I LOVE learning about people’s routines. It’s so fascinating to me! For most of my life I have been the night owl creative type because that’s when the world was quiet and dark enough for me to focus, but I am finding over time and with a more routine and non-school-dictated life, I actually like the morning for creation. It’s been fun to play with both. I’m not an afternoon creative girly at heart… that’s often when I’m sleepier and just want to rest. Often, it’s more about the sunshine or darkness, than time of day, that fuels my creativity. The darkness feels secluded, and focused but the direct sunshine feels invigorating and energizing.
My creativity is a bit different in the late mornings, but not the super early mornings. I find that if I'm being creative in the darkness (either late night or early morning), I feel sneaky and witchy and magical and singularly focused (because I can't visually see the distractions and most of the world is asleep). The darkness of the night/early morning feel like endless time. In the day time, I feel higher energy, and more flowy and whimsical and delighted but less singularly focused.
I have not been consistent enough with my creative output to say what changes with that in the night vs. the morning, so I can mostly speak to the energy.
Have you heard of the Greek concept of genius? It’s not a quality you possess but a spirit that visits, bringing inspiration when you’re ready to create. It sounds like he visits you in different ways. How lucky are you!!
Thank you for your research on this. I need to work on either becoming an early bird or a night owl because currently my system of a couple of hours after lunch simply is not good enough!
Honestly it was the easiest thing to do because I needed the advice! I have ALWAYS been a morning worker (maybe because I used to work on the very masculine toxic timeline of achievement based systems in America... GOOD BYE miracle morning vibes).
I hope you find your rhythm! You deserve to let your creativity fly!
Nice polling question . I’m a night owl ,especially after work,which is where I get some of my best one liners … then the sentences can begin. The weather too gets me in the mood . The unexpected snow in Louisiana created 3 -5 stories that I’ve not published yet.
Hi Ellen! I am the same way! I used to love being creative in the mornings but as I have gotten older and changed routines (and I might even add, matured) I love getting my gears going at night. Hope you are staying warm in the LA snow!
I would say I’m the most creative at home at night or in the morning, but the truth is it’s when I’m going out for a walk that my brain suddenly starts working and having ideas ! I need movement
It's so nice seeing other routines of other creatives. it just goes to show that there isn't an "ideal" creative routine. You have to take the time to develop one for yourself.
Yes exactly! I started posting every day for 90 days and learned quickly that I am actually much more creative at night. All it takes is some repetition!
Hi! I write every day in the morning. Also, I’m trying to be like Truman Capote and carry a notebook around to record things. I just feel like if I try to write everyday, it will make me a better writer. I liked your post particularly because it focused on what the great writers do and how to follow their example.
I LOVE learning about people’s routines. It’s so fascinating to me! For most of my life I have been the night owl creative type because that’s when the world was quiet and dark enough for me to focus, but I am finding over time and with a more routine and non-school-dictated life, I actually like the morning for creation. It’s been fun to play with both. I’m not an afternoon creative girly at heart… that’s often when I’m sleepier and just want to rest. Often, it’s more about the sunshine or darkness, than time of day, that fuels my creativity. The darkness feels secluded, and focused but the direct sunshine feels invigorating and energizing.
ME TOO! Is your creative output different in the mornings? Are you exploring different themes than when you did in the night time?
My creativity is a bit different in the late mornings, but not the super early mornings. I find that if I'm being creative in the darkness (either late night or early morning), I feel sneaky and witchy and magical and singularly focused (because I can't visually see the distractions and most of the world is asleep). The darkness of the night/early morning feel like endless time. In the day time, I feel higher energy, and more flowy and whimsical and delighted but less singularly focused.
I have not been consistent enough with my creative output to say what changes with that in the night vs. the morning, so I can mostly speak to the energy.
Have you heard of the Greek concept of genius? It’s not a quality you possess but a spirit that visits, bringing inspiration when you’re ready to create. It sounds like he visits you in different ways. How lucky are you!!
Yes, I have heard of that concept. Indeed, it comes to me in different forms and at different times.
Me too!
I would love to read the differences! Do you have examples of two different pieces? :)
shoutout to night owls!!! now I do my best work when the world quiets.
hooootie hoo!
Thank you for your research on this. I need to work on either becoming an early bird or a night owl because currently my system of a couple of hours after lunch simply is not good enough!
Honestly it was the easiest thing to do because I needed the advice! I have ALWAYS been a morning worker (maybe because I used to work on the very masculine toxic timeline of achievement based systems in America... GOOD BYE miracle morning vibes).
I hope you find your rhythm! You deserve to let your creativity fly!
i love hearing about people’s routines, adore this :)
Thank you! Are there any other artists you’d be interested in learning about?
Nice polling question . I’m a night owl ,especially after work,which is where I get some of my best one liners … then the sentences can begin. The weather too gets me in the mood . The unexpected snow in Louisiana created 3 -5 stories that I’ve not published yet.
Hi Ellen! I am the same way! I used to love being creative in the mornings but as I have gotten older and changed routines (and I might even add, matured) I love getting my gears going at night. Hope you are staying warm in the LA snow!
Thank you for this.
Of course! Whose routine should I cover next?
I would say I’m the most creative at home at night or in the morning, but the truth is it’s when I’m going out for a walk that my brain suddenly starts working and having ideas ! I need movement
Yes! Solvitur ambulando… a Latin phrase which means "it is solved by walking” ❤️
This will become my moto
Same! I thrive on movement, I get my best ideas in walks or during yoga!
Ha—Kant.
Is your routine like his?!
More like the opposite.
So you work at night for two hours?!
It's so nice seeing other routines of other creatives. it just goes to show that there isn't an "ideal" creative routine. You have to take the time to develop one for yourself.
Yes exactly! I started posting every day for 90 days and learned quickly that I am actually much more creative at night. All it takes is some repetition!
this was such a great post, thanks for sharing!
Yes of course! Should I post more routines of famous creatives?
Thank you for writing this.
Thank you for reading! Which routine is most like you?
Hi! I write every day in the morning. Also, I’m trying to be like Truman Capote and carry a notebook around to record things. I just feel like if I try to write everyday, it will make me a better writer. I liked your post particularly because it focused on what the great writers do and how to follow their example.
What Joan says feels true to my experience, too!
She is the best!!! I hope you find all her creative genius in your process ⚡️
Thank you for mentioning me 💙💙 great post!!
I love your work!!!! Thanks for inspiring 🥰
who would know that even creative jobs need a routine to get done? thanks for sharing!
I know right! I am still learning this every day!
Hi from Colorado!! ❤️🌞
Hi Jess <3
I'm a night owl! I have tried to make myself an early riser but I can never achieve it.
I'm the same! Every time I *accidentally* wake up early I LOVE it... but can't make myself do it consistently LOL