Why I Take Breaks from My Work (and Why You Should Too)

We’ve all seen the picture-perfect image of the artistic life: sitting on a scenic balcony with your sketchbook, capturing every breathtaking moment of a holiday. Your pages are filled with ticket stubs and that cute little candy wrapper you couldn’t quite throw out, next to beautifully painted cobble-stone streets and markets filled with boxes of fruits and vegetables.

Sounds ideal, doesn’t it?

But let’s talk about reality. You buy that cute little sketchbook with grand plans, collect and keep your ticket stubs and paper scraps only to find you have to unpack your untouched sketchbook at the bottom of your suitcase when you get home.

If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. The guilt of “not being productive” while on vacation is something many artists wrestle with. But here’s the thing: it’s okay. In fact, it might be the best gift you can give yourself.

Hi my name is Carrie. Here on Artist Strong, I help self-taught artists with home studios who feel stuck with their art move from wondering what’s next to confidently expressing themselves through unique, original art. To date, thousands have joined the community.

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The Case for Taking Breaks

Taking a break isn’t about abandoning your art. It’s about giving your mind and body the space they need to recharge. Creativity thrives on rest, fresh experiences, and new perspectives—all of which can come from stepping away.

In my own experience, some of my best ideas have come during periods when I wasn’t actively creating. Breaks allow your subconscious to process, problem-solve, and generate new ideas without the pressure of daily production.

And let’s be honest—holidays are often full of demands already. Trying to squeeze in a creative practice on top of everything else can turn a joyful activity into yet another source of stress.

How to Know If You Need a Break

Not sure if it’s time to pause? Here are some telltale signs:

• Burnout: You feel emotionally and physically drained by your art. 
• Loss of joy: Creating feels more like a chore than something you love.
• Creative block: Ideas aren’t flowing, no matter how hard you try.
• Resentment: You feel annoyed or frustrated when you “have to” make art.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth considering a break.

Planning Art into Your Holiday

For those who genuinely want to make art while traveling, a little planning can make all the difference.

1. Set realistic goals: Instead of aiming to fill an entire sketchbook, commit to smaller, achievable projects. For example, focus on creating one drawing per day or completing a series of postcard-sized sketches.
2. Pack wisely: Choose lightweight, portable supplies that won’t overwhelm you. A small sketchbook, a pencil, and a travel watercolor set can go a long way.
3. Incorporate art into your itinerary: Treat it as a planned activity, like visiting a museum or exploring a local market. Setting aside dedicated time ensures it doesn’t feel rushed or squeezed in.
4. Embrace imperfection: Holiday art doesn’t have to be your best work. Let go of expectations and enjoy the process of creating for its own sake.

When Breaks Feel Like Failure

For many artists, taking a break can feel like failure. Heck, I regularly talk about the importance of a daily minimum practice. We live in a culture that glorifies productivity, and it’s easy to equate constant output with success. But creativity isn’t a straight line—it’s a cycle. Periods of rest are just as important as periods of intense creation.

Consider this: even the most prolific artists have taken breaks. Georgia O’Keefe, for instance, had stretches where she didn’t paint at all; she would take time to travel, which became fuel for her work. These pauses didn’t make her any less of an artist.

Returning to Your Practice

The good news about breaks? They don’t last forever. If you’ve built a habit of making art regularly, it will be easier to return to your practice when the time is right.

Here are a few ways to ease back in:

• Start with simple, low-pressure projects, like quick sketches or warm-up exercises.
• Revisit old work for inspiration or to finish pieces you set aside.
• Reflect on your break: Did any ideas or themes emerge that you’d like to explore?

Remember, taking time off isn’t a step back—it’s part of the creative journey.

My End-of-Year Break

As the year winds down, I’m taking my own advice and stepping away from my work for a few weeks. If you watch this in real time, this will be my last video and blog post for the year, but don’t worry—I’ll be back in January, refreshed and ready to dive in.

While I’m away, I’d love to hear from you! If you’re subscribed, check out the community post asking for your questions and topic suggestions for the next year. No question is too small—share away!

Finally, to celebrate our milestone of reaching over 5,000 subscribers, I’m hosting a special YouTube Live session on January 10th of the new year. I’ll be teaching How to Study and Apply the Style of Another Artist, a topic chosen by you! It’s my way of saying thank you for being part of this incredible Artist Strong community. Be sure to subscribe to Artist Strong to receive notifications and join our Live session. And if you miss it live, I’ll be sure to keep the video up for you to watch at your leisure.

The Art of Taking Breaks

Taking breaks isn’t just about resting—it’s an essential part of the creative process. Whether you’re stepping away during the holidays or pausing to recharge after a busy period, giving yourself permission to take time off can lead to unexpected inspiration and a renewed love for your work.

As artists, we often feel pressure to create constantly, especially in a world that glorifies productivity. But creativity isn’t a race—it’s a rhythm. Rest and reflection are just as important as the act of making. By recognizing when you need a break and embracing it without guilt, you’re not neglecting your art—you’re nurturing it.

If you love the idea of creating on vacation, plan ahead and keep it simple. Bring portable supplies, set realistic goals, and treat your art time as a joy rather than a task. But if your priority is to be present with family or simply unwind, honor that too. Breaks don’t mean you’ve stopped being an artist; they’re part of what keeps you an artist.

When you return to your practice, you’ll find that your habits and passion are still there, waiting for you. The creative journey is cyclical—time away can lead to breakthroughs you never expected.

As I take my own end-of-year break, I invite you to consider what rest could mean for you. Whether you choose to create every day, take a pause, or find a balance in between, listen to your needs and trust the process.

Art will always be there, ready to welcome you back when you’re ready.

As always, thank you so much for watching. I wish you a wonderful pause over these next few weeks. If you enjoyed today’s video please like and subscribe to be notified when my next video goes live.

Remember: proudly call yourself an artist.

Together we are Artist Strong.