A Guide to Combating Burnout for Artists

Creating art is fun and exciting, but sometimes artists feel very tired and don't want to make art anymore. This feeling is called burnout. Burnout happens to a lot of people, but due to the mentally tasking nature of the work, creatives tend to suffer from burnout more often than others. Here, we explore what burnout is, how it happens, how to notice it, and what we can do to feel better.

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What is Burnout?

Burnout is when someone feels tired and stressed out for a long time. This makes it hard for them to do things they usually love. For artists, burnout can make drawing, painting, or weaving feel like a big chore instead of something fun. Typically, it manifests as a lack of motivation and feeling disconnected from the work. In extreme cases, the artists may experience physical symptoms like headache or fatigue. 

How Does Burnout Develop?

Burnout doesn't happen all at once, it builds up over time. More often than not, it develops as a result of one or more of these factors: 

Too Much Work 

If you’re taking on too many tasks without breaks, a burnout may be inevitable. Imagine trying to run a marathon without stopping for water or rest. Your body would get exhausted, right? The same thing happens to your mind when you work too much. Constantly working on art projects without taking time to relax can make you feel worn out and tired, making it hard to enjoy making art.

Quest for Perfection

Sometimes, artists feel they have to make perfect art all the time. This pressure can be stressful and it’s a major contributor to artist burnout .Aiming for perfection with every piece takes the joy out of making art and replaces it with pressure. And when this happens, you’re less likely to enjoy what you’re doing. 

Lack of Inspiration 

If an artist can't find new ideas or doesn't feel inspired, making art can feel hard and frustrating. It's like trying to write a story but not knowing what happens next. Without new ideas, making art can start to feel boring or frustrating, which can lead to burnout.

Signs of Burnout

It's important to recognize the signs of burnout so you can do something about it. Here are some common signs:

• Feeling Very Tired: Feeling exhausted even after sleeping or resting might be a sign of burnout. The overwhelming feeling of fatigue makes it hard to feel excited about making art or doing other activities.

• Not Enjoying Art: Losing interest in making art, even if you used to love it is another common sign of burnout. If you notice that you don’t look forward to drawing, painting, or weaving like you used to, it might be because you’re burned out.

• Getting Frustrated Easily: This may entail feeling angry or upset when things don’t go as planned. For example, little mistakes that wouldn’t have bothered you before might start to make you feel very frustrated or upset. 

• Lack of Creativity: When you start having trouble coming up with new ideas, it might be time to take a break. This is especially true if you were always bubbling with creative ideas. 

• Avoiding Art: If you find yourself avoiding your art supplies or making excuses not to work on your projects, it might be because you’re experiencing burnout.

How to Break Out of Burnout

If you notice any signs of burnout, it's important to take action to feel better. Here are some tips to help:

• Take a Break: Sometimes, the best thing to do is to step away from your art. Do something else you enjoy, like reading a book, playing a game, or going for a vacation. Taking a break can give your mind a rest and help you come back to your art feeling refreshed and ready to create.

• Get Enough Rest: Rest is very important for your body and mind. Try to go to bed at the same time every night and get enough sleep so you wake up feeling rested. A good night's sleep can make a big difference in how you feel and how creative you are.

• Try Something New: Sometimes, trying a new art technique or medium can bring back the excitement. If you usually paint, try drawing or weaving instead. Experimenting with new materials or styles can make creating art feel fresh and exciting again.

• Talk to Someone: Sharing how you feel with a friend, family member, or fellow artist can be very helpful. They can offer support and advice and talking about your feelings can help you feel less alone while giving you new ideas for dealing with burnout.

• Set Small Goals: Instead of working on a big project, try setting small, easy goals. Completing small tasks can make you feel accomplished and motivated and chase away the feeling of frustration. For example, instead of trying to finish a whole painting, aim to complete just one part of it. 

• Practice Self-Care: Take time to do things that make you feel good. This can be anything from taking a bath, playing a sport, or listening to your favorite music. Doing things you enjoy can help you relax and recharge, making it easier to get back to your art.

Conclusion

Burnout can be tough, but it can as well be managed and prevented. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to prevent burnout, artists can overcome the dreaded feeling and continue to create beautiful art. Remember, it's okay to take a step back and take care of yourself, even before you start feeling overwhelmed. Your art will always be there when you're ready to come back.