Creative burnout

Creative Burnout: Strategies for Recovery and Prevention 

Creatives/Designers,

If you've been in an uninspired rut for some time, the first thing you should know is you're not alone- over 60% of creatives have experienced burnout at least once. Creative burnout can leave you feeling drained, uninspired, and doubting your design abilities. 

For many this feeling stems from imposter syndrome, especially if you're a self taught graphic designer. I can't deny there's something about working with authority when you have some form of certification. However, not having one doesn't make you a bad designer and with a nice portfolio, you can compete in your field.

Now, there's a difference between a creative block and a creative burnout. I speak about how I overcame the former in a previous newsletter. 

So, the first step to recover from creative burnout is, 

Recognizing The Signs of a Creative Burnout

1. Lack of motivation or enthusiasm for design projects. 

2. Feeling mentally and physically exhausted, even after a break.

3. Difficulty generating new ideas or concepts (even bad ideas are difficult)

4. Having panic attacks before a project (yes, this happens) or frustration with design tasks.

5. Decline in your quality of work or attention to detail.

If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, you must acknowledge them and take proactive steps to address them. It's important to understand that this isn't permanent and there is a way out of it.

Some Strategies for Recovery

Take a Break

As cliche as this may sound, I always recommend resting your body and soul. Adequate rest goes beyond napping and reducing screen time, it also includes engaging in activities that recharge your creativity. I recommend you visit art galleries/museums, attend meetups for design experts, go for a walk, or try replicating other designs you love.

Exposure to new ideas and perspectives can reignite your creative spark.

Allow Yourself To Be A Beginner

Don't try to compare yourself with other experienced artists. Forget about creating branding projects, posters, and other tasking projects for your portfolio. Focus on getting better; try following YouTube tutorials, listening to podcasts, and bouncing off ideas with other creatives.

Be Okay with Being a Bit Better

Can we agree that as creatives we tend to judge our work too harshly? The way I see it, it's so easy to compare your work with all the beautiful art you come across on behance and other platforms. You begin to forget that you actually got paid for a design you think isn't great. Don't get me wrong, it's important to always find ways to be excellent, but it's okay to be a bit better.

As long as you're not stuck doing the same thing, be happy with every new technique you learn or tools you discover.

Consider The Purpose of Your Designs 

When I struggled with a creative block, the major strategy that revolutionized my design process was finding the “why" in every design. You must go beyond the aesthetics of your design and focus on a deeper narrative and purpose. In my case, I crafted moodboards weekly and it contributed to the exploration of narratives and emotions that each element represents.

Remember every design should evoke emotions and tell a story, when you look beyond the superficial, your process will be clearer.  

Scrutinize Every Design You Love Like It's Yours

This might seem silly but every time you come across a design you love, ask yourself “how would I feel about this if I created it?.” There's a high chance you would become critical and those designs that felt like the best will become a bit unappealing to you. 

The point of this is for you to understand that what is considered the best design is subjective. There are people who love your work as much as you love others. If the reviews from previous clients do not convince you, being critical of other brands’ designs should work.

Preventive Measures That Help 

Sometimes it's easier to prevent burnout than to recover from it. So, here are a few tips that still help me as I create magic,

Establish Boundaries 

As a creative, you draw inspiration from everything, so it's easy to blur the lines between work and life. Hence, it's essential to set clear boundaries to prevent overexertion. Schedule regular breaks and prioritize self-care activities to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Get Enough (Paid) Time to Complete a Job

Rather than tackling projects in one overwhelming swoop, break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. I find this easier to do when you have enough paid time to be actually productive without any pressure. This approach can make the design process feel less daunting and more achievable.

Prioritize Your Development 

The more you learn the more adequate you feel as you create. So, dedicate time each week to gather inspiration from various sources, such as books, magazines, or online platforms. 

Just remember, you're not alone in this. Every designer faces creative burnout at some point, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can overcome it and come back stronger than ever. 

So take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and remember that inspiration is all around you. 

You've got this!

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