How to Build a Daily Art Practice (Even When Life Is Chaotic)
If you're anything like me, some days it’s a miracle if you remember to drink water, let alone make art.
Life gets messy.
People need you.
You get tired.
Or you sit down to paint and suddenly remember you urgently need to clean out the junk drawer.
The truth?
We don't need more discipline—we need a plan that actually fits the real life we're living.
Not the Pinterest-perfect version with a pristine studio and three uninterrupted hours of golden sunlight. (Although, yes please.)
Here’s what’s helped me (and the women I coach) build a daily art practice—without adding to the chaos.
1. Lower the Bar (Like… a Lot)
I used to think if I couldn’t do an hour of art, it wasn’t worth doing.
So I’d skip it.
Now? I celebrate five minutes with a pencil like I just painted the Sistine Chapel.
What matters most is showing up—even if it’s tiny.
One brushstroke.
A scribble.
Swatching colors.
Ten deep breaths in the studio.
Start small enough that your nervous system doesn’t stage a protest.
2. Pair It With Something You’re Already Doing
Habit-stacking is a thing. And it works.
Think:
After I make my coffee, I open my sketchbook.
After I check email (ugh), I do one color study.
After dinner, I lay out my paints for tomorrow.
Linking your art to something automatic gives it a foothold in your day.
No extra willpower required.
3. Create a Tiny, Non-Negotiable Ritual
Light a candle.
Turn on your favorite playlist.
Set a timer for 10 minutes.
Your brain loves a ritual.
It says, “Oh right—we’re doing that thing again.”
Mine is a tumbler of water, no shoes, and swearing off Instagram for 20 minutes.
Works like a charm. (Most days.)
4. Let It Be Ugly
Not every day is masterpiece day.
Some days are just “move the brush around and see what happens” days.
The sooner you let go of the idea that your art has to be good, the more you’ll actually make.
Ugly art is still art.
It’s still progress.
It’s still you showing up for your creative self—and she notices.
5. Track It (But Make It Fun)
A check mark on a calendar.
A sticky note that says “I did it!”
A sticker. (Yes, grown women can love stickers.)
Visual proof that you’re showing up for yourself adds momentum.
It’s a quiet little celebration—and we need more of those.
6. Ask This One Question at the End of the Day:
“Did I make room for art today?”
If the answer is yes, even a tiny yes—congratulations.
You’re an artist in practice.
If the answer is no, don’t spiral.
Don’t beat yourself up.
Just ask, “How can I make it easier tomorrow?”
In Case No One Told You
You don’t need to wait for life to settle down to make art.
You just need to start while life is still loud and imperfect and beautifully full of distractions.
You’re allowed to show up messy. Half-ready. Tired. Unsure.
Because your art doesn’t need perfect conditions.
It just needs you.
Want help making space for your art when it feels like the world is yelling your name?
I’ve got some tools, rituals, and ridiculous metaphors that might help.
Hit reply or leave a comment—I’d love to hear what helps you show up.
Thank you, I needed to read this. This gives me more inspiration to continue my art practice.♥️
Did you write this for me?🤣
Very helpful.