Productivity Hacks for Illustrators - Advanced

I’ve now written posts about both beginner- and intermediate-level productivity hacks for your creative process. In this final post, I will discuss what I consider the Advanced level - changing your mindset toward your creative process.

I will also encourage you not to overthink my classifications of beginner, intermediate and advanced. Honestly, any of these tools could come more naturally to someone or be more difficult. Some may work, while others might not. I think the most important thing is to recognize that different tools require different levels of commitment, reflective thinking, and execution, which may at times be harder or easier to implement. Let’s begin.

Mindset Shift

When I say that the key to a high level of creative productivity/output is a mindset shift, what do I mean? Mindset refers to the way you think about yourself, your abilities, and the world around you. It shapes how you approach challenges, solve problems, and respond to success or failure. In this case, your creative mindset refers to the way you think about yourself in relation to your creative practice and your creative abilities. It shapes not only how you approach challenges and solve problems, but also how you prioritize them and define success or failure for yourself.

Without getting too distracted with a rant here, let’s all acknowledge that sometimes a creativity-focused mindset can be devalued in our culture. Art classes are often underfunded in schools, and creative activities are typically viewed primarily as hobbies rather than skills or careers. Additionally, there are still myths circulating about starving artists. The challenge of this productivity hack is to set aside the creative mindsets that prevail in the culture and develop your own.

Start with Resources

In my experience, a great way to shift your creative mindset is to glean information, facts, encouragement, and ideas from books. There are many books about creativity, and just as many inspiring books about creative people, but here are a few of my favourites.

We Need Your Art by Amie McNee

Amie McNee delivers a powerful manifesto on the necessity of creative expression, urging artists—whether beginners or longtime creators—to embrace their work and recognize its value. She emphasizes building small, sustainable creative habits, such as writing 500 words daily or doing a quick sketch each evening, to avoid burnout and foster consistency

Through candid discussions, McNee addresses common creative obstacles—impostor syndrome, perfectionism, procrastination, and harsh self-criticism—and invites artists to celebrate themselves and “coronate” their ambition

Doom and Bloom by Campbell Walker

Campbell Walker (aka Struthless) explores how to transform life’s low moments ("doom") into fertile ground for creativity and growth ("bloom"). The book blends scientific research with ancient philosophy, delivered through Walker’s trademark wit, raw honesty, and vulnerability, aiming to uplift readers from despair to possibility.

Using the metaphor of gardening, Walker provides practical systems for overcoming creative block: addressing mindset, attention, environment, and reflection. He structures the book around the cycle of seasons (Groundwork, Bloom, Rest) to honour both productivity and renewal.

Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

This book explores the emerging science of neuroaesthetics and how engaging with art—creating or experiencing—profoundly benefits our brains, bodies, and communities.

It covers research-backed discussions of topics such as neuroaesthetics, health and well-being, aesthetic mindset, social and community impact, and stories and strategies.

In short, Your Brain on Art is a compelling, research-backed invitation to embrace the arts not as luxury, but as essential: to enhance our mental health, physical health, creativity, and community ties.

Make Your Commitment

We make commitments all the time in life without even giving them much thought. When you get a new job, you (more or less) commit to going to work every day on the schedule given to you to do the work that’s asked of you. When you rent a new place to live, you’re making a commitment to pay your rent and maintain the place. When you adopt a pet, you make the commitment to take care of its basic needs, provide a home and enrichment, and maybe even treat it as a member of the family.

But sometimes in life we make more deliberate commitments — ones that we know going in will take a lot out of us but give us much, MUCH more in return. Marrying someone you love or committing to a 4-year degree program, for example.

You need to decide whether you want to make a commitment to your creative practice and, if so, what kind.

Do you commit to always having an art practice in your life through ups and downs?

What about drawing on 98% of days, whether you feel like it or not?

Or an even harder commitment - do you commit to choosing art over other types of responsibilities sometimes, such as cleaning or even (!) your job?

None of these are right or wrong answers. They are personal. Individual. I can’t give you these answers.

But here’s the thing I’ve come to learn - if you want to commit to art 100%, above and beyond other responsibilities or other paths, you will become more productive. Art will become your religion. You will crave it. You will make it happen.

And here’s another secret - it’s ok if you don’t want that. Maybe a daily drawing practice is not for you. Maybe a weekly drawing practice is great!

But the important thing is - be radically honest with yourself. And then go and get it.

Happy creating.