The Artistic Life: Unplugging From The Big D….

by Cari Cole

With so much hype about marketing, social media and promotion, it seems that the focus on being an artist and the artistic life has taken a back seat. The biggest problem is that artists who should be focusing on their art, are spending endless hours plugged into the antithesis of creating = social media and surfing the web.

It’s one of our biggest addictions = Distraction. And it steals our greatest work right out from under us.

Let’s face it, those 10 minutes you planned to post on social media to keep up appearances, and connect with your fans, easily turns into an hour left unsupervised. I know, I’m guilty of it too.

Here’s a few ways to unplug and spark your creativity…

1. Be Militant About Your Time On Social Media

Nothing steals your time or your creative juice more than internet surfing. Admittedly a quick post often leads to 10, 15, 20 min of clicking and surfing as I discover new and interesting content to read and watch. It’s certainly innocent enough, but is it what you want? Are you driven to the beautiful distraction of it as I am sometimes? But truly, is it an addiction? Might be.

For one week, every time you go on the web set the stopwatch on your smartphone. How much time really went by? Then get militant. Set a timer for 10 minutes, and when it rings – times UP. I recommend 10 min 3x a day to keep a strong presence online but that’s IT.

2. Say No to Distraction

Distraction comes in many forms and guises. And hey, sometimes we need it. Save it for the weekend. During the week, say no to anything that takes you away from your life’s work. That means, no to going out with friends, parties, even interviews or opportunities to promote if they take you away from your mission. The only way to create something great requires that extra time and energy to dive in deeper.

3. Plan Creative Days

Plan creative days when you unplug from the computer, TV, texting, media of any kind. Think of it like fasting from technology to cleanse your nervous system, your mind and spirit. In order to tap that deeper river of creativity, you need to untap, unplug, decompress and become sensitive to observations, intuition and the messages begging to be born.

I hope it helps you create your masterpiece. Your artist self will thank you.

And if you’re looking to dive more deeply into your artistry and music — bolster your creativity and craft with our 70% off Back to School Blowout Sale (sale starts at 6am on Sept 3rd and ends Sept 13th, 2014).

Post ways you unplug in the comments below! You know I love to hear from you!