How to Find Balance as an Artist and Avoid Burnout
When reading blogs from various online art schools, it’s hard not to notice the recurring advice: "An artist must constantly improve their skills." While this is generally true, such advice is often given with the ulterior motive of selling courses. In reality, the relentless pursuit of skills can lead to burnout, resulting in artists not drawing for months or even years.
Many artists develop their skills through graffiti and comics. This growth stems not from suffering but rather from enjoyment. It’s important to recognize that approaches to learning and self-expression can vary greatly. However, it’s evident that many artists often spend years learning the same things, leaving them with neither the energy nor the desire to create. Many get stuck in the mindset of thinking, "I don’t know anatomy well enough, so I won’t draw characters. But I want to." This isn’t a productive path.
I believe that an illustrator should draw out of a genuine and active desire — whether it’s for a personal project or a commission. This is crucial. When you’re genuinely interested in what you’re creating, the work is of higher quality, the projects become engaging, and burnout is minimized. Finding a balance between earning money, learning, and creating for oneself is essential.
It’s important to discuss how artists can find the strength and inspiration to avoid burnout while also developing their skills. We all want to grow and progress in our craft, but enjoying the process is equally vital.
Inspiration is what compels us to pick up a pen, pencil, or tablet and start drawing. It can come from various sources. Some find inspiration in a calm working environment, while others thrive on new experiences and stimuli. Some are inspired by others' works, while others may feel discouraged when viewing the art of others.
At times, inspiration may wane or even disappear completely. It’s crucial to understand that for creativity to flourish, one must be in a resourceful state. Each of us copes with this differently, but creating a comfortable environment and taking care of oneself can help rekindle that creative spark. This can be anything from resting, exercising, or simply taking a walk outside. The key is to make time for yourself to recharge and regain the desire to create.
When it comes to practice, this is where you can start working on yourself. Typically, inspiration arises from a creative idea, which can be developed through personal projects. For example, consider this project. Personal projects may not always be large or frequent, but they are essential. They provide clarity and allow you to realize something meaningful.
I believe that personal projects are a crucial element in an illustrator’s development that helps maintain enthusiasm. We will discuss different approaches to personal projects in the next part.
As long as I can remember, I have always had a personal project, a goal, or a task that seemed interesting. This helps me avoid fatigue from daily responsibilities.
There are various approaches to personal projects. For example:
I create daily sketches and fill my Instagram with them. I like how aesthetically pleasing my page looks, and I can see my progress over time.
I maintain a sketchbook, which serves as my project. I experiment with different shapes, styles, and techniques. The result will be a beautiful, tangible album of my drawings!
I engage in various personal projects, allowing me to express ideas that matter to me. There are no external assignments or restrictions; I choose the theme, format, and style of my projects. This helps me develop my creative thinking and express my individuality.
I create fan art — an expression of love for characters, movies, games, or books that inspire me. I strive to convey my vision and emotions through my illustrations.
I’m working on my comic, where I’m not only the artist but also the storyteller.
I’m developing an indie game — a dream I’ve had since childhood.
This is a small list I’ve compiled. Regardless, I believe every artist should have a personal project that they pursue for enjoyment. In this project, they can refine their skills by applying new knowledge. You can choose one path or combine different approaches; either way, it will help sustain motivation.
In conclusion, it’s essential to remember that balance in creativity isn’t just about following strict rules or enduring constant pressure. It’s about finding joy in the process and learning something new while not losing sight of your interests and passions. Your projects are your platform for experimentation and self-expression, so allow yourself to create with pleasure.
