Thank you for sharing Weronika! I experienced one of the worst creative burn outs back in 2022…it lasted 8 months and I wasn’t able to make anything (I couldn’t even pick up my stylus). Back then, I also turned to gardening! And writing poetry. Then eventually slowly made my way back to illustration. That experience taught me the importance of resting and not quitting. We are much more resilient than we think we are, and you’re absolutely spot on when you say that doing nothing is an important part of the creative process! I also feel the same way about children’s publishing (and I’m sure many other artists do too!). It’s so tough to make it financially, and I agree we should be more transparent about it. Just wanted to say that I hear you! You’re not alone in this struggle 💛
"I'm a public servant by day, working for the Department of Labor. When I began my surface pattern journey in 2022, I already knew I’d need to keep my day job. Years ago, I was a professional dancer, and I went through exactly what you’re describing now—putting everything into my art and feeling crushed when it couldn’t sustain me financially. That experience led my husband and me to step away from dance entirely.
Now, with visual art, I’ve invested deeply, both emotionally and financially, but I’ve made a conscious choice not to rely on it for income. When I depended on dance to pay the bills, I grew to resent it—and I don’t want to go through that again. Even now, I remain emotionally distant from the dance world.
My goal with surface design was to see if I could make a little money through print-on-demand, and maybe someday license prints for fabric. But honestly, the return on that investment—both time and money—has been disappointing. With the state of the economy, I’m not hopeful that will change soon. Still, I’m grateful for the stability of my day job. I’ve lived through financial uncertainty before, and at 60, I prioritize steady over risky."
One of your Skillshare students here! I am just starting out with illustration, and really enjoying your teaching style. Most days I work long hours in a computer job. There’s a lot of admin so I often find myself yearning to do something more creative. Thank you for sharing about the challenges of your work. Your resilience is really inspiring.
This one s she spot on. Especially if you are trying the make a financial outcome. Just read D.O.S.E. about brain chemistry, and all the things we do or don't do enough of to keep balance. It's so important to be joyful, peaceful, content, and have a sense of success. This feeds us for next challenges. Self care and listening to yourself is crucial.
The world is in turmoil and headed for a worldwide depression. Wars are raging and the climate is going to destroy any hope for the future if we don't act right now.
People that are struggling to survive don't have time or money for art. The culture of humanity always suffers in times of hardship.
Thank you for sharing Weronika! I experienced one of the worst creative burn outs back in 2022…it lasted 8 months and I wasn’t able to make anything (I couldn’t even pick up my stylus). Back then, I also turned to gardening! And writing poetry. Then eventually slowly made my way back to illustration. That experience taught me the importance of resting and not quitting. We are much more resilient than we think we are, and you’re absolutely spot on when you say that doing nothing is an important part of the creative process! I also feel the same way about children’s publishing (and I’m sure many other artists do too!). It’s so tough to make it financially, and I agree we should be more transparent about it. Just wanted to say that I hear you! You’re not alone in this struggle 💛
"I'm a public servant by day, working for the Department of Labor. When I began my surface pattern journey in 2022, I already knew I’d need to keep my day job. Years ago, I was a professional dancer, and I went through exactly what you’re describing now—putting everything into my art and feeling crushed when it couldn’t sustain me financially. That experience led my husband and me to step away from dance entirely.
Now, with visual art, I’ve invested deeply, both emotionally and financially, but I’ve made a conscious choice not to rely on it for income. When I depended on dance to pay the bills, I grew to resent it—and I don’t want to go through that again. Even now, I remain emotionally distant from the dance world.
My goal with surface design was to see if I could make a little money through print-on-demand, and maybe someday license prints for fabric. But honestly, the return on that investment—both time and money—has been disappointing. With the state of the economy, I’m not hopeful that will change soon. Still, I’m grateful for the stability of my day job. I’ve lived through financial uncertainty before, and at 60, I prioritize steady over risky."
One of your Skillshare students here! I am just starting out with illustration, and really enjoying your teaching style. Most days I work long hours in a computer job. There’s a lot of admin so I often find myself yearning to do something more creative. Thank you for sharing about the challenges of your work. Your resilience is really inspiring.
This one s she spot on. Especially if you are trying the make a financial outcome. Just read D.O.S.E. about brain chemistry, and all the things we do or don't do enough of to keep balance. It's so important to be joyful, peaceful, content, and have a sense of success. This feeds us for next challenges. Self care and listening to yourself is crucial.
The world is in turmoil and headed for a worldwide depression. Wars are raging and the climate is going to destroy any hope for the future if we don't act right now.
People that are struggling to survive don't have time or money for art. The culture of humanity always suffers in times of hardship.