Time Management for Artists: Balancing Productivity and Creativity - Dan Koes Way

One of the most common challenges artists face is managing their time effectively. It’s easy to feel stretched thin between creative work, networking, marketing, and personal commitments. Conversations around time management often revolve around the pressure to be constantly productive, leading many to believe that success requires non-stop work and sacrifice. However, the real key to longevity in the creative industries isn’t just working harder—it’s working smarter.

This article will not promote the “hustle until you drop” mentality or suggest that artists should neglect their well-being in the name of success. Instead, it will explore sustainable time management strategies inspired by Dan Koe’s approach to productivity. These methods can help artists find balance, progress toward their goals, and maintain their passion over the long term.

The Reality of Time and Priorities

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. How that time is allocated determines whether an artist is making tangible progress in their career or simply getting by. Here’s a breakdown of a typical day for someone balancing work, personal life, and creative pursuits:

1. Work or Study (8-10 hours)

For many artists, creative work isn’t their full-time job—yet. Whether you have a 9-to-5, freelance gigs, or university coursework, a significant portion of the day is spent earning a living or gaining skills. While this is often non-negotiable, understanding how to maximise the remaining hours makes the difference.

2. Sleep and Rest (6-8 hours)

Getting enough sleep is essential for creativity, focus, and overall health. Many artists struggle with sleep due to irregular schedules or the belief that working late at night is more productive. However, science shows that deep sleep is when the brain processes creative ideas, repairs the body, and improves cognitive function. Sacrificing sleep for extra work hours often leads to diminishing returns.

3. Essential Activities (2 hours)

This includes meals, exercise, family responsibilities, and basic personal care. While these activities seem routine, they are crucial in maintaining overall well-being. A well-balanced diet, regular movement, and spending time with loved ones contribute to mental and physical health, making it easier to stay productive in the long run.

4. Free Time (4 hours)

This is where the magic happens. These hours can be intentionally used to practice, write, create, market, and grow as an artist. Over a five-day workweek, this adds up to 20 hours. When weekends are included, the number rises to 30+ hours—plenty of time to make meaningful progress. The challenge lies in ensuring these hours are spent effectively.

Dan Koe’s Approach to Productivity: The “Fill – Empty – Use” Framework

Productivity expert Dan Koe emphasises an approach that balances creativity, focus, and recovery. His “Fill—Empty—Use” framework provides a sustainable way to structure time while maximising energy and efficiency.

1. Fill Your Brain

Artists constantly absorb inspiration through music, books, conversations, or experiences. This phase involves learning, researching, and gathering ideas. Examples include:

• Reading books on music, branding, or business.

• Watching industry-related interviews or TED Talks.

• Attending workshops, networking events, or creative meetups.

• Studying successful artists’ careers and analysing what worked for them.

Dedicating 30-60 minutes daily to expanding your knowledge can provide fresh ideas and perspectives that fuel your creative work.

2. Empty Your Brain

Before an artist can create effectively, their mind needs clarity. Cluttered thoughts, distractions, and mental fatigue often hinder productivity. The “empty” phase includes activities that clear mental space, such as:

• Journaling – Writing down thoughts, ideas, and plans to remove mental clutter.

• Meditation or Deep Breathing – Simple mindfulness exercises help reset the mind.

• Planning Tomorrow’s Tasks – Mapping out a to-do list or creative goals before bed prevents decision fatigue the next day.

By “emptying” your brain before sleep, you feel more focused and ready to create.

3. Use Your Brain

Mornings are typically the most productive time for deep, focused work. Artists who want to maximise their time should dedicate their peak hours to creative tasks such as:

• Songwriting or Composition – Rather than waiting for inspiration, setting a daily habit of writing—even if it’s just a few lines—helps refine ideas.

• Practicing an Instrument or Vocal Training – Scheduled practice ensures steady skill improvement.

• Recording and Producing Music: Tackling the technical aspects of production when energy levels are highest leads to better results.

Using the first few hours of the day for creative work minimises distractions and facilitates a flow state.

The Accountability Challenge: Where Is Your Time Going?

A significant barrier to success isn’t just a lack of time—it’s how time is used. In conversations with artists, a common theme emerges: many feel they don’t have enough time, yet their free hours often go toward activities that don’t contribute to their goals.

Common distractions include:

• Social media scrolling

• Gaming or binge-watching Netflix

• Mindless browsing or consuming passive content

While entertainment and relaxation are important, they shouldn’t overshadow creative work. The key is intentionality. Artists who hold themselves accountable for how they spend their time are more likely to see growth in their careers.

Practical Strategies for Limiting Distractions

• Freedom App Blocker – Blocks distracting websites and apps during work periods.

• Minimalist Phones – Remove unnecessary apps, reducing temptation.

• Do Not Disturb Mode – Prevents notifications from interrupting focused sessions.

• Focus Music – Instrumental or ambient music can help maintain concentration.

Artists can create an environment that supports deep work by setting clear boundaries and using tools to minimise distractions.

Balancing Passion and Life: The Long-Term Approach

Time management isn’t just about cramming as much work as possible into a day—it’s about creating a sustainable routine that allows for creativity, relaxation, and personal fulfillment. Here’s how to build balance:

1. Prioritize Effectively

Not all tasks hold equal value. Use the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) to focus on the 20% of activities that generate 80% of results. For example:

• Posting one high-quality piece of content is more valuable than several rushed posts.

• Practicing a specific skill with intention is more effective than unfocused effort.

2. Schedule Rest and Play

Burnout kills creativity. Schedule time for hobbies, socialising, and relaxation as you schedule work. Allowing space for fun prevents resentment toward creative work.

3. Optimize Your Workflow

Batch similar tasks together to avoid constant switching:

• Content Days – Dedicate one day a week to creating social media content instead of daily posting.

• Studio Days – Block off entire sessions for recording or production.

• Admin Days – Handle emails, finances, and planning in one go.

4. Track Your Progress

Use tools like:

• A journal or planner to document goals and achievements.

• Time-tracking apps to see where your hours are going.

• Accountability partners to keep you on track.

Take Charge of Your Time: The Path to Long-Term Success

Building a music career isn’t about working every waking hour—it’s about making your work hours count. By following a structured yet flexible time management approach, artists can maximise creativity, stay productive, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Success isn’t about how busy you are but how effectively you use your time. If music is your passion, those four free hours daily are your greatest asset. Use them wisely, stay accountable, and keep pushing forward.

Your future self will thank you.