How a Creative Workshop Saved Me from Burnout
When I started freelance writing, I didn’t think I had to make space for creativity. I subconsciously thought, “Oh, well. I’ll be creative every day for work. That will be enough.” But I soon realised, being creative for work doesn’t really count.
Why? Well, for starters, it’s not for you. It’s for someone else. So you don’t get the nourishment that comes with taking time for yourself. You know, the self-care element of creativity.
Creative work is also an exchange. You do the work and get paid. And as soon as you’re doing something for money, some of the magic dissipates.
There’s also a limit to experimentation – the “let’s see where this takes me” gets sucked out of it. You have to stick to what your client or boss wants from you.
But I didn’t know all of this when I started my business. I thought creativity was creativity. I didn’t need to develop a practice completely separate from my work. I was a writer. I was a creative.
It comes as no surprise I reached burnout after a few years. I felt resentful and empty. I felt like my clients were taking all my creative inspiration, and nothing was left.
It was around this period I was invited to a creative workshop for my friend’s birthday. A pottery class. I jumped at the chance. It couldn’t have come at a better time. I thought maybe this would revitalise me?
My first creative workshop
I’ve never felt artistic. I can’t draw. I can’t sew. My hands don’t seem to be able to tackle detailed work. So I felt like playing with clay could be something I could actually get into. Something I could become good at… maybe.
Perfectionism tends to get in the way of me letting go and having fun. But as soon as the workshop began, Emilie, the creative director, reminded us to be kind to ourselves. There would be no pressure in this workshop. She said, “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents”. It was about having fun. I definitely needed to hear this!
Our workshop host, Megan, would be teaching us how to make pinch pots. Pinch pots are the entry-level pottery practice. It’s a hand-building technique where you get a slab of clay and start pinching it with your thumb and index finger to make a pot. You can make bowls and vases using this method too.
“Mistakes are just happy accidents.”
As I lost my thumb in clay, I realised this was the first time I had relaxed in months. The sensation of clay in my hands felt primal, spiritual even. I was at one with my body. I switched off and forgot about the looming deadlines that awaited me at the office.
While my neighbours made bowls that were precise enough to sell in West Elm, I preceded to make a lopsided vase. I wanted an imperfect, maybe even ugly sculpture (my style). This sense of play was gratifying. I felt like a kid again.
Comparisonsitis crept in, of course. I couldn’t help glancing around the table, sneaking a peek at everyone’s handy work. But I was reassured by Megan that what I was making was imperfectly perfect. “No mistakes, just happy accidents,” just like Emilie had said. This sentiment made the room feel safe and encouraged me to experiment further.
We left our vases, pots and other creations with the workshop host to glaze in the coming week. I was excited to see how mine would turn out. Would my vase withstand the heat? What would it look like with a coloured glaze? I would have to wait.
When I got home, I felt elated. It was like the feeling you get mid-way through a holiday – that sigh of relief. An exhale. And I think this was because I was finally able to get out of my head. The refreshed feeling stayed with me for weeks.
Creative lessons learnt
The creative workshop gave me a few vital lessons:
Creativity gets you out of your head and into your body
Creativity helps you stop working and start playing
Creativity allows you the opportunity to try something new
Creativity reminds you mistakes are happy accidents
Creativity refreshes your mind and gives you clarity
I’m SUPER proud that I created something from nothing. And took the time to do something just for me. I love words. Always will. But I know the benefits of making time for creativity does my brain a whole lot of good.
Do you need to make time for creativity? Book a creative workshop here.
Naomi Faye is a Perth copywriter and branding coach who helps creatives clarify their message and build a meaningful brand with words. Naomi’s mission? To help you express yourself online and give you the confidence to keep creating and sharing your gifts with the world. You can follow Naomi’s creative journey here.