"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle
Whether you're a professional artist, semi-professional artist, or hobbyist you probably have resistance to making art from time to time (or all the time). I recently attended the Synergy 3 polymer conference and Seth Saverick and Melanie Muir both gave separate presentations that spoke to this very topic.
Seth suggested "Creativity-Sucking Vampires" who tell you why you shouldn't be in the studio working. One vampire says, "Your work is derivative." or "So-and-so is so much better than you." Another says, "Who do you think you're kidding?" or "Your work sucks". Then there's always the vampire of perfectionism who says, "I'll make it tomorrow when I can make it perfect."
When I was young, I realized that I needed to make some decisions about going into my studio, especially when I had two young children. So, I worked when they slept - in the evening or during naps. I decided to treat it like a job and do a couple of hours every day. That became a habit so that by the time they were in elementary school, I had them working for me (they were really good).
Now, I can't imagine NOT going into my studio to work. This gives me a "home base", a structure on which to base my work.
One of the few things Picasso said was, "Inspiration will come, but it must find you working."
So, get into that studio and work. Don't listen to any excuses.
