Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of an Artist (With a Dash of Whimsy)

Ever wonder what an artist’s day really looks like? Spoiler alert: it’s not all paint splatters and spontaneous moments of genius (though those definitely happen!). It’s a delightful, messy blend of routine, creativity, and some downright quirky rituals that keep the imagination flowing. So, grab your favorite mug of tea (or coffee, no judgment here), and let’s take a peek behind the curtain.

6 AM – Rise and Stretch (Or, “Do I really have to get up?”)

The day begins with my alarm softly chiming (okay, it’s actually a battle with the snooze button). But once I’m up, it's all about stretching. Nothing too intense — just enough to remind my body that, yes, we have arms and legs, and yes, they need to work today. The real magic starts when I roll out my yoga mat for a quick Sun Salutation. Not only does it wake me up, but there’s something about bending like a pretzel that gets the creative juices flowing.

Yoga Meditaion illustration by Farida Za,man

7 AM – Meditation, AKA "Brain Spa"

Before I dive headfirst into the day’s creative chaos, I like to give my brain a little spa moment. Ten minutes of meditation—nothing too serious—just enough to clear the mental cobwebs. Sometimes it’s guided (because honestly, who doesn’t love a soothing voice telling you to breathe?), and other times it’s just me sitting quietly, letting random thoughts come and go like they’re auditioning for a role in my next project.

If you’ve never meditated, don’t worry. Think of it as pressing the ‘refresh’ button on your brain. Plus, it pairs well with morning sunlight.

woman meditating illustration by Farida Zaman

8 AM – The Green Thumb Hour: Plant Tending Therapy

My home studio? It’s basically a jungle. I’m convinced that tending to my plants is part of what makes me a better artist. There’s something grounding about watering the little guys and checking in on their growth like they’re creative muses in leaf form. Plus, they don’t judge my color choices. I’m on a first-name basis with most of them—yes, they have names—and chatting with them makes for great brainstorming sessions.

Fun Fact: Talking to plants actually helps them grow. Or so I’ve heard…

Plant illustration by Farida Zaman medium watercolour

9 AM – Studio Time (But First, Coffee)

Alright, time to get serious (or as serious as one can be while still wearing yesterday’s comfy socks). The first stop before diving into my art is the kitchen for a fresh cup of coffee. It's my little ritual—like an artist’s version of revving the engine before a race. With a steaming cup in hand, I’m ready to tackle the day’s work, whether that’s sketching out new ideas, throwing paint on canvas, or rearranging my workspace (because clutter is creativity’s nemesis, obviously).

Pro Tip: Keep snacks on hand for those moments when inspiration hits and you forget that humans need food.

12 PM – The Artist Workout: Creative Sweat

Believe it or not, staying physically active helps keep the creative energy flowing. So, around midday, I squeeze in a workout. It might be a quick jog, a dance party in my living room (don’t judge), or some strength training. Honestly, it depends on how wild the morning has been. But trust me—getting the blood pumping does wonders for both body and brain. Plus, it gives me time to think through ideas for my next project.

Artist Hack: Make your workout fun! Listen to your favorite tunes, and don’t worry if you look ridiculous dancing with dumbbells. It's all part of the charm.

2 PM – Cooking and Creating (Simultaneously, Of Course)

After all that exercising and plant-tending, it’s time to refuel. And here’s the thing: cooking is another form of art. Chopping vegetables? Sculpting. Stirring a sauce? Abstract painting. Even the spices are like choosing a color palette. Sometimes, I’ll have a new idea for a piece while I’m standing over the stove, halfway between sautéing onions and pondering what medium to experiment with next.

Fruits and Vegetable/food illustration by Farida Zaman

4 PM – Afternoon Studio Session: Full Steam Ahead

Post-lunch, it’s back to the studio for another deep dive into art-making. This is where things get really fun. Sometimes I blast music and paint until my hands are covered in colors; other times, I prefer the quiet hum of nature sounds as I sketch new designs. This part of the day is all about experimenting and letting go. I never know exactly what I’m going to create, and that’s part of the adventure.

Studio vibes: A candle burning, some background music, and the kind of lighting that makes everything feel more dramatic.

Atlantic Canada illustration by Farida Zaman

8 PM – Wind Down (Or Try To)

As the evening rolls in, I try (keyword: try) to wind down. Sometimes I manage to pull myself away from my work to enjoy dinner. with my family.Other nights? I’m still in the studio, caught up in the whirlwind of creation. It’s hard to walk away when the muse is whispering in your ear! But eventually, I’ll settle in with a good book or a show wih my ipad on my lap.

Artist confession: I occasionally “wind down” by doodling in my ipad.
actually resting. It’s just how I’m wired.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—a day in the life of an artist, full of plants, paint, and just a hint of chaos. Every day is a little different, but the blend of routine, creativity, and whimsy is what keeps things exciting. Whether it’s tending to my leafy friends or mixing colors on a palette, there’s a joy in balancing the practical with the magical.

Paints and pen: November 2024