Navigating the Art of Balance

(Photo Credit: Ivory Mix)

In this whirlwind of creation and promotion - learning all I can, creating as much art as possible, constantly updating social media, and keeping my blog alive - I've come to realize something pretty important. Chasing success as an artist has slowly begun to consume every waking moment of my life. It's exciting for sure, but it's also unsustainable. I know I need to find time for family, self-care, household chores, and just living life. But how do you pause when every part of you believes that success is just around the corner, if only you push a little harder?

The truth is, finding work-life balance as a full-time artist isn't just about managing time; it's about managing energy, expectations, and emotions.  Here's what I've learned on my ongoing journey to find that sweet spot and achieve balance:

Accept That Balance is Fluid

Work-life balance isn't a perfect 50/50 split. Some days, my art will demand more of me; other days, life will need more attention. Recognizing that balance is fluid has helped me soften the guilt when I can't split myself evenly between my art and everything else in my life.

Set Clear Boundaries

This one is tough for me. When your "studio" is right next to the family room, where do you draw the line? For me, setting physical and time boundaries has been key. I set 'studio hours' and try my best to keep them, just like I set aside specific times for family, self-care, and household chores.

Prioritize

Not everything needs to be done now or even today. Learning how to prioritize has been a game-changer for me Some days, it's all about cranking out new work, but then there are other days when it's okay if updating social media waits so I can hang out with my loved ones or simply chill and recharge.

Learn to Say No

Saying no is an art in itself. At first, I was worried about missing out on opportunities if I didn't jump on every opportunity, collaboration, or event. But I quickly realized that trying to do it all only watered down quality of my work and wasn't great for my well-being either. Now, I take a moment to think about how each opportunity fits with what's currently on my plate and I'm not afraid to say no when necessary.

Self-Care is Non-Negotiable

I've learned this the hard way. If I don't make time for self-care, everything else suffers - my art, my relationships, and my health. Self-care isn't just about spa days; it can be as simple as taking a walk, reading a good book, or practicing mindfulness. It's all about doing something that fills me up, both physically and emotionally.

Celebrate the Small Wins

In the relentless pursuit of success, it's easy to overlook the small victories. Every piece of art we finish, every kind word on social media, every small sale - they all matter. Celebrating these moments helps me see how far I've come and motivates me to keep going, without burning out.

Seek Support

Finally, I've learned that it's totally okay to ask for help. Whether it's delegating chores, asking for feedback on my work, or just needing someone to chat with, having a support network has been invaluable. It's nice to remember that I don't have to do this all by myself.

Balancing the demands of a full-time art career with the rest of life's responsibilities is definitely a continuous process. It requires making those little tweaks, being in tune with yourself, and having the courage to treat your well-being as importantly as your professional goals. While I haven't got this balance just right, I'm all in for trying, knowing that a sustainable art career depends not just on my creativity, but also on my ability to live a balanced and happy life too.

To my fellow artists struggling to find that perfect balance, just know you're not alone. Remember, our best work comes not from pushing ourselves to the limit, but from a place of passion, joy, and well-being. 

Here's to finding our balance, one brushstroke at a time!

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