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Morning Pages for Artists and DJs

As a DJ, it probably seems counterproductive and the opposite of playing out live, but writing is a powerful tool for creative clarity and professional growth.

Sure, we can all crate dig and pull our sets together – that’s a given. But we want to stand out in a noisy market and create different events and experiences.

So, exploration via writing may make you think of samples from current events or include a track from a prominent musician recently in the news. You can analyse your latest set or party and consider how to make things better – all from the safety of your home.

For production, the connection to writing is more prominent. You can write about the feeling/person/ emotion you’re creating and journal as you create music.

Simply put, writing can bridge the gap between the goals, your passions and “the inner world that drives you. Often, that simply unblocks the ‘head trash’ you carry that’s killing your progress.

With a tiny effort every day, you can keep working on your dream(s) and find new ideas.

Rather than devise my own theories on this, I refer to Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, a transformative guide and twelve-week course on unlocking creativity.

Yes, it’s a self-help book, and it’s over 30 years old! But it’s a classic that people are still using today to combat any artistic blocks and rise as artists.

I’ve completed The Artist’s Way twice.

• The first time was when I worked more in corporate, and the course led to me pursuing more art.
• The second time, I was writing a film script and ‘Morning Pages’ helped me develop a huge budget film script.
• Today, journaling helps me balance running a business, DJing, producing and screenwriting. It’s a great mixture and leads to a happy life.

Rather than suggesting you just need to journal, just try this book. Cameron provides a 12-week guide as support for “creative recovery”, as she puts it.

With her latest book now available (Living the Artists Way), it’s the perfect time to explore the benefits of journaling and how it can elevate your journey as an artist or DJ.

The Power of Journaling for Artists and DJs

Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way is a terrific book and course for anyone seeking to unlock their creative potential.

Journaling provides a space to reflect, process, and plan and Cameron introduces the concept of “Morning Pages”, which are three pages of unstructured thinking and writing; you can find a complete explanation from Julia Cameron here.

The three practices from the book are particularly transformative for artists and DJs:

1. Morning Pages:

• Morning pages are three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing done first thing every morning. They aren’t meant to be polished or even coherent—they’re a way to clear your mind and uncover hidden thoughts.
• DJs can use morning pages to reflect on past performances, brainstorm set ideas, or work through creative blocks.

2. Artist Dates:

• An artist date is a solo activity that nurtures your creativity. This could be visiting a record store, attending a live show, or exploring a new genre of music. It’s about reconnecting with your sense of play and discovery.

3. Walks

• A twenty-minute walk without your phone, music or dog to get inspiration. I find this particularly hard to do as I live with headphones on my ears.

How Morning Pages Can Enhance Your DJ Career

If you write the morning pages, you’ll find your own revelations, blockers and solutions – all unique to you. But in general, morning pages can help you:

1. Reflect on Performances: After gigs, jot down what went well, what could improve, and how the audience responded. Over time, you’ll identify trends and refine your craft.
2. Brainstorm Creative Ideas: Write about potential collaborations, set themes, or new ways to market yourself. Journaling can act as a creative incubator for bold ideas.
3. Celebrate Wins: Record your achievements, big and small. Revisiting these entries can motivate you during challenging times.

Tips for Starting and Maintaining a Journaling Practice

DJs are good at detail and practice. So, here is only one tip from me: Write daily as soon as you wake up.

Journaling Tools and Resources

• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: The ultimate guide to creative recovery and growth.
• Morning Pages Journal: A dedicated notebook for your morning writing.
• Digital Tools: Apps like Evernote or Notion can be handy for journaling on the go.

I use a reMarkable for writing – it’s expensive but worth it as it’s like writing on paper with no other distractions.

Conclusion

The Writer’s Way approach to journalling allows you to align your thoughts, actions, and ambitions.

For artists and DJs, it provides clarity, improves creativity, and strengthens the connection to your goals.

But don’t take my word for it! Give it a try and let me know the results 🙂

Articles and Studies

1. Morning Pages – A Clearer Mind, Better Ideas & Less Anxiety – An exploration of how journaling can boost creativity and productivity.
2. “How Journaling Can Boost Your Mental Health” (Harvard Health) – Evidence-based benefits of journaling for mental clarity and emotional health.
3. Julia Cameron Live – Official website of Julia Cameron, with updates on her latest work and tips for creative growth.
4. “How to keep an art journal” (Nature studio) – Stunning example of journalling as an artist.