SEVEN TIPS ABOUT WORKING FROM HOME.
Jobs that some studios told us before that's impossible to be done remotely is actually now possible to be done remotely. Truly different times. And for a bunch of artists, this is a jarring call for a different normal. I have been working remotely from my studio at home for the past 9 years. All these years, I've done production design for an independent animated film, art directed videos, tons of visual development for major animation and game studios, lots of illustrations, self published and sold my books, did workshops, teachings and mentorship. All done offsite without sacrificing the other facets of my life.
If I may, I would like to share with you all some tips that worked for me to keep myself balanced, inspired, and sane while working from home:
1. TIME MANAGEMENT. Creating and applying a reasonable daily, weekly, and monthly schedule is the key for sanity in daily expectations. I put all my schedule in the family calendar for everyone to see and for everyone do the same as well. The more everyone is aware and involved organically in what we all do, work moves much smoother and relationships gets built much stronger for me.
2. PRIORITIES AND BOUNDARIES. Setting priorities right and guarding these boundaries are foundational. NO STUDIO IS WORTH DYING FOR. No studio nor titles, accolades, and credits is worth sacrificing my life, health, and relationships for! I give the studios what is due them, which is nothing but my very best, for the 8-10 hours a day I'm paid for. But I make sure I still have enough bandwidth for my family, friends, and for myself. No studio or meetings important enough for me to miss any recital or family and close friends events at all. Three decades of working in the industry taught me the reality that at the end of the day, we're all just numbers. Everyone can be laid off and we're all expendables. And when the smoke clears, its my family and friends who are standing beside me and not the company. So guard your time with your love ones. The old adage is so true, "A happy wife is a happy life."
3. DISCIPLINE. This is the key for 1 and 2 to happen. And discipline is tough to attain without sacrifice. Sacrifice means something (or someone) has to die! Its a constant, intentional act of my will that it's not always what I want to do but what I need to do.
4. DEADLINES. I am very legalistic with my work deadlines. I make sure I meet all expectations of the studios. An artist will have a problem with deadlines when 1-3 are not secured.
5. COMMUNICATION. I make it a point that I am in constant communication (slack, video conference, text, phone, etc) with the creative leadership and coordinators I'm working with as if I'm with them in real time.
Trust = Communication + Quality of Work + Deadline
6. NOT TO DO LIST. Very often when I get my marching orders from work, I make a To Do list for a period of time to get the work and other priorities done on time. But I learned that to be more successful in following through on my to do list, I have to generate a not-to-do list. For a time now I'm enjoying not to reply emails on weekends, not to answer all messages, not accept all invitations, cut down on my video game time, etc.
7. REST (PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY). Its okay to rest. I read books that inspire me, interact a lot with my family, or work on my own projects. Have fun and have a life. Eat right. Exercise (But of course Im taking a break from going to the gym for now). It is as simple for me as following the breathing and standing prompts from my watch. Taking regular short breaks during my work day go a long way. I bought a work table from Costco that can be raised high and low. So now I work standing up half of the day and felt my blood flows freely. I read my Bible and pray. Have quick lunch with someone. Stress comes naturally with our work. And now for some, working from home is a totally different scenario where other factors at home could add more stress. That’s why we have to be in control and not let stress control us. When we allow stress to overtake us, it can easily extinguish the passion, creativity and the fun in what we do (and eventually could kill us). So I try my best on a daily basis to stick to these plans in order to keep myself on top of my game and at the same time, keep my physical, mental and spiritual health intact.
Having shared all these doesn't mean I know it all. I'm also on a journey like most of you. It just so happen that I have a bit of a head start. Happy Friday!
janainaart
areudirty
origamiaround
gummygunk
prguitarman
germansingergirl
blakekathryn
snowghoul
jacobvanloon
theartofmadeline