In light of recent news, there's lots of talk about how artists should take care of themselves (and each other) on the timeline today. So I thought I'd start a new topic where we can all share ways to do this.
Here's some of mine:
1) Get out of the chair
It's important to leave the screens behind at least occasionally, for your hands, your back, your eyes, your mind...pretty much your whole body needs regular breaks from 'drawing position'. And I mean real breaks, not just getting up for snacks. Try to spend at least an hour doing something else, even if it's just cooking or shopping or cleaning.
Actual exercise would be ideal, of course. ^^ I recently heard some advice along the lines of 'if you can find a means of physical activity that you actually enjoy, your body will thank you forever'. No matter what it is, as long as it keeps you active.
For me that's just walking. ^^; I love going on long, brisk walks and thinking...and now that we've moved to such a gigantic neighborhood, it's easier than ever. For the past few weeks, I've just been out exploring for about an hour every day; during which I can usually cover a 4-mile round trip. I feel good about this new habit~
2) Normalize a healthy work relationship
I think the way we talk about our work is our greatest asset if we want to make progress in this industry. There is a time for gushing about your 'passion' and how much you love what you do, and there's a time for being frank about how hard it is and the effort that goes into each project.
Even as hobbyists/amateurs, I think we have a responsibility to avoid the temptation to present ourselves as shiny, unblemished art-making machines whose only concern is the quality of the finished product.
We can get tired. We can be frustrated. We can slow down or stop halfway because, as fun as the project is, it's just taking up too much of our energy. And we should feel free to admit these things...any followers who are worth having won't drop you upon the realization that you're a human being.
3) Do stuff for fun
The little things you want to do. Even if you 'should' be working on an ongoing project; even if you know your followers won't care when you post it...if you even decide to post it. Do it anyway, for funzies~.
One great way to burn yourself out is to always focus on art that is owed to other people, and big projects you've made commitments to. Few artists start out that way, though...and it's important to regularly return to your roots and do art for the reasons that first got you interested in it. Because you wanted to make something cool, or learn a new skill, or let out your feelings; whatever it is. Go back to that from time to time.
4) Support other artists
Artists who feel appreciated as people are much less likely to destroy themselves for the sake of content creation. Artists who feel that their appeal isn't inherently tied to the fandom they belong to are much less likely to deny themselves any other creative outlets until they're completely burnt out.
And how do artists learn to feel these things? Generally, people have to tell them. And people includes YOU.
As fellow artists, it's easy to get into the mindset that we have our own stuff to deal with and we're just not responsible for our peers, but I think it's the opposite. We're more responsible, because we may be some of the only fans they have who actually understand what they're going through.
We're the ones who are most likely to give them compliments that actually make them feel good. We're the ones who are most likely to tell them exactly what they need to hear during a tough time. We're the ones who are most likely to reassure and sympathize when they feel like going on hiatus, rather than complaining or begging them to continue.
And we gotta use what we know to set an example for the rest of the world...and make being an artist just a little less painful for someone else. There've been plenty of times where I felt like giving up, but just one or two followers, or just a single great comment kept me going...I'd be exceedingly proud to be that person for someone else, and I'd hope others would, too.
