If you run your own creative business, or maybe you know someone who does, you’ve probably heard/thought this over time – should I give this all up now? Is this as far as I can go? Does anyone even like what I am doing anymore?

It’s something most creatives have thought at some point or another. I know a lot of creatives who have thought this over the years that I have been running my own creative business, and I always thought “How can you walk away from something you’ve poured your heart and soul into?”

Well, that was until last week, when I had the same thoughts. I was in a bit of a creative rut, wondering if I should try something totally different like a 9am to 5pm office job…I really did. I even had some courses that I could study online sent through to me! You’re probably either thinking I’m nuts, get where I’m coming from, or you agree I should do it.

Let me just say this though…I’m feeling a little bit better this week. Last week was one of those weeks. To top it off, my kiln died, right when I was on track with all of my pre orders…maybe that was the last straw that week, I don’t know. I adore doing what I do. It’s all I’ve ever been content doing, but I feel like I need a change…something new.

So, how do you know when its time to pack up and move on? I asked another creative this very question – she almost slapped me for even thinking about it, but she totally knew where I was coming from and said she thinks about it now and then.

Ive also got another friend who has a retail store and online store, and the feel was the same- “Sometimes you just need a break to step away and do something completely different, but you know your heart lies with your brand and what you create”. This friend actually moved house, and closed her retail store to focus on just the online part. I have another friend that just quit it all together to work in retail.

It’s definitely something that happens a lot, and the more I talk to creative friends (even if they don’t run their own business), I hear similar things. So, I’ve come up with this-

• Take at least one day for yourself – no children, partner etc, just you. Go and do something that’s just for you. It could be to visit a friend for lunch, a day out at the shops, haircut, whatever- just for you.
• Try and have a set time you finish work – as creatives, our brains are always ‘on’. For me this is locking the studio up once the boys are home from school. It gives me time with them and I can potter about the house/garden. I’m not tempted at all to sneak back in the studio once I’ve locked up for the day.
• Set realistic expectations of yourself- sometimes we just want to say “yes” to every order request that comes our way. You’re so happy to have people love your work, and you feel bad for saying no, even though you are swamped in work. It’s added pressure that can stifle a creative flow. Learn to say “no” sometimes.
• Go outside – even better, have your lunch outside. I try not to eat in my studio. Ill come up to the farmhouse to make my lunch and eat it on the veranda.

There’s lots more things you could do, but I’ve found that most of the time these things work for me. This week though, to help me get out of this creative slump (and while I await my kiln part to arrive), I have been making some brand new pieces in my traditional white ware…things I have had in my design sketch books for years and years (some of those books are 19+ years old!). It’s actually put a little bit of fire back into my belly for creating again – thankfully.

So don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere yet. My love for what I have created with Marley & Lockyer is still strong, and I have lots of things I’d like to do and create with it before I’m completely ready for an office job.

I’d love to hear any thoughts on this topic. You can either leave a comment here, Instagram, Facebook, or email.

~Ness xx

all images copyright Marley & Lockyer 2019

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