Come on a journey with me! - An Illustrators Daily Routine🎨🌎

Hello and welcome to my very first blog post - I’m so excited to have you here and share my illustrators daily routine!

Starting a blog has been on my mind for a while now. I wanted a space where I could share:

• My journey as an artist

• Behind-the-scenes glimpses into my studio

• Tips, tricks, and creative inspiration

• Craft projects and ideas

• And most importantly — a place where we can get to know each other better!

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So let’s kick things off with something personal: a peek into my day-to-day life.

A Day in My Life - An Illustrators Daily Routine

To say my schedule is full would be an understatement! Some days are wonderfully productive, others can feel overwhelming - and some are just about reconnecting with nature and regaining my energy. That balance is so important.

Every Sunday, I take time to plan out the week ahead. I write a to-do list and map out my days the best I can. Of course, life has a way of throwing in the unexpected - urgent orders, spontaneous visits, or a last-minute trip to the vet! So I keep things flexible and realistic. It’s all about progress, not perfection.

My Weekly Breakdown

🖌 Paper Pawtraits - Running my own creative business means I wear a lot of hats - artist, marketer, customer support, bookkeeper, packager, and more. It’s hard work, but incredibly fulfilling. I’ve learned how to stay organised, juggle priorities, and continuously improve - and I absolutely love it.

🎓 BA (Hons) Creative Arts Degree Since 2014, I’ve been working toward my Creative Arts degree. I’m now in the final year (woohoo!), and I’ll be graduating very soon. It’s been a long but rewarding journey. Studying from home gave me the flexibility I needed, and I’ve grown so much creatively - exploring oil painting, children’s book illustration, clay work, my new love for paper cutting and more.

💗 Everything Else - Life, Loved Ones & Self-Care Outside of work and study, I make space for what matters: time with my husband, our five adorable rabbits, friends and family. Plus all the usual things - housework, meals, errands, and very necessary rest. My goal is balance: following my dreams without losing joy in the everyday.

Morning Routine & Meditation

I usually start my day around 8am with breakfast and bunny cuddles (the perfect combo, right?). Once my furry friends are fed, I sit down for my own breakfast - cereal, coffee, and two biscuits for dunking.

Next comes one of the most important parts of my day: meditation. I’ve been practicing it for over a year now, and it’s been truly transformative. It helps me clear my mind, connect with nature and creativity, and feel centred for whatever the day brings.

I meditate for 15 - 30 minutes, visualising myself in a peaceful meadow, surrounded by trees, waterfalls, and wild animals. Sometimes I imagine soaring above it all with wings - free and full of light. This is my sacred space, and it always leaves me feeling refreshed and inspired.

After meditation, I get to it and check emails, post to social media, update my books, and then dive into either creative work or university assignments.

Late Afternoon and Evenings in the Studio

Evenings are my most productive time - I’m definitely a night owl! After a break in the afternoon, I head into my studio, where the real magic happens. Whether I’m working on a custom pet portrait, experimenting with new ideas, or pushing through a study project, this is when I feel most in the flow. Some nights I work right up until 1am!

Making Time for Life

To stay balanced, I keep one evening and one weekend day free each week. I use that time to relax, recharge, and connect with the people (and animals!) I love most.

When I’m not working, I enjoy photography, cycling, playing guitar, watching movies, gaming, or just having a relaxing pamper day.

Looking Ahead

Once I’ve finished my degree, I’ll have even more time to pour into Paper Pawtraits and grow it into something even bigger and more meaningful. I want to help people through my work connect with nature and animals to bring a sense of peace, wellbeing, and a deeper connection to the world around them.

I hope this post shows that with a bit of planning and a lot of heart, it’s possible to pursue your dreams while still enjoying the little things in life.

For me, art isn’t just a job - it’s who I am. It allows me to express my love for animals, nature, and creativity. Being organised helps me keep that passion alive, day after day.

Thanks so much for reading my first blog post — I can’t wait to share more with you!

Until next time,

Gemma🖤

www.paperpawtraits.co.uk