice session, and perhaps your goal.
7. Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection:
Remember you can’t and you do not have to produce a beautiful masterpiece every time you show up for your studio practice. You just need to be consistent with your practice, the act of showing up itself is a success.
The more you practice in the studio, the better you get with what you do and produce. If you can’t make something on the first or second try, don’t get sad. If you have consistency, I am sure you will produce something great shortly.
The saying goes like this- The more you get used to sitting with discomfort or creative blocks, the more resilient you become.
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8. Mix It Up When Boredom Hits:
If you ever find yourself being demotivated, bored of practicing, or uninspired, all you need is a refreshment in your routine. You can find inspiration from a lot of things around you. You can try a different medium, attend a workshop, take an online class, or collaborate with someone.
Sometimes, a fresh breeze can ignite the spark of creativity in you. Music studios in Atlanta, Georgia often hold open sessions or workshops that can provide exactly this kind of fresh perspective for artists.
9. Schedule Studio Time Like An Appointment:
Your studio time should be all yours and is quite important in order to reach your goal. So, prioritize the studio timings. You can and should add the studio practice timings to your calendar, and stick to it as if it is your doctor’s appointment.
Never wait for the perfect timing, perfect timing is a myth. If you wait for the “ perfect time” to come, you may end up never starting the journey. Make the studio practice timing a regular part of your day or week, whichever suits your routine.
10. Build A Support System:
Not everyone will understand your journey, and that’s ok. But if you stick with people like that, you might start to question your ability and decisions at times. So, stick with creative fellows like you who understand your journey. This will fuel your inspiration, and keep you motivated.
You can start by joining local or online communities where you can share your work, ask for feedback, and stay motivated. Furthermore, accountability partners can also help keep you on track.
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11. Document Your Work:
One of the easiest ways to track your progress is to record your process. So, take photos, make videos, or write reflections about your practice. This will not just help you track your journey from scratch, but will also help you build your very own portfolio.
Moreover, if you look at your previous videos where you were initially starting, it will give you immense motivation to keep going.
12. Allow Room For Rest And Play:
Burnout is a real thing. You need rest to keep going and practicing. So, take small breaks, watch movies, read books, take nature walks, or do nothing at all.
Creativity kicks in when you are relaxed and free from all kinds of stress. Many of the best recording studios in Atlanta incorporate relaxation areas specifically for this purpose. Play and rest are just as essential as practice.
Conclusion:
Consistency does not mean you have to stick to it and become rigid. Consistency comes with showing up, again and again. In a way that builds the base for your practice sessions, and honors your energy, your goals, and your passion.
It is about saying yes to creativity all the time and staying with things that keep you motivated. In this blog, we discussed 12 differences that will help you to help you build, maintain, and enjoy a sustainable studio routine. Something that fuels your passion instead of draining it. Whether you’re working in your home space or at one of the many music studios in Atlanta, Georgia, these principles remain the same.