What is Burnout?

What is burnout?

Have you ever sat down in front of a blank piece of canvas to draw…and couldn’t start?

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can happen when you've been carrying stress for too long. It can make even the things you once loved feel difficult or draining, leaving you feeling unmotivated, frustrated, and disconnected from your work or hobbies.

Things to look out for:

• Feeling tired no matter how much you rest

• Dreading activities you used to enjoy

• Struggling to focus or making more mistakes than usual

• Feeling irritated, overwhelmed, or emotionally sensitive

• Feeling detached, numb, or disconnected from your work

• Having unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, stomachaches, or trouble sleeping

Many creatives respond to burnout by trying to work harder to "catch up" or push through it.

Unfortunately, this often has the opposite effect.

Increasing demands and prolonged stress are associated with worsening burnout symptoms over time. In other words, if stress is what got you here, adding more is unlikely to get you out.

Burnout vs depression

Burnout is usually linked to a specific source of stress, while depression tends to affect many areas of life. If you're unsure which you're experiencing, seeking professional support can help. And remember that you’re not alone. Burnout is a common experience among creatives, and our community is always here if you'd like a space to share, vent, or connect with others going through similar struggles.

So, what can you do about burnout?

• Relax mentally

  Burnout often comes with a lot of self-imposed pressure, so try to be a little kinder to yourself. Lowering your expectations gives yourself room to breathe.

• Take care of yourself

  Drink some water, eat a proper meal, get enough sleep, and take breaks when you need them. Your creativity depends on your wellbeing, too.

• Set boundaries

  Taking on too many projects at once can leave you physically and mentally exhausted, making your burnout worse. It's okay to say no. Protecting your time and energy helps you create more in the long run.

• Talk to other creatives

  Burnout can make you feel like you're struggling alone, but many creatives have gone through the same thing. Talking to people who understand you on a deeper level can make a world of difference.

• Change is good

  Trying out new things can help break up a creativity rut. Explore new mediums, switch up your workflow, or create something just for fun. A fresh perspective can go a long way.

Written by: Ash Carmen | June 2026