Diary management hasn’t always come naturally to me. For years, I tried to keep everything in my head until the day I forgot someone was turning up at my house and left them standing on the doorstep while I dashed off to the garage. Not ideal!

As artists, we often crave freedom. We want to create when inspiration strikes, not be tied to a strict schedule. But here’s the thing: the more creative your life is, the more essential it is to build structure around it. I’ve found that managing my diary doesn’t squash creativity it protects it.

So if you’re juggling drawing, commissions, content planning, admin tasks, and the general chaos of life, here are my top tips for better diary management:

1. Put everything in your diary…immediately

Creative brains are bursting with ideas, not dates and times. So don’t rely on memory! Whether it’s a client pick-up, a live drawing session, or simply prepping your pencils, add it to your diary the second it’s arranged. I use Google Calendar with built-in tasks and reminders. Honestly, it’s like having a personal assistant in my pocket.

2. Batch your time like a pro

If you’re an artist or running a creative business, batching is your best friend. Block out time for drawing, emails, social media content, and video filming. Separating your creative work from your admin helps you stay focused and stops everything feeling last-minute or overwhelming.

3. Leave space for life to happen

Whether it’s barking dogs, surprise deliveries, or an unexpected spill in the studio life is unpredictable. Leave a little breathing room between tasks in your diary. That buffer helps you stay calm when things don’t go to plan (because let’s be honest, they rarely do!).

4. Prioritise your creative time

This is a big one. Whether you draw for business or for joy, block out regular time for it. Make space for your art like you would for a client call or team meeting. If drawing is the heart of your creative work, protect it.

5. Review and reset weekly

Take 10 minutes each week to check in. What worked? What didn’t? What needs more time? A weekly review helps you adjust your schedule, stop overcommitting, and make room for what actually matters (like finishing that commission or finally editing that reel!).

6. Use tools that fit your creative rhythm

Not everyone loves a digital calendar and that’s okay. Whether you prefer paper planners or apps, find a diary management tool that works for you. Personally, I love the satisfaction of ticking off tasks in Google Calendar. It’s visual, easy to manage, and flexible when inspiration strikes or life changes course.

Diary management isn’t about boxing yourself in, it’s about creating space to breathe, to draw, and to build a creative life that feels good. A little structure goes a long way, especially when you’re trying to balance your art with everything else.

So if your days are running away from you, try one or two of these tips. Your artwork (and your sanity!) will thank you for it.