How 'The Artist's Way' Helps Me Unlock Creativity at Work

Amy Jolene Nelson
Sep 25, 2024
4 min read

As a copywriter and editorial manager, I'm no stranger to the grind. Deadlines, revisions, and the occasional existential dread when you realize the Oxford comma debate is still raging—it’s all part of the job.

But let’s talk about something radical for a moment: What if work didn’t have to feel like an episode of "Survivor"?

What if, instead, it felt more like a creative dance party, even in a corporate setting? Enter The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.

Now, you might be wondering how a book that sounds more suited to a paint-splattered artist's loft fits into the world of KPIs and content calendars. The truth is, it fits perfectly.

Here’s how this life-affirming, soul-nurturing approach has infiltrated my work life (and yes, it has made all the difference).

1. Morning Pages

Every morning, I scribble down three pages of whatever comes to mind. As someone whose brain works best in the morning, this ritual is a non-negotiable part of my day. It's my sacred time to prioritize personal writing before diving into the day's work. It’s a mental declutter session—the Marie Kondo method for your brain.

By getting all the cluttered thoughts out of the way first thing, I clear the path for more meaningful ideas to emerge. And here's the bonus: this process doesn’t just help with my personal writing ideas. It often unlocks unexpected thoughts for work as well.

Ever had a brilliant campaign idea pop up while venting about your inbox? Yeah, that’s the magic of morning pages.

2. Artist [Work] Dates

An artist date is essentially taking your inner creative self out on a playdate. And no, it's not just an excuse to bail on meetings. I'm fortunate enough to work remotely, which gives me the freedom to get creative with these outings. I’ve created a weekly artist's work date, where on Thursdays, I find a new café with Wi-Fi and some delicious treats. It's become a really lovely task that I genuinely look forward to.

Managing my projects for the week in a cozy, inspiring environment feels like a reward and a nod to self-care (who would have thought that self-care isn't just for the weekends?).

If you're not remote and have to go into the office, you can still squeeze in some artist date magic. How about taking your lunch break to a nearby park or museum? Or maybe visiting a bookstore on your way to work and browsing the art section for a few minutes? Even changing up your work spot for an hour, like moving to a different floor or a cozy corner with a view, can bring a fresh perspective.

Inspiration doesn’t always strike at your desk; sometimes, it's hiding on a park bench behind your office building or in a decadent slice of Basque cheesecake at the nearest cafe.

3. Refusing the martyrdom of being busy

We live in a culture that glorifies the hustle, often equating suffering with productivity. Spoiler alert: it doesn't have to be that way. Thanks to The Artist's Way, I’ve embraced the idea that creativity thrives when we’re not constantly burning the candle at both ends.

This means setting boundaries, taking breaks, and occasionally saying "no" (politely, of course) to things that drain rather than inspire.

4. Finding joy in the mundane

Not every project is going to be a masterpiece. Sometimes, it's about finding the poetry in an SEO-optimized blog post or the narrative in a quarterly report. I’m learning to approach even the most corporate tasks with a sense of play and curiosity.

After all, creativity is not a bonus feature for artists alone; it’s a necessary tool for problem-solving and innovation in any field.

5. Silencing the inner critic

Let’s face it: the world is rife with criticism, both external and internal. One of the best takeaways from The Artist's Way is learning to hush that nagging inner critic who insists that every piece of work must be perfect on the first try (guess what… it won’t be).

By giving myself permission to be imperfect, I create space for experimentation, risk-taking, and ultimately, better work.

6. Collaboration as creative fuel

In a corporate setting, collaboration is often seen as a necessity rather than an art. But what if we approached it with the same enthusiasm as a group of musicians jamming together?

"The Artist's Way" has taught me to value the synergy that comes from bouncing ideas off others, finding unexpected harmonies, and building something greater than the sum of its parts.

Creativity isn’t a luxury reserved for the "creative types." It’s an essential ingredient for anyone looking to not just survive, but thrive, in their professional life.

(This is what you look like on an artist's work date.)

So, go ahead—take yourself on that artist's work date, write those morning pages, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little bit of that creative magic into your workday. Your inner artist (and your KPIs) will thank you.

And remember: You don't have to suffer for your art, even if your "art" involves quarterly reports and SEO strategies. Let's redefine the hustle—not as a march toward burnout, but as a dance with creativity.