Being an artist is a HARDCORE job.
It's pretty ridiculous that some people think it's "so easy" when honestly, it's the hardest thing I've ever done.
Working for yourself can potentially be such a lonely job, and I don't know about you, but without proper precautions I know I start to go crazy. . . .
But over the years I've learned a few things that help me stay a little saner, and I hope they will help you stay a little saner too!
1. Rest is your bestest friend.
Being an artist most likely means there will be SOOOOO MANY things you want to do, want to learn & want to share. Feeling this way is common and EXHAUSTING!
Learn how to listen to your body and well . . . LISTEN to it! This has taken me OODLES of years to learn. BUT I *Think* I finally have it down. When I start to feel like I'm getting edgy, overtired, or frustrated, I'm learning I need to stop the task I'm working on and MOVE ON to another one and/or take a break. By doing this BEFORE I get to breakdown mode, I'm not only helping myself, but others around me.
2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others.
What's right for other people might not be what's right for you. Learn what makes you special and what you LOVE to do, and it will make comparing a little easier to digest. For me it was watching others 'succeed' doing things I don't necessarily want to do for a living that has helped me stop comparing myself to their success as much.
3. Delicious beverages HELP hardcore! Trust me!
And the most IMPORTANT suggestion I have that has helped me STAY sane:
4. Talking to people everyday has helped me tremendously!
Since I don't have co-workers, I've grown a whole boat of my own version of co-workers. Some are friends I know who are home with their children, or working on their own businesses, and some are characters from "Bones" who I hang out with everyday to keep me company. Either way, I feel less lonely when I feel like I have someone to talk to whenever I need a friend.
Jenipher Lyn is an artist who specializes in whimsical, punny illustrations. She just wrote & illustrated an encouraging book for teen girls and strives to save the world, one doodle at a time.