Back to the Drawing Board

How I Stopped Playing with My Art—and How I'm Getting It Back

For a long time, I let my art become a task rather than a passion. I work a full-time job, and time is precious. With limited hours in the day, I found myself only creating for shows and commissions—pieces with deadlines and expectations attached. The joy of simply playing with my art, experimenting, and growing as an artist seemed to slip away.

At first, I didn’t notice it happening. I was still making art, after all. But over time, I realized something was missing. I wasn’t pushing my skills, trying new things, or making work just because I felt like it. Instead, every brushstroke felt tied to a purpose outside of myself. Art became another responsibility, not an outlet for self-expression.

Realizing this was a wake-up call. I knew I needed to find a way to balance the necessary work with the personal exploration that keeps my creativity alive. I had to be intentional about making time to practice, experiment, and create freely—without the pressure of an audience or a sale.

So, I built structured drawing and painting practice times into my week. I carved out dedicated hours for honing my skills and exploring ideas that excite me, separate from my commitments to clients and shows. This shift wasn’t easy at first, but it has been transformative. Having this balance allows me to refine my artistic voice, try new techniques, and—most importantly—reignite my love for art.

If you’ve found yourself in a similar place, feeling like your art has become an obligation rather than a passion, I encourage you to reclaim time for play and practice. It doesn’t have to be much—even a few hours a week can make a difference. By nurturing your creative side, you’ll not only improve as an artist but also rediscover the joy that brought you to art in the first place.