How Much Time Should I Be Taking On This?

While I work on art pieces or write books/copy/etc., I wouldn’t have previously said I get that engrossed in my tasks… that is, until I decided to look up at the clock one day and realized HOURS had passed. That is so scary to me. I DO NOT like losing or wasting time. EEK.

To me, time is one of the most important things ever. It dictates when and how and where and why I can do something. I also love schedules. And routine. Perhaps it’s because my mind and my personality are both a bit all over the place and bubbly… but anyways, structure for me is good! Honestly, I feel like I’m battling time a lot and that schedules can be hard to keep to, especially with illustrating and writing.

I mean, it’s gotta be a good thing when you don’t realize how much time has passed. What’s that saying… “Time flies when you’re having fun”? It’s so true. But, rarely do I GIVE myself time. I’m a rather harsh critic of myself and am shocked that I can’t finish some beautiful piece in under an hour. Or that I can’t get people interested in what I do in a day, or even a week. But taking my time or allowing things time to grow in a world of speediness is a bit nerve-wracking.

I think this whole notion of allowing myself time really hit me when I worked at an agency writing copy. It certainly wasn’t my first agency job or my first time as a copywriter, so I thought I was prepared for the rigor and speed typically associated with agency expectations. I was wrong. My boss came back to me and essentially told me that my work needed waaay too many corrections and that it was taking them a lot of extra time to fix my errors. They suggested I spend more time with what I was doing.

I was SHOCKED.

Firstly, I was shocked that my writing wasn’t adequate and felt horrible to have caused them extra work. Silly, because we all have room to grow.
Secondly, I was amazed that I was being given more time. Asked to use my time. To spend time… oh man, it was a crazy concept and I was blown away.
Thirdly, I didn’t realize that I actually needed permission to take my time. But, I did.

Permission to take my time… wow.

We live in a world of fast, go faster, do better faster, go, go, GO! It’s a pretty common theme and message. “30 days to a thinner you”, “Get your money faster!”, “We have the fastest service of all comparable companies!” You get my drift. But, to really do something meaningful and to really accomplish a task or a goal and do it right takes time.

Sometimes (almost always) it helps to have examples of what you mean. Here are just a few inspirational and real examples of how taking your time can lead to great success!

J.K. Rowling:

Image source: Link

It took her five years to plan and write out “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (Sorcerer’s Stone for us U.S. natives. :) ).

She originally wrote Hogwarts house names on an airplane sick bag (Lesson: Don’t let ideas fly away; use your available resources!).
She was a single mom to an infant while she wrote and used her baby’s nap time as writing time.
Rowling also wrote every evening she could manage.
Oops. Forgot to mention that she wrote from her own life experiences and books she’s read… you can’t really quantify that time!!!
She went through a love/hate relationship with her book. You’re not alone.

The Sagrada Família:

Image source: Link

This work of art is STILL in progress. This temple’s history goes back to 1866, where many began work on bringing this dream to life. A notable architect, Antoni Gaudí, took over the project in 1883 and inspired the design that continues to this day! It is estimated to be completed in 2026.

Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel:

Image source: Link

He spent four years to complete one of the most famous art pieces in the world; the Sistine Chapel ceiling and northern wall.
He didn’t even want to do it.
Michelangelo was extremely uncomfortable during the painting process and wrote a poem about the physical strain he endured.
He considered himself a sculptor, not a painter (see poem link above).

The Egyptians and the Pyramid of Giza:

Image source: Link

It’s estimated that this Wonder of the Ancient World took 20 years to make. No telling how many people actually worked on it!

So, all of that was to say really that time is important and so is what you make of it. But, time isn’t the only thing to keep in mind. There are a few lessons I’ve learned from history, research, experience, and some amazing people in my life (Bosses, parents, friends, and more!) that I’d like to share.

Here we go:

Be conscious of time. Take the time you need, but don’t obsess over things and take TOO much of it. Balance is important.
Use your resources wisely. If it’s a napkin and eyeliner you’ve got, use it!
Don’t wait for “the next opportunity”. If you feel that tugging on your heart, keep going. And if you’re like me, pray about it!
Keep going. Real life takes real work. If you want something, you’re going to have to work for it.
You need other people. No work is done totally alone. You will be inspired by others, encouraged by others, or may even work with others to accomplish your dream project.
Opinions matter. And they don’t. Anything you create is going to be critiqued. Anything you post to social media can be critiqued. Your career choice may even be critiqued. If you know it’s right for you to do it, then do it.
By trying something and taking a risk, you may discover that you really don’t like that thing you were so excited about, or you may find your life’s work.
(And now, for the answer you’ve been waiting for…) When it comes to your artistic work, there is not a “set time” in which you have to complete it (unless it’s detailed in your job description or contract) or a specific method you have to use to accomplish it. Everyone works at a different pace and does things differently. It doesn’t make one way better or worse. However, once you practice and practice and practice, you may just find that you’re getting faster at your task. :)

I hope that this was inspirational and helpful to you! There are times where we just need the encouragement or inspiration to keep at our good work. :) Let me know about people, places, and things that inspire you! I’d love to be inspired, too.

Yours truly,

Chelle Elle

“Chelle Elle” has been drawing since she was really small. No restaurant napkin was ever safe when crayons were involved! Now, she writes and illustrates characters and other fun ideas to help her dreams and the dreams of others come to life! And yes, she takes commissions and would love to hear from you.

Email her today to learn more about how she can bring your ideas to life at:

ArtofChelleElle@gmail.com!

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