At its core, project management is following a structured plan to manage time, budget, and resources. For artists and creatives, this could mean tracking each stage of progress or working on preliminary sketches.
Several elements contribute to strong project management skills. Since we’ve previously discussed Time Management in this article, now, let’s turn to the next key skill: Planning for artists and creatives.
Why is Planning Important for Projects?
This may be a self-explanatory question as the nature of project management is good planning. But what exactly does this mean? Good plans should detail the steps and necessary resources to complete a project, including information.
It’s vital for plans to be made carefully and thoughtfully. Without a structured plan, it’s likelier for you to miss deadlines and go over budget—amongst other things. Benefits of proper planning include inspiring confidence, producing better quality output, and mitigating risks.
So, what skills do you need in order to plan optimally?
Top 3 Skills Needed for Planning for Artists
Skill #1: Adaptability
You and your plans should be able to adapt to any sudden changes. This may include leaving leeway or buffer time for tasks, or simply being willing to change details. But a plan isn’t deemed adaptable right from the get-go—this usually involves constant reviewing of your work and your creative environment. Flexibility to adjust plans relevantly is important, as not every plan will go exactly as intended.
How does this impact your creative growth? Pay attention to shifting trends and consumer preferences to help you stay ahead of the game, in an environment as competitive as the art industry. Ultimately, this can help you, as an artist or creative, develop your skills. Venture to unfamiliar areas to learn and make mistakes—because trial and error is what makes creating art rewarding.
How do you start practicing this skill?
Be proactive: Constantly keep eyes and ears on any external factors that could affect the production or reception of your project.
Be open: Embrace change and leave your comfort zone—which artists should be quite familiar with. Let go of any fears you may have and allow your creative energy to take course.
Skill #2: Attention to Detail
Attention to detail in your creative plans include consistent checking for overlooked errors, meticulous initial sketches. Once you are able to limit possible errors, naturally productivity and efficiency will increase—this contributes to more accurate predictions of time and resources needed. This is important since it can impact numerous aspects of your project.
Once an artist practices detail-orientated work ethics, how would it start reflecting through their work? This practice requires time and patience, however with consistency, you’d grow to be dependable as an artist.
But try to keep a certain balance, don’t conflate “Attention to detail” with “Perfectionism”. You’re human, and that’s a quality that makes art so charming. So, while it is good to be able to catch errors in your projects before they are made, it is just as important to know what to do with mistakes. If you get creative with your solutions, you’re practicing your artistic skills.
How do you develop this skill?
Limit distractions: It’s hard to exercise attention to detail, if your space and mind is cluttered. Turn off your notifications, put on your earphones, clean your office.
Distance: Put time and physical distance from you and your project once in a while. You may be so absorbed, you forget to look at the bigger picture. Take a breather, and then assess your progress.
Conscious attention: Start with what you're passionate about. Try setting a personal goal of practicing creating art by paying extra attention to details from your reference’s environment or objects, and reflecting it onto your art. As it becomes a habit to pay attention to objects, it will reflect across your working progress.
Skill #3: Data Analysis
Numbers and data tell stories, and this still applies in this art industry. While you shouldn’t let them dictate the art you create, it is important when it comes to plans within project management.
Analysing data in project management includes forecasting trends and habits that can influence decisions made, or it could involve analysing productivity rates or the performance of you and your team. It helps with resource allocation and provides some sort of security in your projects.
So how exactly does data analysis pertain to you and your projects, as an artist? Leverage data to build and strengthen your portfolio. If you can get a hold of this information, you can have a solid profile that would look good to future employers or clients. But its benefits don’t end there.
Data can help you in the understanding of your own progress. You can track if you often fall behind timelines, or if you constantly go over budget. Observing this would help you take the initiative to communicate or reflect on challenges you may be facing.
How can you start applying this?
Start tracking your work progress: Understanding your current performance helps you spot out if you are ready for new challenges or if there are unspoken issues you have not noticed. This will help you prepare for the next steps and revise your daily or future plan if needed.
Stay ahead of your team’s capacity: If you are a team leader or manager, leverage the data-oriented part of project management app to gain insight into your team member’s completion rates, and workload. This data can support both your current and future planning, which translates to the optimisation of your time and resource projection.
*Check out how TESSR Insights can support you in this area.
Conclusion
Not every skill on this list may come to you naturally, but that does not mean you should give up on it. We’ve well established its importance, so it’s up to you to put the work into practicing and developing these skills, for the greater good of your future creative endeavors.
Author Bio
From Malaysia, Leia Emeera is a writer at TESSR, and a published author. She has been putting pen to paper ever since she learned how to, and has an anthology to her name, titled 'Ten'. Leia loves music, games and her beloved labrador retriever, George. She aims to further her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing the moment her gap year ends. 'Till then, you will find her sitting behind a desk, writing with TESSR.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: Leia Emeera
Comments