The Artist Date

“As an artist, you must learn to take good care of yourself. You need enough awareness to consciously replenish your creative energy after drawing heavily from it. Your reservoir of creativity needs to be refilled, or it will eventually run dry. Refilling that reservoir means actively seeking out images with which to restock your artistic fishpond.”
— Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way

This is how Julia Cameron describes the importance of Artist Dates in her book. At its core, an Artist Date is simply a time-out. A break from productivity, from the pressure to create, and from the expectations of others—and a chance to shift into “I’m treating myself to new experiences and impressions. This is time for me. Time to play and have fun.”

So often, we make plans for things we want to enjoy, only to put them off until much later—or never do them at all. We tell ourselves, “I just have to take care of this first,” or “I can do that once I’ve finished everything else.” We often don’t allow ourselves the pleasure.

Who else grew up hearing, “First work, then play”?

And then there’s one more thing to do, and another, and another. Before we know it, the day—or the weekend—is over, and we fall into bed exhausted without ever getting around to what we had wanted to do.

But taking time out is essential for replenishing our energy. An Artist Date is essential for letting new ideas bubble up. So what does an Artist Date actually look like?

Schedule 2 Hours a Week—Just for You

Julia suggests setting aside two hours every week just for yourself.

When I first heard this, I thought, “Wow, two hours is a long time. How and when am I supposed to do that? Will I still have enough time for my partner?”

I can tell you: it works. Really well, especially when I put those two hours in my phone calendar.

And those two hours go by faster than you’d like.

And what about your partner? Chances are, they’ll be happy to have some time for themselves, too. At least, they may be more than willing to accept your two hours of me-time.

For us, it’s actually the opposite. After my two hours of me-time, my partner and I look forward to seeing each other again. He can tell from my mood how much good that time has done me.

But What Do I Do?

Really, anything that allows you to relax and let your mind wander.

For your creativity, though, it can be especially helpful to change your surroundings. Maybe go see a play. Check out that little shop that just opened. Explore a new trail or a place you’ve never been before. Or buy something that may be completely unnecessary but makes you smile.

Think of your Artist Date as something that sparks your curiosity.

Here are a few ideas:

• Go to a flea market
• See a play, movie, opera, or musical
• Buy something funny (and completely unnecessary) at a little shop
• Paint with sidewalk chalk or your fingers
• Try playing an instrument
• Go to a symphony or other concert
• Explore a new place
• Visit an art exhibition
• Lie in a field and watch the clouds
• Redecorate or style a room
• Doodle along to music
• Take photos of flowers, animals, or nature

It can also be helpful to keep a list of things you’d like to try so you have ideas to turn to in the future.

Sometimes we simply don’t know what would feel good or what we’re in the mood for. That’s completely normal.

At first, my Artist Dates felt exciting—and a little strange.

Going to a symphony orchestra by myself? Who does that? Isn’t it so much better to go together?

No.

There are activities I love doing with my partner or friends, and there are others that I enjoy so much more—and so much more deeply—on my own.

And when I’m alone, I’m not distracted.

Not by conversations.
Not by other people’s opinions.
Not by my need to keep everyone happy.

I get to simply observe and enjoy.

I get to take in the images and impressions that an outing like this has to offer—and let them work their way into me.