Is anyone else feeling burnout from working in graphic design, and if so, what are your coping mechanisms?
I'm struggling with motivation, inspiration and a constant state of stress and exhaustion. I feel as a creative I should be creating all the time, but this is leaving me close to breakdown. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Replies12
- @Rich Carter Not a problem dude YOU GOT THIS - awareness is the key. Good luck x
- @Daisy King thank you so much for taking the time to reply which such a indepth and helpful response – I really appreciate it! It good to hear that someone in your position still suffers with burnout (I mean that in the nicest sense possible!) and it's down to our own coping mechanisms how we recover. That's what I'm trying to figure out at the moment, what are mine? I too easily fall into the trap of finishing work of an evening, make a meal and then put Netflix on, but this is obviously not giving me the space my mind requires. I guess my own strategies will reveal themselves over time, at present, I'm happy I have been able to recognise that I'm burnt out and in need of cultivating some down time, now I just need to give myself permission to find out what works for me. Thanks again @Daisy King !
- Hi Rich - sorry to hear you're feeling burnt outI think i've just acccepted that creativity ebbs and flows and that some weeks Im just not going to get it right - and other weeks i'll blink and it'll be so easy etc. I think the general rule of thumb I try to have is to not be so hard on myself and just allow for the tide to turn on its own, but also make sure that I'm taking weekends off etc. Taking time for myself and also going to galleries or just looking at peoples work I admire on instagram to restart the fire in my belly, you know the one - when you look at a bit of work and think "Fuck wish I'd have made that".Mostly I think it's just a part of our jobs/lives as creative people to go through phases of being abundantly creative and then phases where maybe we need more solitude and space to breathe. It's hard especially with covid-19 to divide home from work - so its even more important now to occassionaly try find a new space where you won't be disturbed but is maybe a change of scenery - looking at a new set of walls every now and again does me some good...I also find that carving in a bit of me time before the day starts is helpful (getting some sunlight, making a breakfast that isn't just cereal in a bowl..) and also taking back some of my evenings by spending like an hour at the gym and having goals within that that are outside my work aspirations etc.Ive found that the best work I've done usually comes from unexpected downtime, rather than full throttle 24/7 work horse mentality - but also sometimes the pressure helps us make certain creative decisions faster.. pros and cons to both but you do definitely need to have a mix of both!I hope this helps, good luck -Daisy(Also mid burnout but trying to remedy)
- @Rich Carter you're very welcome. Good luck with it.
- Yes! @Darren Higginbottom Thanks mate, appreciate this. It's so simple but then again the best ideas always are. I need a constant reminder that it's ok to have a break and it is ok to not be or want to be creative from time to time. I get blinded by the constant always on creative industry inside of the Twitter/Instagram bubble! Thanks again!
- One of the most important things I was ever told was put quite simply ... 'Sometimes, as a designer - you just need to be doing absolutely f@ck all.'It is absolutely true. Often, your best ideas will come when you are not going at it hell for leather. Go play some pool, have a beer, go to the gym.Whatever ... just take a breather. Build time into your schedule for it.There is nothing more obvious than when a designer has thrashed work out during a period of burnout. Your standards drop.There is no greater thing in this game, than a fresh pair of eyes.
- @Agata Walas thank you so much for taking the time to write your reply, I really appreciate it. I used to always try and get in a walk before I sit down to work for the day but more and more this has slipped. Breaks too, it's not uncommon for me to tell myself to power through when I'm feeling uninspired but ultimately it only compounds how I'm feeling. Thank you and thank you everyone who has replied, you've really lifed my spirit.
- Thanks @Paul Atchison your response has really helped me. Cheers!
- Thank you @Xavier Segers , I really appreciate your reply. I will read the link you sent me now. Cheers!
- Hi Rich,This is such a recognisable situation for many of us.It's an art to be able to switch off, disconnect from all what you are doing and to recharge. 2020 certainly didn't do anyone favours by bringing lots of job insecurity and altered working arragements.Here are some good tips that I've found that could help.https://www.creativebloq.com/advice/how-to-cope-with-burnoutLike @Agata Walas already mentioned, we're all different and there is no cookie-cutter solution that can help everyone. Just try to step on the brakes once in a while, be honest and talk about this like you're doing now. The last thing you want is to fall out of love with your work.It's good to be able to express and talk about this topic with peers.Take care and I hope you feel better soon!
- Hi Rich, don't put too much pressure on yourself. It happens to everyone. You don't have to be creating all the time and you won't suddenly lose the skills you have if you stop for a bit. As long as you're making some money and have work coming in then in downtimes just enjoy doing something else guilt free. Walk/bike, read books, watch films etc, and not all design related! There's alot of pressure from social media posts to make us think we have to keep stepping up our game but it's impossible to maintain that without having a proper rest every now and then. Hope that helps and I know how you feel. Stay cool.
- Hi Rich!I feel you. Everyone is different and what helps one might not help you. From my side I can say what works for me:1. Every morning I go out for a walk before sitting at the desk. sometimes it's 10 minutes sometimes 30min.2. I take breaks. You might think that if you sit straight 8h at the desk you are more productive.. well to me it doesn't work.3. Working at home can make you feel very lonely. I try to call friends and family more often.4. Find and sympathise with people who are in similar similar situation. You will find that you're not alone and this will help you to get a better persepctive ont hings.5. I also found that having too many tabs open stresses me out. Funny I know, but try to notice what makes you feel certain way and why and adress those issues if you can.Hope this helps!
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