“Distractions signal that something has changed,” says David Rock, author of Your Brain at Work. “A distraction is an alert that says, ‘Orient your attention here now; this could be dangerous.’” Distractions are difficult for any and every employee but when you are proofreading an art book or article, they can strike at the core of the most important abilities you need to possess.

Art-focused writing can be highly technical or instruction-based. Keeping your focus sharp while proofreading this type of material necessitates much more than using anti-distraction apps, turning your phone off, or heading for a quiet space. It also requires caring for your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Unless you feel well rested, vital, and energetic, it can be difficult to resist the pull of life’s many distractions and keep your mind keenly focused on a subject you may not be 100% confident with.

Why is proofreading art literature so challenging?

Proofreaders of art books have the difficult task not only of correcting typos and grammatical errors,  but also contextual ones. In a single day, you may have to proofread simple instructions on drawing nature-focused subjects such as roses, trees, or animals, and wade through complex instructions on how to complete an intricate sculpture or 3D design. You need to understand the words almost as well as the writer and certainly as well as the intended reader. When you are tired, distracted, or stressed, however, your focus and patience are negatively affected. Your working memory, which is particularly important for following and understanding detailed instructions, is also hampered by poor sleep, stress, and anxiety.

Battling stress proactively is vital

As an art book / article proofreader, you may have to produce urgent corrections on more than one occasion, especially when the artist / author has a tight deadline to meet. Rather than simply viewing tension as part and parcel of the job, it is important to take the ‘stress monster’ by the horns, since numerous studies have shown that stress impairs focus and attention, and even changes how people make decisions. There are many ways to battle stress on a daily basis. Mindfulness is one of them.

In one 2016 study, researchers found that mindfulness training improves concentration, helps employees manage stress, and improves teamwork. Study after study has shown that two other mindful pursuits – yoga and Tai Chi – also have a particularly powerful ability to lower stress levels, improve mood, and raise vitality.

Sleep is key to optimal proofreading performance

As mentioned above, proofreading art often involves processing difficult instructions and sometimes, even historical references. To ensure your ability to process this material is optimal, good sleep is vital. A 2012 Harris Health System study found that sleep deprivation affects the ability to maintain concentration and impairs memory recall. It also affects mood, energy levels, and the ability to focus – all of which can affect your ability to produce neat, perfectly corrected copy. Moreover, even one short-term sleep deprivation can affect your work performance. Therefore, you should ideally establish a strict bedtime routine and stick to it, leaving gadgets aside and indulging in relaxing activities like breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, before hitting the sack.

Art is just one specialisation you may decide to pursue as a proofreader. The more you delve into the history and technique behind the world’s most spectacular works, the more confident you will be and the easier you will find processing and understanding technical matters and instructions.

However, acing your proofreading game involves more than capturing ideas; it also requires an eagle-eye ability to spot errors, change confusing grammatical structures, and ensure that sentences make contextual sense. Taking care of your mental health through good sleep, stress relief, and even the enjoyment of much needed ‘me time’, will go a long way towards keeping you at the top of your profession.

Article by Jane Sandwood