by Carolyn Edlund
Running a small business can produce anxiety and a fear of failure. Reframe your approach by balancing creativity, practical tasks and wellbeing.
As a visual artist running your own small business, you’re likely to be familiar with the unique pressures of balancing your creative work with the practical business efforts you need to undertake to keep things going. Stress affects everyone differently, but it’s crucial to recognize when it potentially threatens to derail your life balance and possibly even your health.
Artists can experience burnout like anyone else. When you make a living doing what you love, it’s important to keep that creative passion alive. Otherwise, you may end up quitting the job you thought you wanted more than anything.
Here are some ideas for artist entrepreneurs to reduce stress and anxiety, and remain balanced:
Start slowly, with backup income
Some artists thrive with the challenge of a “sink or swim” business experience. Most entrepreneurs, however, find that situation to be extremely stressful. It may take years to build a portfolio, engage an audience and create business relationships that produce steady income you can count on. When you start out planning to tap income from other sources to pay the bills while you commit to developing your art business, you can significantly reduce anxiety. It’s certainly possible to succeed pursuing your art part-time while still working another job.
Quite often, artists turn to a full-time pursuit of their art after retiring, when they have sufficient savings and income to cover expenses. That gives them time to enjoy the creative studio work without the pressure of having to make sales or go bust.
Embrace imperfection
Striving for excellence is admirable, but perfectionism can sink your business efforts. Don’t wait until everything is “just right” before you jump into the fray. Your artwork doesn’t need to be flawless before you share your portfolio or apply to an exhibition or art show. Practice being present in your creative process and celebrate every achievement. Being an artist isn’t a race to the top or a competition with everyone else. Exploring your personal vision and the creative journey you take is much of the reward for becoming an artist.
Delegate non-creative tasks
As an artist, your time is best spent on your highest value work, which is in the studio or wherever you create. As the CEO of your business, you have the vision and will handle big-picture planning. But when it comes to taking on tasks that you don’t enjoy or find difficult, consider outsourcing them. Bookkeeping, social media management, tax preparation or packing and shipping are often good candidates for handing off to others. Build a reliable team or network of freelancers so you can free up your mental space to devote to what you do best.
Connect with fellow artist entrepreneurs
Networking with other creative business owners can provide invaluable support and insights. Join a local artist salon or arts council group. Participate in online forums to share experiences, seek advice, and build a supportive community. These connections offer both emotional support and practical business tips. Other artists will know how you feel, because they share many of the same experiences, doubts, and stresses.
Set aside time to pursue non-art passions
Making art is wonderful, but you may also be an amazing tennis player, enjoy bike trips or relish a relaxing walk on the beach. Engaging in hobbies or activities unrelated to your art business can refresh your mind and spark new creative ideas. Get out of your work space. Make time to putter around in your garden, try a new recipe or practice a musical instrument. Leaving the studio doesn’t mean you aren’t serious about what you make. It’s a much-needed break from the pressures of your art career that helps you maintain perspective and avoid burnout.
Set clear boundaries
As an artist entrepreneur, it’s easy to let your work consume all aspects of your life. But that doesn’t mean that life doesn’t go on around you. It’s very common to struggle with balancing your art and your life at the same time. That causes stress, especially when family members and others either don’t understand your commitment or don’t respect your time or your space.
How can you establish clear boundaries between your studio time, business operations, and personal life? Learn to say No to projects or commitments that don’t align with your interests or your business goals. At the end of each day, acknowledge your progress and allow yourself to step away from work to recharge.
Your small business as an artist is unique, and how you design it needs to fit you as a person. Unless you also focus on maintaining your wellbeing, your business may trend toward failure. Your mental and physical health is foundational for long-term success as an artist. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling life as a creative entrepreneur.
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