How I Make Time for Everything as a Full-Time Artist, Freelancer, and Solo Business Owner

November is here, a month I used to dislike. The dark, foggy days and colder weather didn’t inspire me. But over time, I’ve learned how to embrace this season and make the most of it. One key shift I made? My “New Year” doesn’t start on January 1, it starts on October 1.

Why October? As a full-time artist, freelancer, and solo business owner, resetting in the middle of winter just doesn’t work for me. I need to recalibrate after summer ends; otherwise, I find myself stuck in nostalgia for warm days, drifting through memories, and struggling to refocus. By making October my reset point, I can dive into the final quarter of the year with clarity and purpose.

For me, these last three months are the perfect opportunity to revisit my goals, tackle unfinished projects, and make meaningful progress, especially since the sun isn’t constantly tempting me outside.

The Secret to My Productivity: Time Blocking

To manage my time effectively, I use a technique called time blocking. It’s been a game changer for staying consistent and avoiding burnout while balancing client work, creative projects, and my health.

Here’s how I structure my day:

Morning: The Power Hours

I wake up between 6:30 and 7:00 AM, make a coffee, and dive straight into work. My focus is sharpest in the morning, so I dedicate these hours to client work, tasks that demand the most attention and energy. I work uninterrupted for four hours, wrapping up around 11:30 AM.

Midday Break: Reset and Recharge

After my morning session, I take a 2.5-hour break. This time includes physical activity like a gym session or a run, followed by a shower and brunch. Moving my body is essential, sitting for hours on end can wreak havoc on my back (more on that later). This break helps me reset, so I can approach the second half of my workday with renewed energy.

Afternoon: Creative Flow and Business Tasks

At 2:00 PM, I’m back at my desk. I start with marketing, updating my website and shop, and managing social media. Then, I shift to creating non-commissioned artwork, the part of my day I enjoy most. Even if I’m tired, this work energizes me and brings me joy. I wrap up this session by 6:00 PM.

Evening: Wrap-Up and Wind-Down

After dinner, I sometimes return to my studio to work on personal projects for another two hours. By 10:00 PM, I officially call it a day, unwind, and prepare for bed.

Why This Routine Works for Me

This structure helps me avoid the inefficiency of working for 8+ hours straight. In the past, I’d try to power through client work all day, but my focus would drop after four hours, and I’d burn out. Worse, I once pushed myself so hard that I developed a herniated disc from sitting for 10+ hours a day. That was a wake-up call to prioritize balance and my health.

Breaking my workday into two focused sessions allows me to give 100% to every aspect of my work, from client projects to personal creations, while maintaining my well-being.

Tools I Use to Stay Organized

To make time blocking effective, I rely on a mix of digital and analog tools:

Combining these tools keeps me on top of everything I need to do to run my small business efficiently.

Find What Works for You

Of course, everyone is different. Working 8 hours straight might work for some, but I’ve found that breaking up my day into focused blocks is the key to staying productive and fulfilled.

If you’re juggling a full-time job or other commitments, you can adapt time blocking to fit your schedule. The main goal is to eliminate procrastination and ensure you tackle what matters most each day.

Final Thoughts

I hope this inspires you to rethink how you structure your time and make the most of these final months of the year. Whether you’re working toward personal goals or professional ones, having a plan can make all the difference.