Artist Self-Care: How to Keep Your Mojo Alive and Thriving
When your mojo ghosts you and the canvas gives you the silent treatment...
Letâs face it, being an artist is a wild ride. One minute youâre in the flow, painting your heart out, and the next, youâre staring at a blank canvas wondering where your mojo went. Creative burnout is real, and it can sneak up on you faster than a paint spill on a white carpet.
But donât worry! Here are some tried and true tips to help you keep your energy high, your creativity flowing, and your well-being in check. Whether youâre knee-deep in a major project or just feeling a bit... meh, these self-care tips are for you.
Acknowledge Your Feelings (Itâs Okay Not to Be âOnâ All the Time)
One of the biggest misconceptions is that artists need to be in âcreative modeâ 24/7. Spoiler alert: You donât! Feeling stuck or exhausted? Thatâs normal. The trick is recognising it early and giving yourself permission to take a break without feeling guilty.
Tip: Take five minutes to check in with yourself. Are you feeling tired? Stressed? Inspired? Knowing where you're at helps you move forward without over-exertion.
This is not procrastination, itâs professional restoration.
Schedule Regular Downtime (Yes, Really)
It might feel like youâre supposed to always be creating, but hereâs the truth: the best ideas often come when you step away. Schedule time for rest - whether itâs a weekend off or a regular "creative pause" during the week.
Tip: Keep a "self-care schedule" that includes breaks from your art practice - read a book, go for a walk, or just take a nap. Trust me, itâll make your art better in the long run.
Loosen up, buttercup! A quick stretch = less studio stress đ§ââď¸
Get Moving (Even if Itâs Just Stretching)
You know that saying, âYou canât pour from an empty cupâ? Well, that applies to your body too. Physical movement helps release tension, boosts creativity, and gets the blood flowing to those creative brain cells. You donât need to run a marathon - just stretch or take a walk!
Tip: Try a few simple yoga stretches before you start painting. Itâll loosen you up physically and mentally, giving you space to work without frustration.
Tiny wins = big progress. Celebrate every ticked box like youâve just sold a masterpiece!
Set Realistic Goals (Rome Wasnât Built in a Day)
As an artist, itâs easy to get lost in your big visions, but unrealistic expectations can leave you drained and defeated. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrate each win - big or small.
Tip: Instead of saying, âIâll finish this whole series today,â try, âIâll sketch out the first piece and get the base layer down.â It feels better to accomplish small tasks that lead to the bigger picture.
Stay Inspired (But Not Overwhelmed)
Inspiration is everywhere - BUT, constantly consuming social media, scrolling through art feeds, or comparing yourself to others can overwhelm and exhaust you. Be mindful of how much inspiration youâre soaking up. Itâs good to seek out fresh ideas, but donât let it replace your own voice.
Tip: Limit your time on social media. Spend more time doing things outside your studio that fuel your creativity, like visiting a park, reading a book, or chatting with a friend.
Creative chats are the best therapy.
Connect With Fellow Artists
Youâre not alone in this creative journey. Connecting with fellow artists can remind you that youâre part of a larger, supportive community. Share struggles, victories, and tips with each other, and youâll find your mojo doesnât fade when youâve got friends around to share it.
Tip: Join a local artist group or connect online. Having someone to talk to (who gets it) can be incredibly refreshing and motivating.
Doing something else you love is still good for your creativity.
Indulge in Non-Art Activities (Youâre a Whole Person!)
If art is your life, sometimes itâs easy to forget thereâs more to you than just your work. Paintings are great, but what about your well-being outside of the studio? Make time for hobbies and activities that have nothing to do with creating.
Tip: Try something completely different to refresh your mind. Take up knitting, gardening, or even learning to play the ukulele (Iâm actually not sure about this last one đ). Giving your brain a breather can spark new ideas later.
Final Thoughts
Self-care isnât just about bubble baths and face masks (though, letâs be real, those are nice too!). Itâs about giving yourself the space to recharge, breathe, and come back to your art with a clear mind and a full heart.
Remember, youâre doing great, and taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your artwork. So, donât let burnout sneak up on youâtake those breaks, move your body, and lean into your creative community. Your mojo will thank you. And, when you inevitably find your mojo missing in action â be kind to yourself, you havenât all of a sudden âlost itâ, you just need a break â youâve got this!
