Creating Art in Small Windows: Art Practice for Busy Professionals

Life is filled with meetings, deadlines, and service. Waiting for “free time” often keeps art postponed.

Finally, I found time to write this blog. To be honest, I didn’t feel like working anymore. I had just arrived from a training event, and lying down on my bed felt more appealing than having dinner. I grabbed a sandwich that was supposed to be my afternoon snack, but since I was still full, I decided to “Sharon” it—hehehe.

While resting, I opened my Google Drive and came across a video I took while practicing how to draw Keanu Reeves, my favorite actor. The original video was almost an hour long, but I sped it up. When I started sketching, I told myself I would only draw for thirty minutes or less—just practice. But once I began, I found myself wanting to improve every line. I may not have perfected it, but I spent time practicing—and that mattered.

That moment made me pause.

My life as an academy manager is constantly filled with meetings, deadlines, and service. Waiting for free time feels almost impossible. By the end of the day, I am exhausted—thankfully enough to sleep well—but I miss the precious time spent recharging through creativity.

The Myth of Free Time

This is where I realized something important.

Busy professionals often delay creativity. We rush to work, aiming to finish tasks efficiently, hoping that later we will finally have time for ourselves. Creativity is set aside because our regular jobs feed us.

Truthfully, if I focus solely on art, I don’t think I can earn what I currently receive from my regular work. And yet, art is what makes me happy.

From an art therapy perspective, creativity is not a reward—it is maintenance.
(This is not formal art therapy, but a personal practice inspired by its principles.)

When I create, I unwind and enter a state of flow. My horizon widens, and I feel emotionally and mentally balanced. While creating, I forget problems and life’s pressures. In art, there is no politics, no angst—only self-expression. It elevates my awareness of myself and the world around me.

I often describe creativity as vitamins for the soul. When I am stressed, my breathing becomes shallow and tight. But when I create, the tension in my chest and neck eases, and my mind clears.

That was when I stopped waiting for free time.

Small Windows That Matter

I forced myself—gently—to pick up my pencil and sketchbook for a 15–30 minute art session. That short session counted as practice. And when done regularly, even brief sessions lead to improvement.

Consistency matters—whether one is an amateur or an aspiring master. Just as athletes prepare daily for competition, artists must find time to practice their craft. There is no shortcut if we truly want to grow.

Below is a sped-up sketching video I made during one of these short practice sessions. It is not perfect—but it shows what can happen within a small window of time when we simply begin.

Managing Guilt When Choosing Art

I once heard my father—who is also an artist—say that art cannot pay for living expenses. That may have been true before. Today, art is a serious profession and not merely a hobby.

Still, productivity culture convinces us that work alone defines value—even when we are not fulfilled by it. But when we do what we truly love, work no longer feels heavy; it becomes meaningful.

Art and craft-making are emotionally regulating activities. If we want to be genuinely productive, we must make time for what brings joy and contentment. That is how sustainability in work begins.

This shift in mindset helped me release guilt. Choosing art was no longer indulgence—it became self-care.

Practical Ways to Create in Small Windows

Here is what worked for me.

I developed the habit of watching short reels about drawing, painting, crocheting, or even flower-making during lunch breaks. These small exposures motivate me to pick up my tools after a long day.

I also identified consistent windows in my day for a 15–30 minute uninterrupted art activity. For me, 5:00 a.m. and around 7:30 p.m. work best.

Early mornings are quiet—my laptop stays closed, distractions are minimized, and I can create before the workday begins. In the evening, if I still have energy, creating helps me release it before rest. You may discover a different time that works better for you. What matters is choosing a window with less pressure.

Finally...

I shared a sketching video to show that art doesn't have to be perfect. If we never try, how will we know where we need to improve?

If you are busy, tired, or overwhelmed, I invite you to consider this:

What would happen if you allowed yourself just fifteen minutes of creative space today?

I hope these reflections help you find—and protect—your own small windows for creativity.