Burnout

On Tue, 11 Nov 2003 23:58:59 -0500, Valerie wrote (in message ):

I put everything away and don't look at it. After a [short] while, I feel the need to neaten up the area where all the beads are stored.

As soon as I start rooting around to organize things, I end up finding some beads I had forgotten that inspire me to start making things.

Also, I get burnt out on categories of things. I haven't made a give-away bracelet in months, after making and giving away well over a thousand of them. I go from seed bead weaving to stringing to feeble attempts at wirework (which I cannot seem to get even remotely right) to fiddling with polymer clay then back to seed beading. I think that the variety of what I'm doing is what keeps me from getting bored.

How about putting the beads away for a little while and thinking about other things? They'll still be there when you're ready.

Kathy N-V

I'm not as prolific as you, but you describe both my experience with burnout and my reaction to it.

Tina

Good topic! It's really hard for me. I get burned out quite frequently creatively and have to do something to recharge. For me, that means getting out and getting inspired. Also, doing something nice for myself as a reward for a job well done. All too often I am at home making beads and working so much that I forget to just relax and do something non-beady for awhile each day. :) That's what causes burnout in me. Once in awhile, you just have to take a day off - no matter how much of a deadline you have.

Ah, see I think that might be my problem...I never reward myself.

Valerie Website:

Then don't! The quickest route to burnout (as you are seeing) is to do something that you don't want to do any more of, and then do it a LOT---and FAST!! Working when you'd rather play is a part of the production line process, but our Muses are like children. They want it to be fun, not work. So, I find that when I'm balking, its best to do something else. Do the paper work parts. Sort. Organize. Purchase!! And tell yourself you are NOT allowed to bead right now, too much else to do! That's a very sure cure. Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

Try it - it works for me every time. Even if it's just a cup of coffee and a book at the local bookstore. Life needs to be fun on order for me to be in a creative mood. You're making beautiful things. It's harder to do that when there's no fun involved. :)

If you get a chance, read "The artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. She has suggestions for getting past burnout and opening creativity. One way she suggests is every week have an "artist's date" with yourself and just get away for a little while. Joseph Campbell said much the same thing. He said everyone should have a space they can go to and forget who they owe and who owes them (socially, financially, etc) and that refreshes the soul.

On 12 Nov 2003 04:58:59 GMT, snipped-for-privacy@aol.comREMOVE (Valerie) wrote: What do you do to prevent burnout when it comes to making

I'm with the "do something nice for yourself" crowd. If you like music, go find a free concert somewhere. Go to an art museum. Go to a gallery (or two or three) and treat yourself you someone else's hard work. Let it inspire you. Let your mine wander on how you would create something like that in your chosen medium, no matter how improbable that might be. Go to a butterfly house. Ride a carousel. Go to a spa and have a facial. Get away, breathe deeply and chase falling autumn leaves. Barbara Dream Master

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~~ Albert Camus

Heck, even a *little* of it is you get to making "product" you forget that this is supposed to be fun. Make something for yourself. Play with purple, red and orange together. Make a little snake out of the wildest colors. Experiment with that new technique if you want. But *DON'T* make things for sale.

If something comes out good, DON'T sell it...it would ruin that creative moment. Wear it, tuck it in the Christmas box, give it to your sister/mother/MIL/best friend, or put it in a BFNR. Just don't sell it and ruin the mood.

Mary

I look at other's work or i go off and do something different. Burnout is a part fthe creative process. Do somethintg different. When you are making up alot of stuff for shows and busy times, it's an inevitable, I know when am gettng antsy, it's time to change it up. Don't make the same pieces over and over. Mix it up. And I have a sign on my desk that says "If You Want to Go To L.A. For Christmas, You have to do this !" You know you have to get the work done, so be comfortable, while you work, put on some great background noise ( I prefer headphones ... with the Brian Setzer Orchestra or just Brian alone in my head or Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) wear comfy clothes, colonge, sing to yourself, whatever ! Get in the zone and imagine you have not made enough and you are sold out on 12/25 ... I have been involved in crafts, jewelry making and beads since 1966. have had more than my share of burnout. I only do one of a kind stuff, so that helps. Rainbow