Practical Tips for Creating Art When Life Feels Overwhelming

Messy desk? Motivation lacking? Procrastination weighing you down? Does it feel like there are obstacles everywhere keeping you from creating? I've got you covered with practical tips and moral support. I've been there and have figured out how to get back to creating art again.
Materials used:
4"x4" Travel Sketchbook - amzn.to/3XcJwav
Caran d'Ache Neocolor I Crayons - amzn.to/4dIaUEr
Caran d'Ache Neocolor I Crayons - amzn.to/3ZdH9XH
Color shaper - amzn.to/3OL7NB0
Collage paper - Magazines and hand painted papers
Gloss medium - NovaColorPaints.com
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[@MariaRegan-rg9ib]

THIS is why we all love you, Jackie. Your brilliance and dedication and your creativity are absolutely incredible; but it’s your understanding and empathy, and the fact that you can relate to so many of us is what keeps me coming back to these videos you post.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Gah! Thank you, Maria 🥹❤️😘

[@jackieschomburgart]

I just reread this comment and it made my day all over again 🥰 Would you mind if I quote you on my website and/or social media? I typically use first name and first initial of your last name as a source.

[@donnaherring2355]

You are certainly not alone 💕. I think creative people tend to collect supplies- and almost everything has possibilities. I also think since most of us are visual we tend to want to see supplies and colors when we’re designing. I know when I’m done for the day I’m spent and don’t have the energy to put it all away. I will say that when I put things away I feel better and even breathe better. Part of my problem is multiples (so disorganized I end up buying duplicates because I either can’t find things OR forgot I even had them).

[@michelleinScotland]

Oh yes multiples because you know you have them but where have I tidied them away too ?😆 Of course once you buy the multiple the original magically turns up.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Creative minds think alike! Supplies everywhere! 😂🖍️

[@marthajacobo3519]

You are not the only one who has a messy art space to a messy house like most people. The people who have a spotless always organized house, are people who do not craft , textile paint etc because I have asked discreetly , I’d rather have a messy space..

[@jackieschomburgart]

YES! Messy is fine, but I’m hoping to give less of a “this is a storage closet” feel so I can stand coming in here 🤣

[@MariaRegan-rg9ib]

FACTS!!! And I’m pretty sure they don’t have small children, either.

[@swl9270]

1…I beg to differ! I keep a spotless home (in fact I keep my home, a sick friend’s home and our houseboat) AND paint as well as other creative endeavors! My art space stays pretty neat also. I can’t create when things are messy! Can’t think, can’t breathe! When life is out of control, I clean. I can control that at least is my thought. It can be done! But that’s just my nature coming from two neat freaks and then they had the audacity to make fun of my cleaning issues. My life was so very confusing from childhood to almost 63 yo with those two…another story…

[@jackieschomburgart]

Haha! My kids definitely don’t help with decluttering 😆

[@jackieschomburgart]

You found the secret to a tidy studio space?! Teach the rest of us!! 🤗❤️🌈

[@revsonyapaterson788]

Thank you for sharing this, Jackie. I have messy-studio trouble and a stressful life that hampers my engagement with art. I really appreciate your sharing and your reflections.

[@jackieschomburgart]

It’s hard to be tidy and/or feel inspired when life is stressful. Hang in there and take care of yourself. Sending love ❤️❤️❤️

[@tammybarth3752]

I am so with you! Everything seems so overwhelming lately. No shame. Artists are messy. I heard it's a sign of intelligence ;) Somehow I work better when everything around me is messy and everything I might want to use is out. I love the painting behind you. Would love to see the whole thing. As always, thanks for the great video!

[@saracstudios5034]

"We are not disarming a 💣". Haha! LOVE IT!!! I definitely take making art too seriously and too structured MOST of the time.

[@jackieschomburgart]

I think we all do it at some point - I’ll take the reminders whenever possible 😅

[@lucydonk6606]

You are definitely not alone in your mess and the overwhelming feeling it creates! Love your honesty and sharing your process on how to get motivated. You are so inspiring.

[@jackieschomburgart]

That’s so nice to hear - Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@bjustbee]

I needed this video so much. I'm at like a 9 right now. You really aren't kidding when you said being swamped with real life makes art suddenly so much more stressful. I think it's the control, like I can't control my current health issues, but I can control this paint brush so let's make that the thing that needs to be perfect, lol. Just keep repeating to myself; deep breaths, start small, and remember it's about having fun.

[@MariaRegan-rg9ib]

ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@jackieschomburgart]

1000%! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jayehum5019]

Thank you, Jackie. You've inspired me to clean off my kitchen table where I've been working, and go and clean off my studio table, where I should be working. 🙄😁

[@jackieschomburgart]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 How does it feel?? ❤️

[@terribarto7958]

I am a member of the collect piles of possibilites club. You are spot on that taking a small bit of time to sort/clear off/uncover whats underneath is a positive thing. It is refreshing to tidy even a small area so there is a space to create something. Love the idea of clean paper pieces on the table surface that can be changed out easily.....and then be used as more collage fodder!!! 😄

[@jackieschomburgart]

Yes! A little tidying goes a long way! 🧼💪

[@sully157]

No judgement. I have to paint on my lap because the table is covered.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Been there! 😅 Creating is creating, however it’s done ❤️❤️❤️

[@rebellionacrylique3357]

You are not alone at all. If I could share a photo of my art space. I always have some more important stuff to do and I become so frustrated 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jackieschomburgart]

It’s all a process (and while it annoys me to say it myself, it doesn’t make it any less true 😆). Hang in there ❤️❤️❤️

[@janetdegenhardt5999]

I am right with you!

[@jackieschomburgart]

Solidarity. ❤️❤️❤️

[@robinandersen4181]

I have a small room filled with so much stuff it's difficult to want to create anything. I get it.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Totally. I’m learning I need to keep things simple and remove the non-essentials ❤️

[@xVentax]

How funny! I didn’t come into my studio yesterday because I found excuses not to. I knew on my worktops I had several unfinished projects waiting for the next step - framing, adding collage, painting canvas edges and so on . . . And the place was a MESS. So, I finally came in today and initially put my iPad on to listen to something whilst I tackled some of this detritus, but the very first thing I saw was your headline. I did watch along, but I mainly listened, and it really helped. I separated everything out into time priorities, and I’m no longer overwhelmed. Thank you. You are not alone - and apparently neither am I! 💖

[@jackieschomburgart]

Oh I’m so glad to hear this! Hooray! ❤️❤️❤️

[@patriciadaugherty3028]

You are not alone.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thanks, Patricia! Your support means a lot! 😊❤️

[@GrumpetteJV]

Definitely a 10. But that's because I'm burned out and then some. I love watching your videos, they are so soothing. 🖤

[@jackieschomburgart]

I'm so glad you’re finding my videos helpful - we have such a wonderful community on this channel. Welcome! 🤗❤️🌈

[@firedust34]

Great video! Visual clutter in my studio is the #1 roadblock to making art, and it can really sneak up on me.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Such an important thing to know about yourself! I’m realizing it’s likely true for myself too - much more than I previously realized ❤️

[@PaulWalesArt]

Let me begin by saying, I love you more than ever as a result of even the title of this instalment. You provided insight, compassion and encouragement which is as much a part of you as the incredible art you produce. ❤❤❤❤❤. I needed to get that said because most of what follows was written before this. 😮. And it’s long because apparently I feel strongly about the subject of overwhelm. (There needs to be an eye-roll emoji here!) Overwhelm is my life word. When I can identify with being overwhelmed I am most often immobilized in some significant way. I know the only way through it is action, whether I engage now or in some distant future. In the coaching world overwhelm is characterized by a vacillating level of commitment usually driven by a realization that one’s level of competence isn’t consistent across the multitude of situations in which it may be required. I couldn’t help but chuckle as you explained where you found yourself. Creating art is messy work. For those who are fortunate enough to have a space where messes can be left either because they need to be (drying time, life interrupts with other tasks before we are in a place to tidy, etc.), messes can be slightly more manageable. We can justify that a creative space away from the rest of our lives will sometimes be messy and that it will be tidied eventually. Yet when other aspects of life are also overwhelming, an art mess can just be another thing on the pile - hence the immobilization. We will sometimes wallow in it until the realization that we own the mess and have to deal with it arises, or we can take the first step. And sometimes the first step is as simple as 12 minutes of action rather than berating ourselves. Neither is right or wrong, it’s simply a choice we make in the moment. Maybe it isn’t time to spend the 12 minutes, or maybe it is. I guess what I’m trying to get at here is the fundamental nature of most creativity is messiness, sometimes something we can live with and sometimes downright stifling. Just think about the messy stages of any piece of artwork - that place where we just want to give up. Supplies left around after a session is our mess, but messes occur in all aspects of creativity. Storyboards for advertising and movies, multiple writing drafts by authors, the results of focus groups for business ideas, piloting an idea or medicine to determine potential, or dare I say it - dating to find a potential partner - all of these are messes that may get in the way of a final desirable result. Messes are part of life. As someone who balances a somewhat anal need for organization against a messy but creative mindset (ADHD, neurodivergence, and a mind filled with possibilities), I’ve come to realize that if I can manage self-judgment, I am able to live with a balance of occasional overwhelm only when I embrace that it eventually leads to a satisfying outcome. That said, I have to give myself stern talking-to’s when negative self-judgment arises. Even if it were financially possible, I could never live with one of those highly organized and pristine studios (I mean does ANYTHING ever happen in them???), because having one would be equally overwhelming. Picture being overwhelmed by the choices and the need not to make a mess! What I’m taking away Jackie is something which I believe is the key to keeping overwhelm at bay or at least managed. That is “LIMIT YOUR CHOICES” so that there are less decisions which have to be made. I don’t need every colour of paint, every texture, every paint brush, every substrate, every size of gel-plate, or every anything. I don’t need 25 shirts and 20 cuts of jeans, 40 pairs of running shoes, or to have the cupboards stocked with every possibility from Trader Joe’s. Keeping the choices simple makes the decisions simple. When overwhelm inevitably occurs as it will, we can be compassionate with ourselves, knowing we are human-beings capable of whatever we chose, we are NOT the perfect human-DOINGS media portrays. If we love (who we are, those we care about, and what we do) then we are enough. It’s all about choices. We are exactly where we are because of every choice we’ve ever made, consciously, sub-consciously or those we deferred to others (which is itself a choice). YOU my friend are MORE than enough. As an artist, a Mom, a partner and as someone who gives of herself to anyone who knows you even casually as well as the many you touch as you share - many of whom you will never know. I’ll get down off the soap-box now…. 😅

[@jackieschomburgart]

You’re SO right!! I love it all ❤️❤️❤️ Limiting my choices is a HUGE tool to use. Several years ago I decided that my wardrobe would be black. That’s it. So I have a bunch of black tank tops, v neck shirts, yoga pants, sweaters, dresses. Black, black, BLACK. Sometimes I’ll spice things up with jeans (🎉) but I was so tired of making a million decisions before breakfast (#kids) and this way, everything matched so I could grab any combination of things and look semi-presentable if only in a lounge-wear-friendly way 😅 Thank you for the reminder that I’m so many ways, art making NEEDS some amount of chaos and uncertainty. I think I’d actually love an ultra clean and tidy studio space provided I had a full time assistant who magically knew which scraps to keep and which to toss and only put away the tools I was done with because they read my mind. Too much to ask?? 😆 So alas, I’m left to my own devices again. I’m in need of a big studio clean out and I will be keeping your words in mind as I do it - limitations are my friends. I’m realizing my scarcity mindset keeps me bogged down in all the things I “might” need in the future. Those 200 soft pastels I have used twice since I purchased them 15 years ago? Better keep ‘em handy, just in case 🤦‍♀️ I think it’s time to set them free. Time for some tough love to make my small space feel more spacious and mostly to create space for my mind. Sending so much love to you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@PaulWalesArt]

@@jackieschomburgart Right back to you!!

[@JoyfulJennalain]

I keep wanting to like this video over and over. I so appreciate you sharing openly about your overwhelm. This is incredibly relatable to me. Thank you! ❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

Wow, thank you - I’m so glad it resonated with you in such a positive way. ❤️❤️❤️

[@judyk.657]

10. Changing my ‘office’ into my art space and finding it far more difficult than I expected. The storage of my art supplies requires different drawer/shelf etc configurations so right now, only a few things have a home. My desk is buried. I just decided it’s ok to not have it all done now because in addition to overwhelm, I’m great at beating myself up. Working on moderating the ‘all or nothing’ mentality I’ve programmed myself over so many years in the corporate world. Retired now due to health issues and the transition emotionally has been as much an overwhelming challenge as my new art space. Quite a metaphor for my life at the moment. Thanks for sharing 🙏💐

[@jackieschomburgart]

Oh such huge transitions - for you and your office/art space! ❤️❤️❤️ Please take good care of yourself and it is ABSOLUTELY okay to not have it all figured out yet! I’ve had my art room for 7 years now and I still can’t seem to figure out an effective system for me here (the default is - “I’ll just put this stuff in here and deal with it later” 🤦‍♀️🤣). These things take time and other big transitions complicate things even more. All you need for the time being is one tiny corner of your desk to put a sketchbook (or even just a place to rest your sketchbook after using it in your living room! 😉) Sending love ❤️

[@judyk.657]

@@jackieschomburgart❤thank you 💐

[@drawingmomentum]

Life is messy. I was making handbound books for a few days on an open clean countertop between the kitchen and livingroom. My husband set a platter of food on that countertop near my just-made books, and I about had a cow and freaked "please don't put food by my art!" He responded "but it's the kitchen?!" I said "not while I'm using it!"🤣

[@jackieschomburgart]

Hahaha!

[@tinachristensen7717]

I started around nine, but I am cleaning my big work table top, so the number is declining. Your video couldn’t have come a better time for me! Thanks for always “keeping it real.”

[@jackieschomburgart]

Solidarity ❤️🌈🤗

[@sarahspencer9360]

❤❤❤❤❤ I love this so much. Thank you!!

[@jackieschomburgart]

You're so welcome! ❤️❤️❤️

[@lisadawnsupan3119]

love that painting behind you. i certainly understand the overwhelm - happens for so many reasons and i can't usually create when i am oveerwhelmed.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thanks a lot! Art keeps me grounded when things get hectic. 🎨🌟

[@bigbear8645]

Wait. That looks tame compared to mine. I’m inspired to tidy now. Thanks Jackie. Keeping it real. ❤🎉❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

You’ve got this! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@louisacahan831]

I identify with you in your facing and admitting and even showing the mess on your desk. In addition to other issues related to general messiness, I’m also in the process of moving, so chaos all over the place. But I can clear a small space and make a tiny painting in a tiny sketchbook! Thanks for the encouragement!

[@jackieschomburgart]

UGH! Moving is the worst! 😆 (though I do enjoy the crisp opportunity to unpack in a new space… well, unpacking the FUN things anyway… 😅). Wishing you the smoothest move out and move in experiences ever! ❤️❤️❤️

[@dianemartin6077]

Geez! And I thought I was Alone! ! My art room is a catastrophe! Last few days…I walk in and so blown away I walk out! Yes! Thank you Jackie! You are a true ie kindred spirit ❤ Diane in SF

[@jackieschomburgart]

You are most certainly not alone, Diane! ❤️ I’ve been reading so many wonderful comments for the last two days full of others in similar situations. I think the trick is to figure out what we (individually) need and focus on that and let the rest go. I think in my case, I need to set the extra “just in case” items free and just let them go I order to simplify my space. I think I’m finally ready. I wonder what one thing would help you in your room. ❤️❤️❤️

[@suerothberg143]

this is so spot on. thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your thoughts and process. it really helps to normalize what many of us go through, especially on the most challenging of days. i find your tutorials very helpful in setting a bar that is achievable. i am sure. like many people, i stress over creating even the smallest journal grids. to me, .it is like everything, no matter how tiny or insignificant, has to a perfect masterpiece. IMHO, it takes time and lots of reassurance to change behavior. thank you for being a helpful step in that process.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! ❤️❤️❤️

[@michelleinScotland]

Yes definitely high on the overwhelm today - started a new year long course - not sure if it's right for me, got a two year project about to start that I really, really want to be involved in but not sure I have the time to fit it all in.......at the moment I'm probably an eight or nine on the overwhelm scale. So deep breath, write a list and work my way down the list. I definitely have to have days where I do nothing but tidy so that I can start to do some work - but that usually means I can't find anything for a while because I knew exactly where it was. Thanks Jackie you've calmed me down.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Always happy to help take some of the anxiety off your shoulders ❤️❤️❤️ Good for you for taking a little time to reset yourself before you head back into it (whatever “it” happens to be today 😆)

[@pattykelly6621]

Of course we can all relate. I think. And of course it depends on your lifestyle. I am now retired. I am not married and I have no children. I have 2 large dogs and a cat who don't really care about the state of the house. I live in a small 1 bedroom, so my 'art room' is the living room most of the time. In the summer (I'm in the high desert) I rely heavily on my AC and it doesn't quite reach all the way to my work table/desk. So my art migrates to the kitchen table. Stuff is piled up everywhere because I do not clean up every thing when I finish for the day. My paint brushed get washed. My water buckets get dumped and the caps get put back on the paint tubes. But the tubes are on the kitchen table. The washed brushes are on the kitchen counter. And I retreat to my bedroom, which has become my true living space. It's harder if you share your home with your family. But for me, my life revolves around my art practice and my animals. So this works fine for us. You just have to find your place. It'll come. You're young. But a messy desk is the easy part.

[@jackieschomburgart]

One day I’ll wash my brushes and switch my water buckets on a daily basis again - apparently today (this year) is not that day 🤣 You’re so right that things fall into place over time. Patterns and routines create different processes and habits. Still trying to figure mine out, but I do think I have way too much in this room and would feel lighter all around if I let some of it go. Perhaps this week is the week for that ❤️

[@jaynedough130]

i like to call my chaos open filing. i like to see what i can use when i am creating, otherwise it doesnt exist in that moment. ok, sometimes my 3 meter long kitchen island is toooooo covered to even make dinner, then i know its time to put some things away. it helps in keeping the art supplies rotating. :) keep doing what you do jackie!

[@jackieschomburgart]

❤️❤️❤️ Yes - “open filing”! Once I put things out of sight they disappear from my mind 😬 And yet, when too much is out, I can’t see any individual things either. My art room is like the tide going in and out. Perhaps the tide is just high right now. It’ll be lower soon enough… and then high again. I like this metaphor. ❤️🌙

[@annjeffrey9673]

love everything you do

[@jackieschomburgart]

Wow! Thanks Ann! ❤️❤️❤️

[@mtdebemigrant1435]

It is good to be kind to yourself. You are a mother and a wife and a daughter as well as a woman and an artist. I remind myself that Life happens when you are making plans or art. We all are doing the best that we can and we are human. Good video.

[@jackieschomburgart]

You’re so right! Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@Bombalurina00]

Yes: overwhelmed at a 6-7/10. Multiple projects in progress, more in pipeline, creating in small space “for now” (ha) as my new project space evolves. So many ideas yet art supplies and materials are dispersed hither and yon. I did manage a few minis this afternoon. You're in like company, Jackie - blessings.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Blessings right back to you too! ❤️❤️❤️ “materials are dispersed hither and yon”

[@CarolynBurkhardt-Padgett]

I am so capable of making a huge disastrous and paralyzing mess in record time. I think it is partly me, but also partly the nature of mixed media as an art form, and partly the child of a burst of creativity When I am blocked, I have to start with straightening up. Putting stuff away get# me motivated by letting me see all my fun stuff and think about what I could do with it, but it can take a few days to get to it, then I can’t wait to make art. Thanks for sharing.

[@jackieschomburgart]

We all have our own methods and mixed media is DEFINITELY not a tidy way to create (at least not the way I do it 🤣🤣🤣)

[@puresunrays80]

Never any judgement about your room or desk. It's OK to be you. ❤ Overwhelm and executive dysfunction are very valid parts of ADHD, and valid for others too who don't have ADHD. It's OK to struggle with these. For me, being autistic and having ADHD, my brain is constantly fighting between the need for tidiness and the chaos. I keep a couple of empty boxes near my desk to put things in that need to be organised or tidied away. Then if I need the desk I can just move them into a corner temporarily. 4:22 I have some art journals I made myself from scrap papers. I have various sizes, including very small. These are great to just open and stick some bits of paper down or add some paint. And none of it matters. It can be very therapeutic to just play with papers or paints. That physical doing something that isn't a screen.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Your honesty is refreshing. Thanks for being you! 💖😊

[@lionunderthestars7019]

Hi, Jackie I am like you. I hate putting things away. I figured out that organizing was the first step. It took me about 3 years to get like things with like, reasonable size quantities (purging), and so that everything has a home. One easy way to get discouraged about putting things away is realizing you don't have a home for it and it will probably take 30 minutes of reorganizing to make one. Once I was organized pretty well I went to my second issue. I may have been making a group of greeting cards and gotten pulled away for various reasons. Now I want to art journal for example, and I know I will lose my creative flow if I take the time to put everything away, or there are time constraints. Now I take 5 minutes to put away all the easy quick stuff; scissors, glue, that neatly stacked pile of ribbon (how'd that happen?), etc. Everything else I put into a 6 x 10 x 3 plastic bin that I decided was the right size for me. When I feel I am not interrupting my own plans, I put some of this away, starting with the bulkiest items. Once it is only half full I allow myself to quit. I now know that anything I want for my next project is either in its home, or in that bin. I don't know if this will help. You didn't actually mention where that disappearing mess went to. I get overwhelmed all the time. I recently purchased two 5 inch square journals myself and I love them. Nancy

[@jackieschomburgart]

Your method is genius, Nancy! Thanks for sharing! 🌟😊

[@jacki1259]

I really liked your dialogue on this one. Everything really resonated with me. Those times when I’m trying (and failing ) to make art I like I most definitely do feel as though it matters so much! But as you rightly point out, my art is not going to inflict on anything remotely as important as something like world peace 😮. You’ve really reminded me to keep it all in perspective as I create my art for myself. (And yes, of course my little studio space is every bit as chaotic as yours was 😜)

[@jackieschomburgart]

I’m so glad it resonated with you ❤️❤️❤️ It helps me if I take a step back every once in a while and remind myself it’s all a bonus to be able to create in the first place 🥰

[@jlm517rocks]

well...your telepathic antennae are spot on having picked up on my state of mind & answered my mental s.o.s..... oddly enough, ii love & have been asked to organize other's offices, closets, cupboards.... ii live in a friend's gameroom, one corner (you even got the size right!!!) is 4' x 4', everything stacked vertically on cheek by jowl bookcase type found pieces surrounding a small 2' x 2' glass table & card table chair half of which is covered with a lap tray that supports 2 ott lights, my tablet, and is supported underneath by a sterilite box housing my favorite drawing pens.....tight fit...and the one guest room closet that hides all my art supplies & clothes (50/50)... if ii don't see what's in one of those art bags (stacked floor to ceiling) for 6 months... oh well... good thing zentangle doesn't take up much space but having branched into collage, gelli printing, acrylics & sketchbooks to fit all categories... overwhelm met overload & had babies... triplets.... since ii couldn't find anything, ii got another one... of everything... so.... you say start somewhere, start small (again), just start, spoke volumes.... much of the overwhelm of stuff was related to too many interests & not enough practice, not being good enough at 'it', so ii'd start something else.... now (thank God) ii can ignore the lack of space by focusing on ...your tutorials, a piece of paper, one thing, whether a limited palette or limited time frame...or ... (anyone need extra arms & legs??) organizing someone else's space...

[@jackieschomburgart]

“Just start”, indeed! ❤️❤️❤️

[@emilynelson5880]

I have a sign on the wall that says “creativity is messy and I am very creative”. I actually love cleaning up my art space in preparation to paint. I think because it is a way to procrastinate painting which i feel inadequate at. Sometimes I think I like organizing my art supplies more than I like doing art😂

[@jackieschomburgart]

Hahaha! So relatable! ❤️❤️❤️

[@elizabethoconnor5168]

If i were stranded on a deserted island and could only choose a limited amount of art supplies to have with me I would choose a color shaper over a paint brush.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Same. I have mugs and mugs of paint brushes and use my color shapers every day and my brushes once or twice a month 😂

[@amherst88]

I'm sure you know this Jackie but your visits are only partially to do with making art :) It's a pleasure and an inspiration every time no matter what you're making/wrestling with ❤I'm with you in having an art room that I have often stayed away from for the same reasons -- I recently for some reason had a flash of lucidity (Grace) and saw that it would be a whole lot better if I simply created a few more places where things could be 'put' (instead of living in recurring piles) and after investing in a few very inexpensive ways of constructing them it's much better -- the thing about overwhelm/avoidance is that it can block the moments of clarity that can provide an actual step in *changing* the conditions instead of always just managing them. I'm with you, though, in also learning to accept ourselves as we are -- both/and :)

[@jackieschomburgart]

Both/and. YES! Acceptance is one of those things that seems so obvious in retrospect. During the overwhelming parts of life, I find that my reflex is to tell myself to try harder and all of the things I have decided that I “should” do. Once I accept where I am and just lean into it as a neutral thing vs. a moral character flaw, I can recalibrate, choose grattitude, and re-gain perspective. How blessed and lucky I am to have too many art supplies and an art room of my own to mess up! 🥰 (AND, I can still work on creating better systems and habits to keep me feeling lighter and clear headed at the same time. Both/and ❤️❤️❤️

[@laurienix4121]

I'm feeling like a 5 due to some stress. No doubt your followers /subscribers relate and empathize with where you are at. Cleaning my art corner table helps motivate me to get going again and I too, like to work small when feeling overwhelmed. I'm a beginner and took up this hobby during COVID so I wouldn't feel so isolated, now it's great therapy in general and it has actually produced some acceptable pieces!.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thanks so much for sharing! Such a great story of your art providing you with several facets of selfcare as your practice continues to evolve ❤️❤️❤️

[@rosiekane536]

I just cleaned my studio and outdoor ceramics area (garage). I spent a year creating for a show and when I came out on the other end...my areas were crazy! It made me feel so much better! I still need to make some art :) Love your videos!

[@jackieschomburgart]

That is awesome! Way to go!! ❤️

[@berniceseigel6482]

OMG!!!! Love you anyway!

[@jackieschomburgart]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cindycreateforlife]

You are so refreshing! I know exactly how you feel, my desk, my art room, is ridiculously messy and it is impeding my creativity! Organizing is not a skill I possess, I am loathe to put things away because I then I can’t find them so I feel like I need a shrink!🤣😂💕🇨🇦

[@jackieschomburgart]

Yes! This is exactly the thing - when I put things away and I don’t see them, it’s like the cease to exist! 😅

[@cindycreateforlife]

@@jackieschomburgartexactly!

[@SharronCampbell-t8b]

I wonder if the creative mode and the organizing mode are in different parts of the brain. When I'm doing full on art making and it is time to quit it feels like I have to dump that program and load the one that fosters tidiness. And that is a chore in itself.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Creative brain vs. tidy brain struggle is real! 😂🧠

[@rebellionacrylique3357]

I needed to watch that video this morning. Thank you 🙏🏼💐

[@jackieschomburgart]

You are so welcome - I love it when the timing hits so well. ❤️❤️❤️

[@emilynelson5880]

I felt overwhelmed a lot for several years. To me it was a form of anxiety and it was crippling. I now take an anti-depressant called Aplenzin. It’s similar to Wellbutrin and it has changed my life. I am so much more chill now and happier and more at peace. It’s amazing.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thank you for sharing, Emily ❤️ I’m so glad you are on the other side of it now! 🎉🌈❤️❤️❤️

[@olf777f]

Oh brilliant, I think you out messed even me......just😊

[@jackieschomburgart]

🤣🤣🤣

[@robinhoward5987]

Completely overwhelmed/anxious, 10/10. But I'm in the studio, so that's something. But I am no housekeeper, never have been, and that's unlikely to change. I imagined I'd be partnered with someone to balance out my strengths and weaknesses by now (I'm 64).

[@ingridcoke1360]

I needed this medicine today..Thanks zillions as always Jackie.🙏🏽🥰💖✨💖✨💖💐💐💐

[@jackieschomburgart]

You’re rocking it in the studio! 💪 Keep shining! 🌟

[@jackieschomburgart]

You’re so welcome! 💖✨ Always here for you! 🙏🏽💐

[@HilaryBravo]

You are in good company ❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

❤️❤️❤️

[@monicalfd]

6. But oh well…could be much worse! Now to create in my mini sketchbook. Thanks Jackie!

[@jackieschomburgart]

Hooray for mini sketchbooks and solidarity! ❤️❤️❤️

[@barbarapierce5830]

None of my stuff knows where it goes. I appreciate that you are sharing your heart, studio, and process. I'm trying to gather all artsy-type stuff in a spare room. It's mainly the piano room, but there are still boxes of books in there since moving in 5 yrs ago. 😮 thank you for this vid!

[@jackieschomburgart]

You’ll get things settled in time - I hope you create a wonderfully usable space for yourself there! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sherrillpearson7140]

What a terrific vid . 👏

[@jackieschomburgart]

Appreciate it, Sherrill! You’re awesome! 🌟👏

[@DBcolorartist]

Wow! Did this show up at the right time for me!! Thank you for your support to all that are dedicated to you! ❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

So glad! ❤️❤️❤️

[@tracypickett5687]

You are not alone 😵‍💫 Thank you for sharing.

[@jackieschomburgart]

❤️❤️❤️

[@TheElleFactorAgain]

Hey happy Sunday Jackie. Unfortunately we cant attach pictures, or you would see i gotcha beat 😂 i litteraly have to do art on top of stuff a lot of times, even this weekend. Additionally, I have RA which leaves me completely fatgued. You are awesome❤ #ApplyGrace❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

Haha! Always feels good to know that I’m in good company ❤️ All we can do is what we can do, right? Let’s agree that it’s enough 🤗

[@EllenRigor]

I'm at 8 today. After many years I'm learning to stop heaping verbal abuse on my head. Haven't figured out if it helps, but it doesn't hurt. Thank you for bravely sharing!!

[@jackieschomburgart]

You’ll be amazed at how much better life can be when you knock off the verbal Abuse and tell yourself and tell yourself all that you’re doing right ❤️ (and once you start looking for things that you’re doing right, no matter how small - I turned off the lights before bed, I fed the dog, I called a friend. Big hugs to you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheJestersYarn]

"today is not that day"... ❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

❤️❤️❤️

[@kristenguzman8123]

You are not alone! I have an art room upstairs but I make art in my living room. It's a disaster! It bugs me but I'm exhausted so it stays messy.😢 I completely get you.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Solidarity ❤️❤️❤️

[@jeanellaliving4402]

Nice work!❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thank you! 😊

[@carolbenavidez2228]

At the start of this video I thought you were at my desk! 🤣 Lately the fear of creating/making a mistake/whatever has kept me frozen and I know my messy desk is part of the problem cuz when I clean it I'm much better. Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone! 💖

[@jackieschomburgart]

Haha! It could possibly have been your desk, but those were definitely my socks that I re-discovered as I tidied 🤣 Hang in there - you’ll find your own way to push through it. Sometimes you just need the right 12 minutes ❤️

[@carolbenavidez2228]

@@jackieschomburgart Thank you! 💖

[@judithhunter8557]

I especially liked the socks on your table...

[@jackieschomburgart]

😂😂😂 There were TWO PAIRS! At least they were clean socks, right?? 😅

[@lindajohns726]

My craft/art room got so bad I actually felt so stressed to go in there that I stopped painting. I've been a year trying to fit the contents from 2 rooms into one as my daughter has taken our lower floor in our house and we made an apartment for her. I'm now in her old bedroom. Love the light but less space. I'm on day 2 of a huge declutter. Wish me luck, I already feel calmer. Thanks for this video. Just subscribed❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

Wow, big changes!! I wish you a peaceful, cozy space in which to create! ❤️ So glad to have you as part of this wonderful community - welcome! (And let me know how the rest of your decluttering goes - I think I’m next! 😆)

[@tlglock1637]

I hear you. Whenever anyone doesn't know where something goes, they put it on my desk. 😢 or any other empty surface. I want to make art, but I just can't. I stare at the paper then want to take a nap.

[@jackieschomburgart]

I feel that! ❤️ (Except more often than not I’M the person not knowing where to out things so *I* put the stuff on my own desk 😅🤦‍♀️🤣🤷‍♀️)

[@TheLisbethK]

Creatives are messy....that is my excuse and I am sticking to it hahhaha. I found when I bought some more storage and sorted it into trolleys and a shelf it was much better. Now I have overwhelm because I have too many ideas, too many supplies (to try later lol) and not enough time.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Haha, totally relatable! Creativity chaos is the best chaos! 🎨😂

[@classicaldeb]

Absolutely no judgement! Yes read my mind! My Studio resembles the remains of the explosion of a bomb; and I DO like to organize. 🥴🙄😒

[@classicaldeb]

I've decided that the best way to clear my desk is to sweep everything into a box, then begin organizing bit by bit.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Ahh yes, I have tried this as well, but I seem to just stash the box somewhere and begin collecting things on my desk again 😅😅😅

[@jackieschomburgart]

It happens to the best of us! 😅😆🤣❤️

[@evalindstein3837]

Oh my gosh 😅! This is soo me. My art room (not very big) is also stuffed with material everywhere, my desk is messy and every time lately I walk into the room, I turn and walk out again. Because I get so overwhelmed and I have not been in the mood for painting for a long time. And now I feel like a rookie, like I never painted before, I don’t have ideas, I don’t know where to start…. 🙈😩

[@jackieschomburgart]

You’re not alone! We all have those days. You got this! 🎨🙈💪

[@dailydoseofpaper]

You know how weeds can cover your carefully planted garden? So weird that no one has ever told me that paper, textiles, paints etc. can also grow like weeds…..YOU ARE NOT ALONE JACKIE!!!😎💖🍀

[@jackieschomburgart]

Right?! Crafting chaos is real! 😂💖

[@ruthgonzalez6547]

You do you.

[@jackieschomburgart]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cynthiathomas262]

i have the same problem. when it happens, i tell myself that i only have to put 3 things away. and i do that everyday until my space is cleared.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Great idea! ❤️❤️❤️

[@KikiFields]

🩷 I didn’t know I had an art mess twin 😂

[@jackieschomburgart]

Haha! Here I am! 👯‍♀️😆❤️

[@sheryllamoureux1068]

139.I have a two room art and bedroom suite. I don't know what color my carpet is. I have a lot going on (multiple disabilities, care for 2 adult disabled kids, mom died and I'm her executer and have no idea what to do and that was capped off when 2 weeks ago my daughter and I were stalked and sexually assaulted in our home so restraining orders, police, and this is just some of what I'm facing.) I know the best therapy for me right now would be to create. But that would create more mess. I woke up this morning and looked around and I was so ashamed I started crying. And I don't think anyone else in the world would blame me in the least bit. They know what I'm going through. They know that I'm sick and can't always get out of bed sometimes. . And I've never seen one of your videos until today and after five minutes I had to stop and go on and on to 349 people I don't know because I can't keep it inside anymore. I feel compelled to reassure you that this is not some health hazard hoarding situation. It's just 300 Gelli prints, 150 stencils, Neocolors, glue, gel medium, paintbrushes and more ephemera than anyone person should own. Thank you, I feel a bit better, I brought one index card, one very small bottle of paint and two mini stencils to bed. Maybe I can create a tiny card and send it to a friend and ask for some help cleaning up.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Sending you so much love and strength, Sheryl! 💖✨

[@laurak5196]

I gave a thumbs up right away bc of the title! Does anyone else also have election anxiety?! Thanks for sharing this. We all need more art esp now.

[@jackieschomburgart]

1000%! The election is the anxiety backdrop of the next few months for me too 😱

[@rebellionacrylique3357]

@@laurak5196 I am in Canada and we also are stressed about that 😱

[@laurak5196]

@@jackieschomburgart I’m volunteering for VP bc it helps my anxiety. It may help you also, and if so, you could search the words mobilize and volunteer and either the word virtual or your local area depending on what type of activity you’re seeking. Just in case, wanted to share. Will be glad when it is all over. 💙

[@prose3562]

I’m in the UK and I have election anxiety FOR you.

[@jackieschomburgart]

@prose3562 ❤️❤️❤️ I simultaneously want to say thank you and (on behalf of our entire country) I’m sorry. Sigh. ❤️

[@feedsfour]

Oh, is that YOUR desk? I thought it was mine 😆 I'm on week two of trying to get it tidied up 😅

[@jackieschomburgart]

Haha, desk twins! 😆 Good luck and enjoy with the tidying! 🧹✨

[@magee113]

SHAME you Jackie????? NEVER!!!! You're a mom, a wife, a friend to many, a daughter, a sister... Need I say more? And I didn't even include, a working artist!!! Since you already wear so many hats, adding maid to the list seems kind of cruel. Just do you!!! THAT is the Jackie we love and subscribe to. Have an awesome week!!!! ❤😊❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

❤️❤️❤️

[@suzijorgensen6545]

My studio looks like yours😔

[@jackieschomburgart]

We just do what we can, right? And I found when I flipped my perspective things shifted in my mind. Now, if I catch myself feeling bad bc my room is messy, I think “How grateful am I that I have a dedicated art space to mess up in the first place - it’s a small room, but such a luxury!” It helped me ❤️

[@Dianna-pm2hv]

I hope you realize that hundreds of thousands of us are as unorganized as you think you are. I am watching my first video of yours, but I immediately needed to encourage you that you are totally not alone.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Aww, thank you Dianna! ❤️ Yes, I do know that - it’s most of the reason I wanted to make the video actually. I feel like KZbin and social media give the impression that other people are experts and have life figured out. I want to ensure that people know that everyone has things that aren’t all buttoned up and figured out. We all need to give ourselves and each other grace ❤️❤️❤️

[@berniceseigel6482]

Sorry couldn't watch you clean and skipped to the 8min mark

[@jackieschomburgart]

🤣🤣🤣

[@CathSheard]

Just sending 🫂🫂🫂🫂

[@jackieschomburgart]

Aww, sending hugs right back! 🫂❤️