It's OK to "Take a Break " My Artist Friends

Give Yourself Permission to Step Back

Today, I’m Giving Myself Permission to Take a Break: I’m Not a Master Artist Yet; I’m an Emerging Artist

“Owl Always Love You” 9”×12” pan pastels a colored pencils.

In the world of art, there exists a constant pressure to produce, to perfect, and to always be creating. The myth of the tortured, endlessly working artist looms large in our collective imagination. Yet, today, I’m giving myself permission to take a break. I’m reminding myself that I am not a master artist—at least, not yet. I am an emerging artist, and that’s not only acceptable but also a beautiful stage of my creative journey.

The term “emerging artist” implies a period of growth and development. It’s a time of experimentation, learning, and discovering one’s unique voice. In this phase, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relentless productivity, fearing that every pause is a setback. However, rest is not a hindrance; it is a crucial part of the creative process. 

Taking a break allows me to step back and gain perspective. It gives my mind the space to wander, to dream, and to see my work with fresh eyes. During these pauses, inspiration often strikes unexpectedly, leading to new ideas and directions that I might never have considered in the midst of constant creation. 

As an emerging artist, I’m still defining my style and honing my skills. This requires patience and self-compassion. It’s tempting to compare myself to established artists, to measure my progress against their accomplishments. But I must remember that they, too, were once in my shoes—experimenting, failing, learning, and growing. Their mastery didn’t happen overnight, and neither will mine.

The journey of becoming an artist is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. It’s a lifelong commitment to growth and self-expression. Taking breaks is akin to pausing for water and rest during a long run—it sustains me and keeps me moving forward. These moments of rest are not signs of weakness or laziness but of wisdom and self-care.

Moreover, the creative process is deeply personal and unique to each artist. There is no one right way to create art. What works for one artist might not work for another. By giving myself permission to rest, I am acknowledging and respecting my own creative rhythm. I’m allowing myself to grow at my own pace, without forcing myself into an unsustainable routine that could lead to burnout.

In today’s fast-paced world, where success is often measured by constant output and visible achievements, taking a break can feel counterintuitive. Yet, it is in these quiet moments of pause that true growth occurs. It is in the stillness that I can hear my inner voice, free from the noise of external expectations and comparisons.

So today, I’m stepping back. I’m taking a deep breath and giving myself the space to rest and recharge. I’m embracing the journey of being an emerging artist, with all its uncertainties and challenges. I’m honoring this phase of my creative life, knowing that every great artist started somewhere.

To all fellow emerging artists, I encourage you to do the same. Give yourself permission to rest. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Trust in your journey and know that every pause is a step forward. We are not master artists yet, but we are on our way. And that, in itself, is something truly beautiful.

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Be Creatively Amazing Today.

Michelle Joy