6 Time Management Tips for Creatives
-
Productivity Hacks That Work
Struggling to balance creativity and productivity? Feeling like there are never enough hours in the day? As an artist, illustrator, or designer, time management can feel like an impossible challenge. Between brainstorming new ideas, working on projects, and handling business tasks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the good news? With the right strategies, you can get more done—without burning out. In this post, we’re diving into 6 proven time management tips and strategies to help you work smarter, stay productive, and still have time for creative flow.
1. The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)
Ever feel like you’re working non-stop but not making progress? That’s where the Pareto Principle comes in.
This rule states that 80% of results come from 20% of your efforts. In other words, not everything on your to-do list is equally important. The key is to identify the tasks that create the biggest impact and focus on those.
How to use it:
- List all your tasks for the day.
- Identify the top 20% of tasks that will bring the most results.
- Prioritize those tasks and minimize time spent on the rest.
Example: Instead of replying to every email immediately, focus on finishing a client project that brings in income.
2. The Pomodoro Technique
If you struggle with distractions or procrastination, the Pomodoro Technique can help.
This method breaks work into 25-minute focus sessions (called Pomodoros), followed by a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer 15-30 minute break.
Why it works:
- Keeps your brain fresh and prevents burnout.
- Helps you stay focused by working in short, productive bursts.
- Makes daunting tasks feel more manageable.
Tip: Use a timer or an app like Forest or Pomodone to track your sessions.
3. Time Blocking
Ever finish a day wondering where the time went? Time blocking helps you take control of your schedule by assigning specific time slots to different tasks.
Instead of working reactively, you plan when to work on creative projects, emails, admin tasks, and breaks—so you don’t waste time switching between them.
How to use it:
- Set up blocks for your most important tasks (e.g., “Creative Work” from 9-11 AM, “Emails” from 11-11:30 AM).
- Batch similar tasks together to reduce mental fatigue.
- Protect your deep work time by turning off notifications.
Bonus Tip: Google Calendar is great for time blocking!
4. The 2-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately.
This prevents small tasks (like replying to an email or saving a file) from piling up and eating into your focus time.
Why it’s effective:
- Clears small distractions so you can focus on bigger tasks.
- Stops procrastination in its tracks.
- Keeps your workspace and to-do list clutter-free.
Example: Instead of putting off organizing your files, take two minutes to clean up your desktop now.
5. The Ivy Lee Method
This simple yet powerful method has been used by some of the most successful people in history.
Here’s how it works:
- At the end of each day, list the six most important tasks for the next day. (I think, it’s totally fine if you only list one or three, depending on the scope of the task!)
- Rank them in order of priority.
- The next day, start with Task #1 and only move on once it’s done.
By focusing on one task at a time, you’ll get more done with less stress.
Pro Tip: Stick to just a few tasks—too many and you’ll feel overwhelmed.
6. The Eat the Frog Method
If you had to eat a frog first thing in the morning, everything else in your day would seem easier.
That’s the idea behind the Eat the Frog Method—tackling your hardest or most important task first.
Why it works:
- Avoids procrastination.
- Builds momentum for the rest of your day.
- Gives you a sense of accomplishment early on.
Example: If you’re dreading outlining a new project, tackle it first thing in the morning so you don’t spend all day avoiding it.
Start Simple & Experiment
You don’t have to use all these techniques at once. Start with one or two that feel the most natural and experiment with what works best for you.
Remember:
✔ Some methods will fit your workflow better than others.
✔ The goal isn’t to be busier, but to work smarter.
✔ Consistency matters more than perfection.
Recommended Reading
Want to dive deeper into time management strategies? Check out Kevin Kruse’s book, 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management.
This book shares powerful insights from highly productive people—including billionaires, Olympians, and entrepreneurs—on how they manage their time effectively.
Final Thoughts
Time management isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or creative entrepreneur, using these techniques will help you:
- Get more done in less time
- Reduce stress and overwhelm
- Make space for creativity and passion projects
Which time management tip will you try first? Comment on Instagram or share your favorite productivity hack in our Private Facebook Group!
