The Value of Time - Especially a Creative's

What it really looks like behind the scenes of teaching on the road.

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about time. Not just the ticking-clock kind — but the kind we give.

As a traveling art instructor and fiber art teacher, I’ve learned that teaching workshops involves far more than the hours listed on a schedule. It’s preparation, planning, packing, and presence — all before a single student walks through the door. It about showing up - fully - for others.

This isn’t about any single moment or person. It’s about a realization that’s been growing quietly in me — one I think many creatives eventually face.

As artists and teachers, we often measure our work in finished pieces or class hours. But the truth is, what people see is only a small fraction of what we give.

What People Don’t See

Anyone running a creative business knows that what happens behind the scenes is often invisible — yet it’s what makes a sustainable art career possible.

Behind every class I teach are hours of preparation: designing lessons, creating samples, cutting kits, packing supplies, organizing materials, loading the car, and often driving anywhere from an hour and a half to five hours to get there.

That’s not a complaint.

That’s devotion.

I love teaching. I love watching students light up when something clicks. I love seeing confidence grow in someone who thought they “weren’t creative.” Those moments are worth gold to me.

When your schedule and your sanity are negotiating.

But recently I found myself facing something that made me pause.

The Moment I Had to Choose

Setting clear expectations isn’t about being rigid — it’s about establishing healthy creative business boundaries so I can continue showing up fully for my students.

Some shops assume that if a class doesn’t meet minimum enrollment, I should still come anyway. And while I understand the hope behind that request, I had to ask myself a hard question:

If I don’t value my time, who will?

I set a minimum student requirement for a reason. It isn’t about ego or numbers — it’s about sustainability. Travel, preparation, kit creation, time away from my studio, time away from my family — all of those are real investments.

One shop I work with understands this beautifully. They honor my minimum whether the class fills or not. And you know what? I am always happy to show up for them. Because respect is a two-way street.

Recently another location agreed to my policy… and later backed away from that agreement. In that moment, I had a choice. I could bend, go anyway, and quietly resent the situation. Or I could stand gently but firmly in my boundary.

I chose the boundary.

Not out of anger.

Out of self-respect.

Respecting Your Own Time

And here’s what I’ve learned:

Holding a boundary doesn’t burn bridges. It teaches people how to cross them.

Valuing your time doesn’t make you difficult.

It makes you sustainable.

Especially as creatives, we’re often conditioned to say yes. Yes to opportunities. Yes to exposure. Yes to “just this once.” But every yes we give away without intention is time we take away from something else — our work, our rest, our loved ones, or our own creative spirit.

Respecting your own time isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.

Because when we protect our time, we protect our energy.

And when we protect our energy, we protect our creativity.

And creativity is the very thing we’re here to share.

Creating with intention. Teaching with purpose.

Because longevity in teaching and art doesn’t come from saying yes to everything — it comes from building a sustainable art career that honors both creativity and capacity.

So this is your gentle reminder — and mine too:

Your time matters.

Your preparation matters.

Your expertise matters.

You matter.

Guard your time the way you guard your passion.

Warmly,

Deb