As creatives—whether you are an artist, surface designer, or photographer—life often feels full. There are deadlines, clients, exhibitions, social media, and so much more. We wear many hats, and sometimes, it feels like there’s no time to stop.
But what if we told you that much of how we feel is a choice?
Ann Voskamp’s quote reminds us of something powerful:
“Busy is a choice. Stress is a choice. Joy is a choice. Choose well.”
Let’s explore what this means for your creative journey—and how you can use this wisdom to build a better life and business.
1. Busy is a Choice
We often say, “I’m so busy,” as if it’s something that happens to us. But busy is not always about how much time we have. It’s about how we use our time.
As creatives, it’s easy to fill our days with too much:
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Too many projects at once
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Constantly checking emails or social media
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Saying “yes” to every opportunity, even the ones that don’t align with your goals
But here’s the truth: being busy doesn’t always mean being productive.
You can choose:
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To create space in your calendar
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To set boundaries and say “no” when needed
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To focus on what really matters to your creative growth
When you stop and ask, “Does this task help me move forward as an artist or designer?”—you begin to choose purpose over busy.
2. Stress is a Choice
Yes, life has challenges. Deadlines can be tough. Sales can go up and down. Rejections can sting.
But how we respond to pressure is also something we can choose.
Let’s say a photographer loses an important file, or an artist doesn’t get accepted into an exhibition. Those things are stressful—but how long you carry that stress is up to you.
Stress grows when we:
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Try to control everything
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Take on too much
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Don’t ask for help
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Forget to rest
In the ArtSHINE community, we teach our artists and designers to build systems. Why? Because systems reduce stress.
For example:
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Use a planner to track submissions
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Set realistic goals each week
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Share your challenges with your creative coach or community
Most importantly, give yourself grace. You are a human being first—an artist second.
3. Joy is a Choice
Here’s the most beautiful part of this quote.
No matter how busy or stressful life feels, you can still choose joy.
Joy doesn’t mean everything is perfect.
Joy means you find moments to smile, even in the mess.
As a creative:
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Joy can be found in finishing a painting
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In the colours you choose for your next fabric design
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In capturing a golden sunset through your lens
You don’t have to wait for success or a big paycheck to feel joy.
Joy lives in the small wins:
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Posting your work online
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Getting kind feedback from someone who admires your art
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Simply having the time to create
When you choose joy, your creativity flows better. You become more connected to your purpose. And that joy shows in your work.
4. Choose Well
This is the most important part: choose well.
You don’t have to say yes to every job.
You don’t have to post on Instagram every day.
You don’t have to feel guilty for resting.
You can choose:
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To make time for your art
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To build your business step by step
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To enjoy the journey, not just the destination
At ArtSHINE, we often say:
You are not just building a business. You are building a life.
So choose the kind of life you want:
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One filled with joy, not just hustle
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One where you create what you love
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One that brings you peace, not pressure
A Message for Artists, Designers, and Photographers
If English is your second or third language, remember:
You don’t need big words to build a big life.
You just need clear choices.
Take a breath. Reflect on this quote again:
“Busy is a choice.
Stress is a choice.
Joy is a choice.
Choose well.”
What can you choose today to bring you closer to joy?
Even one small step—like saying no to something that drains you, or saying yes to an hour of creating something you love—can change your week.
Let’s Reflect
Here are three simple questions you can ask yourself today:
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What can I say “no” to, so I’m not too busy?
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What small change can I make to reduce my stress?
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What brings me joy in my creative work?
Write your answers down. Keep them near your workspace. Read them when the days feel too full.
At ArtSHINE, we believe creativity is a gift—but you are the one who shapes how that gift fits into your life.
So choose wisely.
Choose what gives you energy.
Choose what brings you peace.
And above all…
Choose joy.
