Podcast Summary: Art + Audience – Ep. 07: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Transform Your Art Career with Rest

Host: Stacie Bloomfield
Release Date: August 6, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 7 of the Art + Audience podcast, host Stacie Bloomfield delves deep into a topic that resonates with many artists: burnout. Titled "From Burnout to Breakthrough: Transform Your Art Career with Rest," this episode explores the challenges of maintaining an art business, the pitfalls of overworking, and the transformative power of taking intentional breaks.

The Challenge of Burnout

Stacie opens the episode by sharing her personal battle with burnout, a state she describes as being "completely burned out" after years of relentless hustling. She reflects on how ignoring the warning signs led to an "identity crisis" where she questioned her role as an art licensing teacher amid her struggles ([00:00]).

Notable Quote:
"I was like at a point where doors open to grow my education business, to grow my licensing, to do all the things... last year was the first year in my entire licensing career where I could not get traction." ([00:00])

Signs the Business Was Unbalanced

Stacie acknowledges that despite following all the right business practices, her efforts weren't yielding the desired results. She emphasizes that sometimes, "A + B does not equal C," highlighting the discrepancy between hard work and actual outcomes ([03:30]).

Notable Quote:
"When you're doing everything right and you're just not seeing the traction? Well, my friends, I'll tell you that it's time to take a hard, hard step away from your business and pause it and take care of yourself for a little bit." ([05:10])

The Decision to Take a Sabbatical

Faced with mounting stress and declining business performance, Stacie made the critical decision to take a two-month sabbatical. This break was more than a vacation; it was a necessary step to recharge and gain clarity. She recounts the emotional turmoil leading up to the sabbatical, including a near-signing with an art agent that fell through just days before her planned break ([04:50]).

Notable Quote:
"If I hadn't taken my break, if those licensing deals would have happened... sometimes we think that when we want something so badly, we almost like strangle it." ([07:45])

The Power of Rest and Reflection

During her time away, Stacie focused on genuine rest rather than superficial relaxation. She emphasizes the importance of disconnecting completely from work to allow the mind to reset. Stacie shares how this period of rest led to newfound clarity and momentum upon her return, illustrating the "miraculous" turnaround in her business ([09:09]).

Notable Quote:
"Sometimes we think that the problem is we're not giving something enough attention. And sometimes we've given it too much attention, too much power." ([12:15])

Lessons Learned and Advice for Artists

Stacie imparts several key lessons from her experience:

1. Recognize the Signs of Burnout: Understand when your dedication becomes detrimental.
2. Take Intentional Breaks: Step away completely to allow for mental and emotional recovery.
3. Trust the Process: Believe that the universe will provide opportunities when you're ready.
4. Balance is Crucial: Strive for a sustainable work-life balance to foster long-term success.

Notable Quote:
"Progress at the expense of your own well-being is not going to work in the end. It's not sustainable and it's not scalable." ([13:50])

The Breakthrough

Upon returning from her sabbatical, Stacie found that her business began to thrive in unexpected ways. She secured multiple licensing deals, which she attributes to the fresh perspective and renewed energy she gained during her break. This turnaround underscores the episode's central message: rest is not a weakness but a strategic tool for growth.

Notable Quote:
"What's even funnier is, no, I didn't get signed with a different agent when I came back from my trip, but all of a sudden, in the last bit of 2023... Licensing Opportunity. It finally came together." ([10:45])

Embracing a Balanced Approach

Stacie advocates for a balanced approach to running an art business. She encourages artists to embrace both the highs and lows, understanding that both are integral to personal and professional growth. By prioritizing self-care and maintaining balance, artists can sustain their passion and creativity without succumbing to burnout.

Notable Quote:
"Life is filled with these ups and downs. Like, we have to have the lows so that the highs feel more meaningful." ([16:00])

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, Stacie urges artists to claim their personal power by recognizing when to rest and reset. She emphasizes that taking breaks leads to fresh perspectives and renewed vigor, ultimately fostering a more resilient and thriving art career.

Notable Quote:
"Real rest is what's going to get you regrouped so that you can go pitch that portfolio again with new clarity, so that you can create new, fresh art that has vigor and life in it." ([18:10])

Call to Action

Stacie invites listeners to share their own experiences with burnout and breakthroughs on her Instagram page, fostering a community of support and shared growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout is a signal, not a failure: Recognizing when you're overworking is crucial for long-term success.
• Intentional rest fosters growth: Taking breaks can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and renewed business momentum.
• Balance is essential: Sustainable success in the art business requires maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Trust the process: Believing in the timing of opportunities can alleviate stress and open doors unexpectedly.

Overall, Episode 7 of Art + Audience serves as a powerful reminder that rest is not just a pause from work but a vital component of a thriving and sustainable art career. Stacie Bloomfield’s candid sharing of her struggles and triumphs provides invaluable insights for artists navigating the complexities of building and maintaining an art business.