Artrepreneur Success Rule #9/10

Rule #9: Take Care of Yourself

Long gone are the days where making good art means sacrificing your wellbeing. Throughout history, successful artists have been depicted as sociopathic, self-destructive drunks. I’m not sure where this stereotype began, but it’s so worn out. This thinking is damaging to artists everywhere. Also, it makes absolutely no sense.

In my experience, happy people make the best art.

I often wonder how much further these dysfunctional artists would have gotten with better habits. They definitely would have lived longer, enabling them to make a larger body of work. Could you imagine if we had double the Toulouse-Lautrec works we do today? Like so many of his peers, he died at 36 from alcoholism. What an amazing gift that would have been to the world.

Luckily, artists today are squashing this stereotype. Maybe it helps that social media puts a spotlight on our habits. I’m always thinking about setting a good example for younger artists.

While our artistic demons aren’t as potent as they were throughout history, we still have things that need our attention.

The first that comes to mind is mental health. I’ve talked on my blog about how artists are more prone to anxiety, whether it be seasonal effective disorders or generalized anxiety. I struggle with both of these in my life. I’ve learned it doesn’t have to interfere with my work if I pay attention to my moods. I let my work ebb and flow naturally with my mental states. When I’m feeling down, it’s best to address it right away before it escalates into something bigger.

My mindset is always that my health, both mental and physical, is more important than my art. And this mindset has served me well. Instead of forcing myself to make art when I’m struggling, I take a step back. Or sometimes I can get out of my head and allow my art to heal me.

Things that help my anxiety are taking a break from electronics and social media. I love daily walks outside. I also enjoy reading fiction. Tasty drinks, warm showers, rom coms, and time with my family.

The best advice my therapist gave me for when I’m feeling anxious is to baby myself - meaning give myself permission to do whatever I need to feel better. Sometimes that’s cancelling social plans. Sometimes it’s laying outside all day. It’s about giving myself what I need in the moment before my anxiety compounds into something bigger.

Physical health is important too. Painting takes a toll on the body, especially the hands and upper back. This is why I practice yoga and get massages on a regular basis. These habits will allow me to do what I love for a very long time. Then there’s healthy eating. I always take breaks for regular meals, even when I’m in the zone. I keep healthy food in the house. I don’t drink alcohol these days because it makes me feel awful. I watch my caffeine intake. I have my vices like anyone else, chocolate being one :) However, I try to balance out my vices with other healthy habits.

“Balance” is key and I find creatives really struggle with this. For some reason, most of us are wired with an all or nothing mindset.

And then there’s relationships. Art can be a lonely pursuit since it’s often made alone. Having support is key. I don’t have a huge social network, but the people I have in my life mean everything to me. In order to make my best work, I’ve had to cut some toxic friends out of my life. Sadly, some of these people were in my life for decades. It’s been worth it though. I’m so much happier when I’m hanging out with happy people.

I have to remind myself that my people are more important than art too. I always answer when my mom calls no matter what. And when my son or husband need me, I drop everything.

This is all to say that sometimes making your best art has nothing to do with art. Often getting the rest of our lives in order can produce the best results in our work.

At the risk of sounding like a mom - get sleep, make your bed, breathe fresh air, nourish your body, hydrate, move, practice gratitude, hang out with good people, keep your word, and (last but not least) say ‘no’ more often.

Your art and business will thrive as a result. I promise!

Stay tuned for rule #10!