Life is unpredictable, and for artists and designers, it’s not uncommon to feel the need to step away from your creative practice temporarily. Whether it’s due to family responsibilities, personal challenges, or shifting priorities, taking a break from creating is completely valid. At ArtSHINE, we understand that life comes first, and we always encourage our community to put family and personal well-being above everything else.
Yet, despite knowing it’s okay, stepping away from creativity can feel like a loss. When you temporarily pause your creative work, it’s easy to feel disappointed in yourself or worry that your artistic spark has disappeared. But remember: your art and design are an inherent part of who you are. They haven’t gone away; they’re simply waiting for the right time to resurface. When you’re ready, you can resume and rediscover your creative flow.
The Importance of Prioritizing Life Over Creativity
Life happens, and it’s essential to recognize that your health, family, and personal responsibilities come first. Creativity thrives when you’re in a good mental and emotional space, and sometimes, that means stepping back to focus on other areas of your life. Taking a break isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign of wisdom. It shows that you value yourself and your well-being enough to allow time for rest and realignment.
At ArtSHINE, we see this as an important part of the creative journey. Life is filled with seasons, and just as winter allows nature to rest and rejuvenate, stepping back from your artistic practice can be a time to recharge and realign your goals.
When a Creative Pause Feels Overwhelming
Even though taking a break is necessary, it’s natural to feel a sense of guilt or disappointment when you’re not actively creating. You might worry about losing momentum or feel disconnected from your artistic identity. These emotions can be difficult to manage, but it’s important to remind yourself that creativity doesn’t disappear—it’s always within you. Like riding a bike, the skills and passion will come back when you’re ready to pick them up again.
Use this time to reflect on what’s holding you back. Are there unresolved issues or distractions in your life that need attention? Sorting these out can create the space and clarity needed to return to your creative work with renewed energy.
Why Motivation and Momentum Can Be Hard to Rebuild
One of the biggest challenges after a creative pause is finding the motivation and momentum to resume. Many artists and designers feel overwhelmed by the thought of starting again, unsure where to begin. This sense of inertia can make it tempting to delay even further, creating a cycle of frustration and procrastination.
The key is to start small. Don’t pressure yourself to immediately dive back into full-scale projects. Instead, take baby steps:
Daily Practice: Commit to small creative acts each day, even if it’s just sketching for five minutes or playing with color palettes.
Weekly Goals: If daily practice feels too daunting, aim for weekly progress. Spend an hour every weekend reconnecting with your craft.
Set Realistic Expectations: Remember, it’s okay to work at a slower pace. Creativity is not a race; it’s a personal journey.
Reconnect with Your Sources of Inspiration
Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, and reconnecting with it can reignite your creative spark. Spend time with your family and friends—they can offer fresh perspectives or unintentionally inspire new ideas. A heartfelt conversation, a shared memory, or even a child’s playful imagination can be incredibly motivating.
Don’t underestimate the power of external influences, either. Watching an inspiring movie, reading a compelling book, or visiting an art gallery can stimulate your creative mind. Sometimes, even a stranger’s passing comment can spark a new idea or motivate you to pick up where you left off.
Practical Tips for Resuming Your Creative Practice
With What You Love: Go back to the art or design forms that originally sparked your passion. Revisiting old favorites can remind you why you love creating in the first place.
Experiment Without Pressure: Use this time to play with new mediums, techniques, or ideas. This exploratory phase can be refreshing and help ease you back into a creative mindset.
Set Achievable Goals: Break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Completing even the smallest goal can give you a sense of accomplishment and build momentum.
Create a Routine: Establishing a regular schedule, even if it’s just once or twice a week, can help you regain a sense of rhythm in your practice.
Surround Yourself with Creativity: Spend time with other artists or designers, attend workshops, or join online communities. Being around like-minded individuals can be incredibly motivating.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement will keep you motivated and focused.
Remember, Creativity is Always Within You.
It’s important to remind yourself that your creativity hasn’t vanished—it’s simply waiting for you to nurture it. Taking a break doesn’t mean losing your talent or passion; it’s an opportunity to recharge and come back stronger. Your art and design are a part of you, and when the time is right, they will flow naturally again.
The ArtSHINE Approach: Supporting Your Journey
At ArtSHINE, we understand the ebbs and flows of the creative process. Our mission is to support artists and designers through every phase of their journey, including pauses. We encourage our community to prioritize life’s most important aspects—family, health, and personal growth—because a balanced life leads to better creativity.
When you’re ready to resume, we’re here to help. Whether it’s providing resources, connecting you with other creatives, or helping you set goals, ArtSHINE is your partner in reigniting your creative practice.
Conclusion: A Pause is Not the End
Taking a break from your creative practice is not a setback; it’s a necessary part of life’s rhythm. It’s okay to prioritize family, address life’s challenges, and take time for yourself. When you’re ready, start small, find your inspiration, and rebuild your momentum at your own pace. Creativity is always within you, waiting for the right moment to shine again.
At ArtSHINE, we believe in the power of community, support, and resilience. Together, we can help you turn every pause into an opportunity for growth and rediscovery. Remember, creativity is not just what you do—it’s who you are.
- Find out more
- Launch Pad + Accelerator Expressions of Interest
- Selling and Licensing Your Art & Designs Around the World with ArtSHINE.
- Looking for exciting new Art and Designs to license.
We’re here to help you to take action, just like we’ve helped thousands of other entrepreneurs, business owners, and creative professionals all around the globe.
Now is the time to let your passion SHINE.
Now is the time to Make Tomorrow Today!
To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders ArtSHINE.com
- Find out more
- Launch Pad + Accelerator Expressions of Interest
- Selling and Licensing Your Art & Designs Around the World with ArtSHINE.
- Looking for exciting new Art and Designs to license.
We’re here to help you to take action, just like we’ve helped thousands of other entrepreneurs, business owners, and creative professionals all around the globe.
Now is the time to let your passion SHINE.
Now is the time to Make Tomorrow Today!
To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders ArtSHINE.com
