Lately, I’ve been sitting with a heavy, almost suffocating feeling that I know many creatives experience—but so few are brave enough to talk about out loud. I haven’t felt adequate, not as a graphic designer navigating a competitive landscape, not as a photographer capturing the world through my lens, and certainly not as the artist I’ve worked tirelessly and passionately to become. Maybe it’s the job that’s burned me out—more than once, leaving me feeling drained and uninspired. Maybe it’s the discouragement that comes from standing firm on the prices I know I’m worth, only to be met with silence, indifference, or disinterest. Maybe it’s the immense weight of being a Black creative in a space where we constantly feel like we have to prove our value just to be seen and acknowledged. Whatever the cause, it’s been an incredibly difficult journey, leaving me feeling lost and uncertain at times.
The Hidden Side of the Creative Journey
People often see the highlight reel—new projects, meticulously polished deliverables, or exciting announcements that capture attention. But what they don’t always see is the part where you find yourself questioning if your work is truly good enough. The countless nights you spend staring at a flickering screen, feeling numb instead of inspired, your creativity stifled by doubt. The clients who unexpectedly ghost, leaving you in a cloud of uncertainty. The relentless hustle that leaves no room for rest or self-care, as you strive tirelessly to maintain your momentum. Burnout doesn’t always look like collapsing—it can feel like losing the joy that got you into this in the first place. And for me, that joy has felt distant. As a creative, especially as a Black creative, the pressure to perform is amplified. We’re expected to produce magic—on demand—and often with fewer resources, less support, and more emotional labor.
A Gentle Reminder to Myself (and Maybe to You, Too)
Even as I write this, I’m reminding myself of some hard-earned truths that have shaped my journey: Burnout doesn’t mean you’re not capable of achieving your goals or fulfilling your dreams. It simply signifies that you’ve been pouring from an empty cup for too long, and it’s absolutely essential that you take the time to refill it. Holding onto your value isn’t the real problem—rather, it’s the lack of recognition from others that can cloud your perspective. Your prices are a direct reflection of your vast experience, your unique creativity, and your inherent worth. You are still very much an artist, even when you’re resting, questioning your direction, or choosing not to post. Not every season in your creative journey is centered around constant output. Some seasons are meant for rebuilding, reconnecting with your passion, and remembering the very reasons why you started this beautiful journey in the first place.
You’re Not Alone in This
To every creative—especially Black creatives—who are feeling the same way: You are not alone in this journey, even when it feels like the weight of the world is pressing down on you. Your moments of doubt do not disqualify the immense talent and brilliance that resides within you. Your temporary pause does not erase the remarkable progress you have made thus far in your artistic evolution. Your work, your unique voice, and your vibrant presence—it all truly matters and holds significant value in this world, a world that needs your contributions now more than ever. It’s perfectly okay to slow down, to take a breath, and to re-center yourself whenever you feel overwhelmed. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not a weakness. Rest is not weakness—it’s an essential part of the creative process.
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“If you’re a creative who’s been here too—let’s talk. DM me or drop a comment. We don’t have to carry this alone.”
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