Fighting That Nasty Artist Burnout
Not everyone can get burnout, it’s that exhausted and unmotivated feeling that just won’t go away. It’s when days turn into sluggish drags and doing those hobbies you used to love feels like a chore. For artists, burnout is something that can hit us hard. Art is often a source of comfort, passion, and self-regulation. So when we find it more draining to create, it can be very disheartening. Fear not, however, from one artist to another, I’m going to share some tips and tricks I have learned to combat that nasty burnout and artist block!
I’ve been drawing and creating ever since I was able to hold a chunky Crayola marker, but I’ve been taking drawing more seriously since I was twelve! These tips may be more applicable to other artists who are like me and seek improvement or even a career in the arts, more so than those who draw for fun. That’s okay! Thanks for giving this a read regardless. On to the tips now!
Tip 1: Take a break!
Now this might seem silly as we’re looking for tips that will get us back to drawing, not the opposite, but hear me out. Sometimes burnout occurs because we have overworked ourselves and exhausted our creative juices. We all need time to recharge from time to time. Don’t beat yourself up over taking a break from the art you usually make. Take that time to find things that inspire you, things that help you relax, or things that excite you.
Another great way to take a break while staying creative is exploring new mediums, which also leads me into my next tip!
Tip 2: Explore other mediums
If you are someone who only ever draws with a pencil on paper, may I suggest exploring other mediums to help with your burnout! You’d be surprised how game changing it can be to try out things like acrylic painting, knitting, sewing, dancing, oil pastels, clay, and so much more as someone who primarily sticks to the good old pencils. Not to say pencils are bad in any way, but you might be surprised by how exploring a new medium may excite you again!
It’s a tip I’d even give to anyone looking to improve their art in a way that isn’t just “Study, study, study.” Exploring other mediums can be just the change in pace you need!
Tip 3: Doodle
First, to establish what a doodle is exactly. Doodles are pieces of art done with no clear plan initially. You simply put your marker to the page and start to draw. Doodling is a nice exercise that can teach you to relax and focus more on drawing what feels right than drawing what looks right. Doodling can be fast and you can move on from each sketch in rapid succession, it’s a great skill for getting creative juices flowing and your muscles active.
Tip 4: Reflect
Take some time to look back at your old artwork, look at art that inspires you, and appreciate the time you’ve taken. Something I love to do is go back and redraw some of my old art. It gives me a chance to see how far I have come but also it takes the burden of coming up with new ideas away from my brain. When art is something I desperately want to create but can’t seem to come up with any ideas, that can be the push I need to be inspired again.
Tip 5: Move where you create art
This is even a general mental health tip, but changing the location while you create art can surprisingly do a lot for motivation and focus. I often find myself drawing in my bedroom, which doesn’t work out well when my brain tells me it’s time to go to sleep. This can be true if you draw in bed a lot. Your brain will associate your bed with sleep and attempt to prepare your body for sleep, this can make focus very hard and cause you to feel tired every time you try to draw. By simply moving around, you may find a sudden burst of energy or inspiration. Play around with it.
Now these tips may not work for everyone and I encourage you to take a look around and ask your fellow artists for any tips and tricks they may have! Just remember to remind yourself, you are in no rush to create. Art takes time, good ideas take more time. Breaks are normal and more than okay to take. Even professionals take time to rest. So take it easy, wait and see what comes to you, and make something for YOU!
How the CO. is here to help!
the CO. prides itself on being a safe space for all, artists and non-artists alike, to be understood, unwind, and create something special. the CO. hosts many events throughout the year – they hosted an Open Mic Night for mental health, workshops, as well as the biweekly Teen Drop-in. the CO. can be your new space to create art, a place to reconnect with why you love art, or to meet and learn from other like-minded people. For teens, the CO. is an even better space due to their aforementioned Teen Drop-In event. During this event the CO. opens its doors to all youth 13+ to use the space to create, talk, or simply relax. It is a wonderful community event that is sure to help fight that nasty burnout.
I hope you have found this blog at least a little bit helpful, or maybe you were simply reminded that there are ways to help. If you are interested in the CO., or arts therapy, please check out the information on this site and the other blogs!
Have a wonderful day and keep on being you!
-Markus
