Creative burnout manifests in many forms. It can be different for everyone as everyone has a unique set of challenges in their lives. Burnout causes range from personal life challenges to the lack of inspiration and the weight of unrealistic self-expectations. In this blog, I will touch on 2 causes that I find very interesting.
Hustle Culture
The modern artist, especially those whose art is dependent on social media, faces a unique set of challenges that contribute to burnout. Financial instability forces artists to be part of the hustle culture, which is often named as the only route to success if not you will starve. It prompts artists to be constantly creative, leading to quick, low-effort pieces.
Moreover, the fear of failure becomes evident when trying new techniques becomes a risky venture – if it fails, it can't be posted, and if it can't, you lose money. The pressure to conform to market preferences discourages experimentation with styles, resulting in many artists having similar art styles. The community, which is heavily dependent on trends, fosters a cycle where artists watch series like anime. not for the love of it, but to draw fan art that attracts attention.
Artists find themselves working more for others than for personal fulfillment. The mindset neglects the artist's well-being. It becomes a relentless cycle – and the essence of art as personal expression disappears.
Social Pressures
Social pressure significantly influences the extent to which artists encounter burnout. These societal expectations often turn into the artist's insecurities and as a result, we set high expectations of ourselves. The most common stereotypes are:
->The "starving artist" stereotype often suggests that artists struggle financially or may end up broke if they pursue their passion. This stereotype has negative effects, discouraging young people from pursuing careers in the arts and contributing to the undervaluation of artists' work.
However, the reality is more nuanced. While some artists face financial challenges, especially when starting their careers, it's inaccurate to label all artists as "starving." Many artists successfully make a living from their work, and some even achieve significant financial success.
-> Art is not Important: Contrary to the perception that art is not important, it is a powerful tool and a crucial part of society. Artist Olafur Eliasson emphasizes art's ability to change the world by touching people and fostering connections across diverse backgrounds. Research also indicates that art positively impacts mental health, offering relaxation and coping mechanisms for conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
-> Expectations of Creativity: Moreover, there is a societal expectation that artists must constantly exhibit creativity and innovation. This pressure can result in stress, anxiety, and burnout, creating a fear of failure if one cannot sustain daily creative output. It's important to recognize that creativity is not always a constant flow but rather a dynamic process with ebbs and flows. Artists, like anyone else, need periods of rest and rejuvenation to maintain their creative energy.
But these are not true…
This is because experiencing burnout serves as a wake-up call, leading individuals to reassess their work-life balance, personal expectations, and overall creative process. While reaching a state of burnout is not ideal, the experience can encourage the development of healthier habits, such as regular exercise, shown to improve creativity. It also fosters the creation of strategies to manage stress and strengthen emotional resilience, challenging the notion that burnout is solely detrimental to an artist's well-being.
Ultimately, understanding the causes of your condition is crucial for effectively addressing and targeting the cure. I encourage you guys to sit, analyze, and choose a coping mechanism that fits your needs!