I am 100% sure you have experienced if not both, at least one of the above. I know I have!
I personally am juggling between a full time job, freelance illustration projects, my own art related projects and keeping up with my internet presence. And it is all stuff that I am excited to do, and I want to do! But sometimes you just get tired... not even tired, exhausted.
Art block could be just a short hiccup in your artistic journey, but it could also be the sign for a coming up burnout. No matter which one, it is a sign that you need a break from art. Even if it is just for a day. The best way to recharge you creativity and emotional batteries from the art block is to just stop for a moment, and chill. Do something you find relaxing that does not include you doing any art & craft tasks. Sit down, watch an episode (or ten) of your comfort tv series for example. Inspiration will come back soon. Art block is just a sign from your brain that you need a break, and you need to listen to it.
Now, burnout- that is a bit more serious. I feel like burnout is not only inclusive of your artistic motivations, but just your whole being. Having an overly high expectations of yourself, believing your self worth is linked to only your productivity and overworking yourself, not taking a break, is a quick way to a burnout. Most of us have been there, maybe multiple times even.
It is usually pressure of not being good enough, of not progressing fast enough, or having way too many tasks for the day that would get us to that burnout level. You need to know that progress with art is never immediate- there is no fast track, you might even feel stuck, but you are evolving. Even if you do not see it. Just compare your work now with your work from a year ago! I bet there is an improvement!
As spring is approaching, the weather is much nicer, flowers and trees are blooming - try to get outside. Take a walk, go to the zoo, or buy an overpriced coffee, whatever floats your boat, but just try to get outside for a day or a few hours, and do something you enjoy. Now this would not make your burnout disappear, but elevating your mood is a step forward.
We all have work to do, I understand it might not be possible to take a complete break from art, especially if you are a freelancer. If you can- by all means, do it! If that is not the case, I suggest organizing your tasks in a list- BUT there is a catch: make it achievable. Underwork yourself, take regular breaks. Burnout is not something to just push through, you need to take it easy.
As I get back to work, I would warm up with some sketches of things that I enjoy, before I tackle work related art projects. Working on personal art that also gives you more joy makes getting back to work slightly easier.
The state of burnout could get bad. If you feel like your mental health is worsening to a point where you feel like you might have a more serious problem, try talking to someone- a close one or a specialist. Things will get better, you will get out of it, but make sure you are acting towards this goal and not neglecting your state of mind.
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