How can I stay productive and creative even when I feel easily distracted?

The Truth Behind Staying Creative When Your Mind Won’t Sit Still

Here’s the thing I rarely say out loud: from the outside, it might look like I have everything neatly organized—curating shows, making my own work, running programs, helping artists grow. But the truth? I’m easily distracted. My family will confirm it in a heartbeat. One moment I’m fully engaged in a conversation, and the next my mind is wandering somewhere completely different.

For years, I thought this was a weakness. I tried to “fix” it, simplify, focus on just one thing. But that never worked for me. My brain thrives on variety, movement, and multiple creative lanes happening at once. That’s where I feel most alive.

Turning Distraction Into Creative Fuel

Eventually, I stopped fighting it. What I used to see as a limitation has become one of my superpowers. Being involved in different things keeps me energized, inspired, and constantly co...

How do I stay productive as an artist without burning out?

The Three-List Habit That Keeps My Creative Life Sane

As artists, we juggle so much more than people realize. Some days feel like a beautiful flow… and others feel like we’re drowning in all the things we should be doing. For years, I tried to fit everything into one day—create, market, plan, ship, dream, build. And honestly? I burned myself out.

Then something simple shifted everything.

The Tasks We Enjoy

The studio time. The experimenting. The freedom to make a mess and follow an idea just because it feels right. These moments remind us why we’re artists in the first place.

The Tasks We Need to Do

They’re not glamorous, but they keep the engine running: emails, website updates, organizing, shipping, marketing. I may not love these tasks, but I know they matter.

The Tasks That Build the Future

These are the quiet, powerful tasks—applying for opportunities, refining your portfolio, planning ahead, building relationship...

In this engaging new episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez is joined by NYC-based art advisor Pato Paez to decode what truly captures a collector's attention. This isn't just about technique or talent—it’s about the intangible connections that art creates.

Together, they break down the emotional, narrative, and visual elements that elevate art from something good to something unforgettable. You’ll discover:

• Why aesthetic alone isn’t enough

• How your personal story enhances your work

• What collectors are silently searching for

🎧 Listen to the episode below and take your art to the next level.

👉 Ready to build a meaningful and successful art career?
Join our Artist NXT Level community today at www.theartistnextlevel.com

In this episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez explores what separates a basic artist website from a brilliant one. If your website is just sitting there without building trust, driving opportunities, or representing your brand effectively—this conversation is a must-listen.

Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to turn your site into a tool that works for you.

🎧 Listen to the episode below and start thinking about how your digital presence can elevate your art career.

👉 Want more strategies, support, and insight for growing your art career? Join our free Artist NXT Level community at www.theartistnextlevel.com

Discover the power of Instagram DMs and unlock a world of opportunities for your art career! In this video, I, Sergio Gomez, share the secret formula that has dramatically transformed how artists can leverage Instagram Direct Messages to connect with key players in the art world, gain more visibility for their work, and unlock incredible opportunities.

This isn't just theory; it's practical advice that I've used myself to advance my own art career and helped others do the same. Whether you're looking to expand your network, increase your art sales, or simply get your artwork in front of the people who matter most, this video is your first step towards making that happen.

One of the hardest parts of being a professional artist is navigating commissions that push you outside your stylistic comfort zone. But what if you could accept these challenges and still create something that feels 100% you?

In this episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez shares a 5-step strategy to help you stay creatively authentic—even when the brief feels off-brand. From setting style boundaries to adding your final touches, this episode is your guide to thriving under creative pressure.

What you’ll learn:

• How to set expectations and define your style lane
  
• The right client questions to ensure alignment
  
• The importance of checkpoints and mid-project feedback
  
• Why documenting your process keeps your vision sharp
  
• How to inject your signature touch at the final stage
  
  

🎧 Listen now and level up your approach to challenging commissions!

👉 Want more tools and support on your artist journey? Join the Artist NXT Level community here.

Do you ever feel like the art world’s inner circle is impossible to join? You’re not alone. On this week’s episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez gets real about the barriers—both visible and hidden—that new artists face. Drawing from decades as an exhibiting artist, curator, and gallery owner, Sergio exposes the layers of gatekeeping that have defined the industry and spotlights the countless opportunities available right now to take control of your artistic journey.

Whether you’ve got a studio full of work or you’re just dreaming up your first piece, this conversation will equip you with the insider mindset and actionable steps you need to create your own “art world” on your terms. Tune in, get inspired, and start making your mark!

🔗 Ready to level up? Join our Artist NXT Level community today for exclusive tutorials, critique sessions, and direct support from fellow artists and industry insiders: www.theartistnextlevel.com

Are you feeling frustrated with Instagram and wondering what’s actually working for artists right now?

In this episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez breaks down the most important Instagram updates every artist needs to know for 2025. Discover how the platform is distributing content today, what kind of Reels are getting the most traction, and the truth about hashtags that could surprise you.

Sergio provides practical tips to help you increase visibility, stay aligned with current trends, and focus on what matters—creating art.

🎧 Listen to the full episode below and take control of your social media strategy this summer.

🚀 Join our Artist NXT Level community for free at www.theartistnextlevel.com and get access to weekly insights, artist resources, and a supportive community that helps you grow.

Every artist—no matter how seasoned or successful—has faced it: discouragement.

In this compelling episode of The Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez sheds light on this silent struggle that so many creatives endure behind closed doors. Through a powerful personal story, Sergio explores how discouragement can take hold of our creative lives and what we can do to overcome it.

You'll hear actionable insights, personal anecdotes, and empowering strategies to help you:

• Identify the root of discouragement in your own life
  
• Reignite your motivation
  
• Build lasting resilience as a creative
  
  

If you've been feeling stuck, lost, or uncertain in your art journey—this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen to the full episode below.
🎨 Want more support and connection? Join our Artist NXT Level community at www.theartistnextlevel.com and surround yourself with artists who get it.

What happens in the first 15 minutes of your morning might be affecting your entire day as a creative. In this thought-provoking episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast, Sergio Gomez breaks down why your morning matters more than you think—and what artists can do to build a day that fuels creativity, focus, and fulfillment.

Are you walking into your studio already distracted? Are you setting yourself up for success—or sabotaging your energy before your brush hits the canvas?

🎧 Listen now to uncover powerful shifts you can make right away to elevate your art practice from the moment you open your eyes.

👉 Want more tools, resources, and community to grow your art career? Join our Artist NXT Level community at www.theartistnextlevel.com and step into the next level of your journey.