Recovering from ARTIST BURNOUT 💔 | Why I QUIT YouTube (and why I'm back)

[@courtneytheapostolic]

I think everyone’s goal is to do what they are passionate about full-time and for that to be their means of work as well. It’s almost harder when you experience burnout in that scenario though, because at the core it’s still something you love. It’s just finding that healthy balance between the “work” portion and the “hobby” portion that can be tricky sometimes. Glad you are back!

[@Henleash_Alt]

Currently, I am recovering from almost a year-long burnout. I also left KZbin because of this, and it has been super hard to figure out what to do. I love art, so how can I do more when I'm burned out? It is not only inspiring to hear your story, but also important. It is a good reminder to take care of ourselves and to find that healthy balance. So proud of you talking about this, you are amazing and I hope that this can lead you to better and brighter things in the future! Just be patient with yourself, take care of yourself, and keep going strong! ✨✨

[@ChantelleArts]

Lovely seeing you speak so openly about this, take all the time you need ❤

[@ShugarzShack]

So glad to see you back! It takes a lot of strength when to know when to step back and I am glad you did what was best for you. I am so glad you are back!

[@jenm8709]

Thank you for sharing 🙏❤ super helpful. Cheering for you and your journey ❤

[@jimfern802]

Erika -- I've only just discovered you today, your channel, and your art a little while ago. Your art is superb. Trying to say a lot in one comment here but I started with Marvel and DC Comics many years ago. Burn out came quickly because you never get to do the type of art you want to do -- I wanted to do -- while meeting the insurmountable deadlines. It is a relentless conveyor belt of production working in the publishing world, so I made many compromises with my art. Then I decided to work for Disney so that I could enjoy art again, and that was the same situation there with the process. I found I lost the "romance" of drawing and producing art. Recently one of my books was on the NY Times list for the #1 hardcover graphic novel and my art in there was awful because I had to "get it done". Then maybe a couple of years ago I found myself with the most ideal project that just dropped on my lap, so I had to learn to reinvent my romance with drawing a book. There's a lot of mental gymnastics involved with constantly being inspired to keep going, especially when looking at other's work like yours whose work is enviable. I used to tell young folks coming into comic books to not make it your career because you'll fall out of love with the thing you love. Yet, some never do. Keeping time with doing the thing you love at your own pace, on your own time, without compromise or cornering yourself is healthy. It gives you time to evolve and be satisfied. Time to keep the romance.

[@odduckOasis]

I do agree that speaking out is def helpful. I've also said over the last year how I should make videos again and haven't even tried. Life and circumstances certainly get away from us, so thank you for being open and honest and taking that leap, as nerve-wracking as it was- you did great. I enjoy listening to videos where the person on the other end isn't doing a persona, they're just themselves- it's refreshing and relatable, so thanks. Can't wait to see more!

[@anneliesv4622]

You're so brave! 💕

[@beyondastral]

Thank you for sharing! I took a 5 mo long break from my biz as well because I was in some similar patterns myself around Oct of last year! This was really helpful for me to self reflect as well. It can be hard to find the balance between this small part of who we are (our niche) and our authenticity to flow other directions.

[@chadowo]

Your drawings are a work of art, I love them, they are all very colorful and what I like the most is that your illustrations are of mermaids, elves and other fantastic beings. Your hands have great talent.

[@drassiodraws]

Wow I totally relate to that! Thank you so much for sharing. It did help me a lot 💜

[@KnightAngel23]

You're Welcome back lady Erika

[@snarkylamassu6994]

I found this video via today's Schoolism interview - thank you so much for this more in-depth talk! I'm coming out of very bad burnout period myself and this showed up just the right time. Similar to you, I'd been so focused for years on the work aspect of it, I felt I needed to force myself to do it because I *had* to, not because I *wanted* to, and lost touch with the concept of Rest and activities I once enjoyed in order to force myself to work longer, because the time I spent on work was never enough. It was so much pressure! Also, the "Because I want to, not because I have to" mantra you said to yourself at the very start of the video was what I needed to hear while I try to rebuild a healthier attitude! Thanks for having our backs while we recover too

[@erikathegoober]

I've found that all about your intention behind doing things! If you lose sight of that it can get you into trouble! I wish you the best with your recovery! 💜

[@Priya_ugc14]

It was so much fun joining you today Dude we gotta be bsfs, I'm ALL about Taylor Swift, books and art ahh! Literally my channels full of that shit but I can see you're on the same path yayay!! 💌✨💕

[@Moonelly1985]

😢❤❤❤

[@clayformations1638]

I've been reluctant to create a Patron group myself.

[@Carritube]

It's really diffucult to set work life balance bounderies as self employed artist, really glad to have you back, I definetly realate to a lot of the issues you mentioned in this video, burnout is no fun

[@SpottedJournal]

Welcome back! I resonate with alot of what you were saying. Good luck with the journey and I look forward to seeing your videos! ❤

[@PetraBachova]

You are a beautiful, incredibly talented soul, you inspire me a lot. Thank you 🙂

[@joeljartist]

Erika, that you so much for posting this video. My own channel is still pretty new, but I can already relate to all the prep and editing that goes into making videos. It made so much sense when you explained the trap of committing to posting regular private videos when you made them a Patreon reward. I also like how you say that you need to talk about the art you make. :)

[@stellarartanddesign]

Thank you for sharing such a real and unfiltered account of what it's like to try to do all the things, and dealing with burn out and overwhelm. ❤

[@mrs.quills7061]

I really appreciate this video, while I’m not able to make money from my artwork yet independently. I do run an Etsy and eBay shop and work full time, it can be a lot and I’ve had to pause from it and social media so I can focus on art and rebuilding my portfolio. I was considering Dr. K’s coaching classes as well, but I wasn’t sure! I’ve been watching him for a few years now and he’s helped me a lot. Your struggle feels very similar to my own, I’m glad you’re giving yourself a break and cutting back on what you feel you should do. We’re not machines and need balance.

[@karlalikestoread]

I'm so sorry, I'm glad you're in a better place now. Your struggle resonates a lot with me. Art is very tied up in my identity and my emotions and it takes a lot of personal work to keep moving forward and looking for a sense of direction. I'm so interested in talking about this stuff and hearing others talk about it too so I'm very excited to see where you take your channel! ♥

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Erika, I enjoy watching your videos and you have a sincere air about you and your quite knowledgeable about art creation. I have gone through low points n my life and creation of art was not enjoyable but since I was a freelancer I simply did not have a choice and if I did not work, I did not eat! I have never had to make videos and I have since retired from actively seeking clients. I doubt I would make it in today's art climate. I do hope you continue to find joy in your life and in your Art journey! I find creating new art with a new to me medium can be a path to discovery. I am learning soft pastels! It is so unique of a medium and I have plenty of experience with so many mediums, yet pastels are quite difficult! SO different and really fun! I hope you continue to figure out this art life and find the niche where you are happy and earning money and respect, Good Luck!

[@paigesteiner6086]

Ur very strong girl & I adore u so much i would love to meet u one day then give her a big hug

[@femkedeborah]

I’m so happy you have overcome this burnout ❤I remember talking with you a lot about it and hearing you struggle was aweful because you did not deserve to feel that way! I am soo happy you enjoy art again and feel brave enough to make videos again❤your so strong 💪 I am proud of you

[@TheMusiclover13100]

Almost a year ago I decided to commit myself to art again after being burnt out with school and parental pressures; I still remember the videos I watched from you really helped guide me into my first steps… Thank you for sharing genuine experiences of the struggles that come with being an artist. Can’t wait to see more of ya!

[@kittensyarn]

Thank you so much for posting this video! you did a wonderful job, and it helped me realize that i have been starting to do the same auto pilot thing and not enjoying making my art as much. but now that ive realized what ive been doing i also have an idea on what to do now! so thank you so much!😄

[@TheFlyingTacoz]

Proud of ya!!!

[@erikathegoober]

thank you so much! 😭💖

[@pyeitme508]

Oh ok.

[@shinyrayasmr]

So glad you came back🩷 For me is just the beginning, I started recently my channel, for a month and I am so exciting to keep posting my artworks🫶😍