Balancing the Art and the Everyday: Insights into Work-Life Struggles
I’m a night owl and an early bird, which means I can work around the clock if a deadline demands it. But, unsurprisingly, that kind of pace leaves me completely drained. Also, I’m always dealing with not feeling inspired enough to paint a final spread until three days before a project’s due.
So, clearly, I haven’t mastered the perfect balance between art and life. Still, I’ve discovered a few things that help me balance mourning a loss, hanging up my sweaters, and keep moving forward with work.
Even the best plans can't cover everything. Life is full of unannounced events, and it’s often the tough ones that demand more time and energy to recover from than the good ones.
After a particularly hard moment last month, I found myself unable to work—I couldn’t even bring myself to sit at my desk. Despite all the deadlines pressing on me, I still chose to take the time I needed to recharge, even if it wasn’t as much as I wanted.
This is why I set my deadlines two or three days before the actual due date.
It gives me some breathing room when the unexpected happens—whether it's an emotional setback, a creative block, or anything else life throws at me.
Just jumping back into work is not easy, I know. One way I prepare myself to ease back into creating is by finding activities that are related to art.
[04] Some things that help spark inspiration in tough moments:
Joining a sketching group
Going to an art store (and maybe picking up a new material)
Visiting a museum
Watching films about artists’ lives
Enjoying process videos from artists I admire
Drawing a little something for a friend
There are times I feel guilty during these breaks because I know I "should" be working, but I try to remind myself that making art isn't just about being at the desk.
This leads us to the next point:
The belief that artists must always be creating or constantly inspired can kill inspiration altogether. Art has to coexist with the mundane—emails, family, and moments when you just need a break. You can’t schedule a loss or decide when you’re going to cry, but you can plan activities that help you untangle emotions and move forward with your work.
On tough days, when I can’t afford to take a full break, I set boundaries for myself:
I decide how long I will work, set a specific time to stop, and STOP.
Allow myself to go to bed early.
I make sure to stick to my exercise routine.
And watch something while I eat.
An old painting of athletes.
An athlete’s routine involves setting limits, sticking to schedules, and taking breaks. Resting the muscles is crucial to avoid injuries. For illustrators—or any job, really—it works the same way.
For example, I avoid checking emails on weekends and have a strict no-work-related drawing policy on Sundays.
Now, the “tangible" part of balancing art and daily life.
Every Monday morning, I list my tasks. This includes household chores or things like "call grandma." I prioritize them and spread them out over the week, ensuring that I do at least one thing I enjoy each day. I also space out the less enjoyable tasks to avoid tackling them all at once.
I make lists for everything
I prefer to start with quick, easy activities that give me a sense of accomplishment, alternating between simple pending work (like sending an email) and life tasks (like washing dishes), crossing them off as I go.
My brother once asked me:
“Do you eat what you like most on your plate first or save it for last?”
I apply the same approach to work: I start with a bit of what excites me, then tackle the less enjoyable tasks, and finish with the most rewarding ones.
It's crucial to set realistic goals; piling on too much can backfire.
I always allow myself to break the routine, the calendar, and the lists.
We’ll never be 100% productive, so it's better not to stress over it.
I always try to accept that some days will be more art-focused, while others might be filled with daily life tasks.
Balancing everything would be much harder without my boyfriend’s support. Remember, I don’t handle all the bills on my own. Please don’t stress over how I manage to take breaks and live in New York—his support makes it all possible.
I saw this post on Instagram from Linescapes.drawing about how to find time for your creative routine, and I really liked it.
My brother and I also use The Bullet Journal Method (aka Bujo), which is an excellent way to stay organized. What I love about this technique is its flexibility; you can customize it to fit your needs.
The Pomodoro Technique is fantastic for boosting productivity and avoiding burnout.
I really hope this post helps you balance a little. Remember, it's all about finding what works for you and adjusting along the way.
Thank you for taking the time to read and support my work!
I’d love to hear about the strategies or routines that help you balance creativity with everyday life. Share your thoughts in the comment section below—I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time,
