Exhaustion Isn't a Badge of Honor: Choosing Slow During Peak Season
I've been thinking about this phrase a lot lately: "Exhaustion isn't a badge of honor."
I first came across it on a website selling training courses to small businesses - promising systems for more sales, more website traffic, more success. While the course itself felt ironically exhausting - pushing artists harder in ways that would likely perpetuate burnout - the phrase stuck with me and gave me a lot to think about.
The Problem with Hustle Culture
Hustle culture is something I've struggled with in the past, but as I get older it all just feels a bit silly. I see artists and makers online practically bragging about how exhausted they are - their 80-hour work weeks, skipped meals, zero days off - using this burnout as proof that they're working hard enough or that their work is valuable. I'd like to challenge that mentality.
Rest and relaxation are necessary. Burnout is a warning sign that could mean you need help setting boundaries. I'm not saying there aren't times in our lives where we need to work long hours or skip days off - I've been there and still need to push sometimes to make sure bills get paid. But if you're self-employed and constant exhaustion is your vibe, don't you think you're missing something important? Don't you work better when you're rested or after having an incredible day out with friends? I sure as hell do.
Enjoying the natural light in the studio, making larger vessels, and embracing the mess
My Own Production Trap
This year, my mission has been balance and sustainable productivity. I lost sight of that mission early on and fell into the production trap for a few months. It left me so disappointed. I wasn't loving the work I was putting out because it was forced - I was creating things because I was panicked about not getting sales if I didn't have a $30ish item at craft shows. I was doing a bunch of shows that were absolutely not right for me, getting a low return for an awful lot of work.
Taking it all in, loop by loop while making one of my Gathering Bowls. These bowls force me to slow down and are a reminder to love where I’m at.
Course Correcting During Peak Season
So here I am, course correcting during the busiest shopping season of the year. I decided to say no to craft shows this season and instead seek out opportunities that align with my bigger goals. I'm focusing my energy on my gallery and finishing strong in the studio with a body of work I'm proud of - work I can hopefully get in front of the right people who will love it. I need to release the pressure to hustle and find joy in staying small during a big season.
Sustainable Creativity is Possible
I believe deep down in my bones that we (artists) can create a creative practice and workflow that is sustainable and profitable. I can't say I've unlocked the secret to getting rich with my art business, but every day I feel like I'm closer to living the life I want to live and feeling the way I want to feel - both while working and relaxing. And that just might be the most valuable treasure to me.
A new vessel, made slowly. This is part of a larger collection that’s been quietly coming together.
Moving Forward
As I move into this peak season of hustle and burnout, I'm reminding myself to slow down, enjoy what I have, and make art that I love knowing that the right people will discover it. I'm kicking this season off by re-evaluating my studio practices to stay true to my values, taking a mini vacation to Dollywood for a creative recharge, scheduling self-care dates into my calendar, and tackling those important-but-unglamorous tasks like website SEO and gallery outreach that support my bigger dreams.
