Have you ever found yourself deeply immersed in research or preparing for a show, only to suddenly start seeing your subject of focus everywhere? For me, this often happens with motifs, patterns, or color palettes I’m working with, along with phrases and obscure references. They seem to pop up in the most unexpected places- like while waiting in line at the post office!

At this time of year, many of us are knee-deep in funding applications, planning strategies, and forging ahead on creative projects. This collective urgency often brings a frantic energy- the impulse to “act now, think later!” But when we operate on autopilot, we risk locking ourselves into projects that might not serve our best interests or align with our core values.

If you're feeling creatively blocked, there’s a high chance that what’s missing from your artistic practice is play. Sure, you could argue that all art-making is a form of play, but what sets play apart from more targeted creative production is the intention behind it. Are you creating out of urgency, driven by deadlines, or purely for the joy of exploration? 

Through my conversations with artists and creative freelancers, I’ve observed that burnout is becoming an increasingly common experience. We face unique challenges, such as relentless pressure to innovate, meet client demands, and stay financially afloat in an unpredictable, competitive market. These factors often make burnout harder to recognize when we’re caught up in the daily grind. However, identifying the symptoms early is vital for safeguarding both your well-being and your creative spark.