Hi Elle, I sympathize with what you are saying. Time management for me is always something I seem to be working with. I feel the time lines of an artist are slightly different, but I still can work twelve hour days! I worked part time for years at a different job, before working full time on my art. But since I work at home, I feel like Im always working, especially with the creative process in one way or the other. My least favorite is the paperwork that goes along with it. Im always striving for ways to minimalize.....

I too worked a different job while my husband was in grad school then quit to do this full time. I detest the paperwork as well. The mailing lists, the invoicing-ugh! I have a friend who somehow weaseled an intern from her local art college and is having her do all that stuff. I am beyond jealous! Just last night, after working all day, I was slumped on the couch thinking-get up and go do something productive and creative. Then I fell asleep.:->

In your case, the change back to focusing on your art work should become your number one focus. Think about it all the time, how can I make this transition that seems so far away at the moment? How can I make this transition by doing what I want? Start there and be adamant until you start getting some inner messages, then follow them. Maybe you can get an internship somewhere or perhaps there are other options you havent thought of yet. The main thing is 'start doing' every day even if its just five minutes. Ask for support from others in your direct circle, start small. You made that sacrifice for your husband when he was in school, now is he willing to help support you? Start off slow so you dont scare your intimates, change can be intimidating. And the most important thing is the art. How do people respond to what you do? Are they interested? How would you introduce your experience of making art into your everyday life? Gee, I hope I dont sound too opinionated, but these are things I would consider.

Too opinionated? Haha, no not at all. I am so lucky, I have the most supportive hubby and friends in the world when it comes to my art. I mean really, if I think about it, I am embarrassed I have so much support. My problem is purely self-inflicted. I take on too much paying work, probably to avoid starting my own stuff. Oh man, fear of success/failure? I am disgusted with my own cliche-dom :->

Yes, I have found many ways procrastinate. Its amazing how many forms procrastination can take.. But what then, what really gets done?

I try to keep several projects on the table at once. It can be busy but it keeps me fresh. (Sometimes)Jackie

Actually, I have two shows to work for and not much time, one in August and one in November. I think that I am probably one of the greatest procrastinators! Im working on putting myself on a schedule right now! Being an artist, and producing quality art on a consistent basis is a 24/7 job!