How to Get Out of Creative Burnout

THE CREATIVE DRIVE

Ever since I was a child – I always had this deep-rooted desire to create – to make whimsical things that would cause my artistic spirit to soar & my inner child to leap for joy.   

Although I loved to create – I often got bored rather quickly when working on one particular project.   So my creative self would hop around from project to project and eventually get back around to that artistic venture I’d taken up nearly a month ago.  

At the time, this jumping from project too project was often categorized as lazy or impulsive (never sticking to one type of creative outlet).  Now, I’m starting to realize it was my clever way of preventing creative/artistic burnout.  

WHAT IS BURNOUT?

Last time, we talked about what burnout looks like for an artist – but to quickly sum up burnout can present itself in many different ways – but most commonly is accompanied with physical, emotional or mental exhaustion plus a lack of motivation to do just about anything.” 

We also talked about mini burnouts and massive burnouts for artists.  If you are curious about that make sure to check out the post I wrote last time on this subject.  I’ll link it below.    

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS POST ON BURNOUT

HOW TO GET OUT OF BURNOUT?

So now that we know what it is – how do we get out of it?  Well, funny enough the answer really lies in how I approached my art as a child.  

Like I said earlier – I was one of those kids that would take of several different projects and attempt to work on them sporadically overtime.  I often was scolded for leaving one project and pursuing another only to come back to that original project sometime later.  This was often viewed as lazy or just impulsive.  Basically I couldn’t keep my mind stuck on one type of activity for a long time.  

Now, as an adult, I think this was partially due to my ADHD – where I would either hyper-fixated on something or flit around with multiple stimuli in the environment.  But, now I’m starting to realize this was a fantastic way to keep my creative drive from going into burnout.  Let’s me explain…    

SOLUTION #1: THE CREATIVE LEAPER / MOOD CREATOR

  • the mood creator
  • I love to read – I’m an avid reader of sci-fi and fantasy romance books with a bit of contemporary romance sprinkled in here and there.  (I mean – our world is to boring as it is – why not add a flare of magic or aliens in the mix lol).  
  • Getting back on point, for me personally – I’m more of what people would call a “mood reader.”   One night I might be in the mood for contemporary romance, the next an alien romance book, and sometimes just a cozy fantasy.   I read books based on my mood.  The same can be said about how I approach art.  If I’m not in the “mood” to create something – it’s a real struggle to get the project done.   But, if I have a slew of mini projects going at one time I can typically get that same said project done along side the others.   
  • Hence, what I’ve been doing more of recently.   Working on several projects at one time – which can get pretty messy got to say – but this mindset of creating “zones” for several different projects has helped me a lot in getting my feet back under me and pulling myself out of my own Artistic Burnout.  

MY CREATIVE LEAPER / MOOD CREATOR PROJECTS LIST

So what are my go to projects for this very moment…

  • A notebook of watercolor explorations
  • Creating a watercolor swatch chart for my art studio
  • Painting my living room & redecorating it in a new style
  • reorganizing my office & art studio to function better
  • creating a special gift for a family member 

For me personally, I find myself creatively motivated in a creative/organized space that feels cozy.   Which is why my projects have art themes as well as home DIY projects.  As a side note – last week I learned how to build a piece of furniture and use a power drill.  Um, saying I’m stoked is a bit of an understatement.  LOL

SOLUTION #2: Study your personality

The reason I say this is because, what works for me might not work for you and that’s simply because we are entirely different people.   So studying your personality and what makes you tick will help you choose “happy” projects that create motivation rather than stress (which we don’t want).   

I recommend starting by studying your Enneagram Personality Type.   I’m a Enneagram 4 – so most of my suggestions line up with that specific personality type.   But there are 9 total Enneagram types.   

A great resource I’ve been using is Abbey Howe from YouTube.  She has some really fun and insightful videos all on Enneagram types.   She even created several community posts called “Pockets of Peace” – that specifically lay out what each type likes to do ignorer to rejuvenate.   I’ll link her channel down below for anyone interested. 

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ABBEY’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

You can also take a free online test to get an idea of what Enneagram type you are – just simple search Enneagram free test on google and there are lots of resources available.  I took mine via my counselor – but these online ones can point you in the right direction and Abbey explains things in a more down-to earth less “psychology talk” kind of format.   

SOLUTION #3: FIND YOUR COMFORT ZONE MOTIVATORS

Lastly, figure out what makes you happy and booster your creativity.  For me it’s “date nights” with the hubby watching a movie or curled up in bed reading a great book.   I also like talking walks outside when the weather is cool and crisp.   Trips to the gardens or zoo also spices up my creativity when I’m starting to feel burned.  

You might notice none of these are specifically creative/artistic in themselves.  But these activities give my brain time to rejuvenate and relax between my creative spurts.   Remember we need downtime ignorer to build up energy for that next project.   So find ways to take time for yourself even if that means neglecting a project you are currently working on.  Taking breaks is actually the best way to prevent burnout in the first place.  That’s something I wished someone had told me years ago.  

For me, I have this bad habit of always feeling so guilty when I take time for myself.   But taking “me time” actually helps my creative side as well as my relationships with others.   In order for me to operate as a fully functional human I need a cup of coffee and a break here and there to deconstruct from life and rejuvenate.   

SO TO SUM UP:

Ways I get myself out of a creative burnout rut is by…

  • #1: working on several projects that connect with my MOOD
  • #2: studying more about my personality – specifically my enneagram profile
  • #3: finding YOUR COMFORT ZONE MOTIVATORS

Thanks for reading,

About Author

Hi there! My name is Carrie and I'm a Watercolor Misfit! What's a Watercolor Misfit? Well, anyone who is willing to try new things and not afraid to get their hands covered in paint! So what do you say, are you a Misfit-ian?

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