It’s been around 2-3 years since I started exploring the vast world of art—mediums, styles, workshops, and methods of earning. I tried everything, thinking I’d eventually find “my thing.” But somewhere in that journey, I lost the very reason I began.
Back then, before I tried to “make it” in the art world, creating felt pure. Intentional. I’d pour my heart into each piece, and feel a quiet sense of wholeness when it was done. Even now, I look back at those early artworks, they still give me goosebumps and I feel proud of them.
But today? My recent work feels… disconnected. Not wrong, just empty and mediocre. Like I’m painting with my hands, but not with my heart.
The Noise Outside (and Inside)
The world has gotten louder—especially post-COVID. Social media, once a haven for sharing genuine creativity, now feels like a crowded stage. The influx of artists, endless ideas, and viral trends started to drown out my own voice.
I began creating what was sellable. Minimal. Trendy. “Aesthetic.”
My friends would forward videos saying, “Try this style!” or “This is cool, you should make something like this!”
Let me say this with love: artists appreciate your interest. But too many suggestions? Too many options? They can make us lose our way… and our mind. Creativity needs space to grow—space that constant comparison and input from the outside can suffocate. We need time and space to let our ideas unfold, not a constant stream of external noise. With every new suggestion, I grew more confused.
“Too many ideas can paralyze a creative.”
The Temptation to Quit
I was still creating for the joy of it. Every piece of art or handmade product made me happy. But it never gave me the satisfaction in the end. It didn’t make me exclaim that I made that thing! I started asking, “Will this sell?” before I even let the idea breathe. And that question alone… can kill the soul of the work.
I even questioned whether I should’ve kept art as just a hobby. Maybe work a 9–6 job, then paint in the evenings for fun. But deep down, I knew—I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Nothing else fits the way art does. Even if it doesn’t always feel easy. Even when I get overwhelmed and doubt everything I make.
The Burnout from Over-Exploring
During my foundation course in fine arts, I felt free—curious, playful, and open to making mistakes. After I finished my course, I tried to keep that sense of play alive. I…
- Joined workshops
- Studied different business models
- Watched tutorials
- Read books about building a creative career
- Participated in pop-ups
- Hosted workshops
- Painted murals
- Created hand-painted products like keychains, magnets, tote bags, etc.
- Took on portrait commissions
- Made artworks using different mediums like linocut, acrylic, oil, charcoal, watercolor, and
But eventually, I was chasing every path which meant I was walking none. I took on every commission that came my way because I didn’t want to lose any “opportunities” which can otherwise slow down or put a fullstop in making a successful career in art.
Quality Matters
I love all forms of art. But loving everything made it impossible to choose one thing to focus on. Now, I can’t stick with one medium long enough to grow in it. My skills have depleted too much I feel. I constantly switch gears. My days have become a blur of half-finished projects. My attention span has reduced. I can focus. I am tired. Burnt out.
I learnt to keep aside the perfectionist inside me and just let the art flow. I learnt to make mistakes. But I’ve come to realize that the perfectionist in me wasn’t the enemy—it was the driving force behind my most detailed and intricate pieces. If I let go of my need for depth and precision, what’s left? Just another face in the oversaturated art world.
“Not All Perfectionism Is Bad—Sometimes, It’s What Makes You Stand Out”
So, What Now?
Here are some practices that is helping me reconnect with my creativity (Yes, I am still in the process of slowing down and figuring out my career, but here are a few tips that will work!):
1. Restarted Self-Talking and Reflecting
One day, while reading a book after a long time, I had a realization: I had stopped thinking deeply. I had stopped having those internal conversations that once guided me. I used to reflect often—on my actions, my choices, my life. And that habit really helped fuel my creativity. As an artist, I’m someone who naturally dives deep into thoughts. If I silence that inner philosopher who sees the world with curiosity and wonder… then who even am I?
2. Making My Diary My Best Friend Again
My diary used to be my closest companion when I was a teenager. Recently, I’ve reconnected with it. I’ve started writing about what feels authentic to me—what projects excite me, and which ones drain me. Whether it’s a physical journal or a quick note on my phone, I’ve found comfort in simply writing down my thoughts whenever they come. It helps me clear out my brain and reconnect with what truly matters.
3. Narrowing Down My Options
I am trying to focus on two or three mediums and business models that I truly enjoy and that actually suits me well. The rest can wait. I have an entire lifetime to explore more—but right now, clarity is more important than variety.
4. Consuming Less, Creating More
I’ve been trying to reduce my time on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. These platforms can be addictive, and they often make me dream more than I create. I’m choosing to stop consuming content faster than I can create it. Now, I sit with myself more—sometimes doing nothing at all. Not even meditating—just being. Letting silence make space for my inner voice.
5. Revisiting My Early Works
Sometimes, I go back to my old YouTube videos, blog posts, or Instagram reels and ask myself: What made these feel so special back then? This reflection brings back a sense of awe. It reminds me of the passion and joy I used to feel, and it lights that creative spark again. It’s like meeting my inner child—and she still believes in the magic of making.
6. Documenting My Journey
Documenting my life as an artist—whether through writing, video, or simply talking things out—brings me a lot of peace. It helps me process my experiences, connect with other fellow artists who might relate with me and simply share my knowledge with everyone. Being a naturally messy creator, this practice helps me stay grounded and a little more organised. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. You can simply record your thoughts, write a journal entry, or share a quick story by just recording yourself while you speak out your mind. It doesn’t need to be something that consumes the majority of your time. Just be yourself.
Your Creative Journey Doesn’t Need to Look Like Anyone Else’s
One of the things I’ve discovered is this:
“Exploration is beautiful—but it has a limit.”
There comes a time when it’s no longer about trying everything. It’s about choosing your path. And that choice is powerful.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lost, know that you’re not alone. And trust me—there’s still a way back to your creativity. It starts by listening to yourself again.