When Art Becomes Work

What Happens When Art Isn’t Fun Anymore?

It’s rather depressing when art becomes work. The thing you loved most has become a chore. You lose the excitement you once had when starting a new project. Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report revealed that in the “normal” work environment, 85% of all employees are moderately to severely disengaged at work. How sad is that? 85% of the global population just doesn’t care or hates their jobs.

According to a Gallup report, 85% of the global population is disengaged at work. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Elnur Amikishiyev)

But you’re an artist. You’re supposed to love your work, right? Why would the activity you once couldn’t stop thinking about suddenly not light you up like it did before?

Most likely, it’s one of two things…

1. When art becomes work, we need to ask ourselves if we’re doing the kind of work we love most, or are we accepting projects that we don’t prefer. If you have no desire to do watercolor illustrations for children’s books, then don’t. I prefer drawing animal portraits with graphite. Only twice in my adult life have I agreed to do a human portrait and both times it was like pulling teeth. For some people, product design makes them giddy. It would bore me to tears. Do everything you can to only accept work that makes you happy.
2. You’re running yourself ragged. Just like any other job, you need a reasonable schedule with breaks and time for a meal. And weekends. Don’t forget weekends. And holidays. The point is, we all need sufficient time for rest, relaxation, recuperation, and restoration. And we need all of that even if we love the work we do. Burnout is a real thing that can not only drag your spirit down, but your health as well.

Two simple but profound points. You might be blindsided at first when art becomes work, but two simple questions can lead you back to making it fun again.

Am I doing the kind of work I love?

If certain types of projects don’t light you up, don’t accept them. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Tetiana Kolinko)

If not, it’s time to let clients know and start making the necessary adjustments. Keep in mind that if you’re not happy, it will eventually show in your work.

And am I running myself ragged?

Make sure part of your schedule includes getting enough rest and relaxation. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Pavle Marjanovic)

If you are, it’s time to set a clear schedule. One that allows you to be productive AND take enough time off so that you can remain productive. Treasure your health. If you fall ill, your productivity goes down the drain.

Let’s make art fun again!

Further Reading:

Dealing With Stress as an Artist