The Importance of Self-Care for Artists: Tips for Prioritizing Your Well-Being
I’ve recently been craving a sabbatical from Fried Megg. Maybe sabbatical isn’t the right word. Perhaps an extended relaxation? Whatever this feeling is, I’m trying to reframe my longer-than-I-would-like absences from social media and Patreon as a way of my inner artist telling me I need a guilt-free break.
When you start to monetize your art, build an online presence, or just generally try to go from hobbyist to pro, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of work; constantly creating, networking, and promoting yourself. It can quickly turn into a slippery slope to justify putting your needs on the back burner, but it’s essential to prioritize mental health and well-being to avoid burnout and continue creating. So! Here are five (5) self-care tips for artists on how to prioritize mental health while maintaining a busy art practice.
Recognize the Importance of Self-Care
This might sound obvious, but one of the first things you can do (especially as an artist) is recognize the importance of self-care. I often feel pressure to work long hours and push myself to finish work for my own self-imposed deadlines. However, neglecting mental health and well-being can lead to burnout and anxiety. Self-care is a necessity for maintaining creativity, productivity, and overall happiness. Listening to my body and being vigilant for subtle cues about my mental state helps gauge when I might need to pay extra attention to my health.
I can tell when I need self-love because:
Instagram starts to feel ‘icky’ or more of a burden/place to compare myself to, instead of a
fun space to talk to friends.
I’ll spend all my free time watching YouTube or Instagram reels.
It feels like pulling teeth to try and play in my sketchbook.
Once I recognize I need me-time, I go to the next step:
Creating Space for R&R
Artists. Need. Rest. I would bet even more than other occupations. You can read a more in-depth analysis and study about it here. Long story short, self-care is crucial for your well-being and success.
This could mean taking a day off to rest and recharge or simply carving out a few hours a week to focus on your health. I use this time to do things that make me happy and help me relax, such as going to my favorite cafe to draw, reading, or going to the beach to soak up Vitamin D.
I like to minimize distractions to help me stay focused, so I’ll usually put my phone in ‘Do not disturb’ mode or turn off Instagram notifications. Another way I like to make time for myself is by combining my art practice with my self-care activities. For example, I like taking my sketchbook to the beach or park a drawing outside. This way I’m engaging in self-care and (hopefully) preventing an art block at the same time.
If all else fails you could force yourself to relax by literally planning it in your day. Just as you would schedule in time for work or creative pursuits, schedule in time for relaxation.
Connect with Others
Art can be a solitary pursuit, but connecting with others and building a support system is important! Joining a local art group or attending events in your community can be a great way to meet like-minded people and form connections. I don’t particularly have any art groups that I attend locally, but I do vend quite a bit at community events and art fairs throughout the year, and it’s been a successful way for me to meet local artists and network. I also have a ton of artist friends online, and those friendships help me feel less isolated.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself and permit yourself to make mistakes. Remember that your art practice is a journey, and it's important to enjoy the process rather than focus solely on the result.
This is an area I’m trying to improve in because I’m guilty of making art and then immediately seeing if there’s a way I can turn what I just made into merch, or if I can make it into an Instagram reel, or a Patreon video. It's important to remember that the process of creating is just as valid. Enjoy the process of creating and appreciate the small victories along the way!
Set Realistic Goals
Finally, set realistic goals! It's easy to get caught up in the pressure to produce a certain amount of work or reach a specific level of success, but pushing yourself too hard can lead to stress and burnout. Try and set goals that are achievable and allow for flexibility in your schedule. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and don't be too hard on yourself when things don't go as planned.
Notes from a Skillshare class I took: Tackling Creative Perfectionism: 7 Challenges to Address Roadblocks
