Burnout

[BarstoolProphet]

I've lost my will to paint.
I have a slew of already-paid-for commissions that I need to get done, and even watching my
'How to pick up your brush' video hasn't helped.
I have plenty of time to do the work, but I keep ending up just staring at the minis and thinking
about nothing at all. I know the colours I'm supposed to use. They're all additions to an army
that I've been painting one unit at a time for several years. A good regular customer, who is, thankfully,
very patient, but I have to find the motivation again.

I've tried moving to other projects, and that does nothing for me.
I haven't put paint to metal in over a month, now. Very not good.
I've even turned away 3 large jobs, lately.

I've never suffered a burnout that lasted more than a week before, and I'm finding it rather distressing.

 

[airhead]

key word in there is "commissions."
That means painting those minis is now a job and must be done.

Just one of the many reasons I never tried to do commissions. (coupled with no talent, no time, etc.)

But even so, we all need a break (vacation, holiday, etc.) - employed and self-employed. You just have to plan better for it when you are self-employed.

 

[10 ball]

Yes, a holiday that's the answer. Airhead is right about the commissions bit. Ease yourself back in to it by making small goals for yourself. Chin up!

 

[supervike]

I'd immerse myself in the 'fluff' of the particular things you need to paint. Quite often that will spur inspiration.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

"when your hobby becomes your job, it's time to find a new hobby" Money and deadlines can kill the fun in the arts. You may, just to get the job done, view the comissions as what they are....a job. Paint them as they need to be and don't look for all kinds of inspiration. You know enough to do a good looking paintjob 'by the numbers' - inspiration or not.