This month of June is dedicated to Men’s Mental Health.
And it is important to know HOW TO AVOiD BURNiNG OUT as an Artist!
So I wanted to share a bit of support as I am not a professional in the mental health field.
Though, I feel that it is important as men to feel understood even if it is just a bit.

So this following article is to be taken as my thought and my support to my fellows going through life’s tribulations while going through a tangible growth as a new artist.

We all begin somewhere and most people around might not understand you or why you are choosing that goal.
But that’s ok. Simply know that you are not alone and let’s share some force together! 😉


So, for MEN’s Sake this article is about:

HOW TO AVOiD BURNiNG OUT as an Artist!

Receive these gentle tips mindfully:

For Beginners

If you’re new to art, burnout can hit harder because you’re still building confidence.
Be gentle with yourself. Focus on one skill at a time (e.g., anatomy before shading). 

Avoid comparing your Chapter 1 to someone’s Chapter 15. And talk to someone —whether it’s a friend or a therapist— when you feel stuck. 

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to grind yourself to dust to “make it.”

1. Set Boundaries and Manage Your Workload

Even if the manga industry glorifies the “all-nighter” hustle, in the long run that’s a trap. 

Chronic overwork kills creativity and health. Also, motivation also decreases when the pay is lower than the workload you provide.

• Chunk Your Work: Break projects into smaller tasks (e.g., sketching, inking, coloring). Set daily goals that feel achievable, like “finish one page of line art” instead of “complete a chapter.” This keeps momentum without overwhelming you.

• Schedule Breaks: You can use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes work, 5-minute break) or set a hard stop time each day. I usually block off 6 PM to unwind—no sketching, no emails. Protect that time like it’s a client meeting.

• Say No When Needed: Early in my career, I took every gig, fearing I’d miss out on opportunities. That led me to burnout fast. Learn to decline projects that stretch you too thin. Your mental health is worth more than a paycheck.

2. Prioritize Physical Health

Your body and mind are linked. Listen to them carefully. They always give you important notes about your current health. Neglect one, and the other tanks.

• Sleep: For 7-8 hours, and I’d even say 10 hours if you can! Lack of sleep kills focus and makes stress feel ten times worse. I keep a consistent bedtime, even during crunch periods. Once the body fully reload its energy, it thanks you very well !

• Move Your Body: Sitting at a desk or tablet for hours wrecks you. I do 15-minute stretches or a 30-60 minutes walk, almost daily. Also, Yoga is great for artists—loosens shoulders and back while calming the mind. Relaxing to the max feels great!

• Eat Well: Skip the instant ramen stereotype. Simple, balanced meals (like rice, veggies, and protein) fuel creativity. I meal-prep on Sundays to avoid decision fatigue during the week.

3. Protect Your Mental Space

Men in creative fields often feel pressure to “tough it out,” but ignoring mental health will only make it worse and rapidly lead to burnout.

• Acknowledge Feelings: It’s okay to feel frustrated or uninspired. We are all humans. Journaling helps me process without judgment—write down what’s stressing you, even if it’s just “I hate this panel.” It’s like venting to a friend. And if you prefer, record your voice, make a vocal journal and speak out about how you really feel at the moment. Though, keep it for yourself as a private journal. You will feel relieved from that weight on your chest.
  Good results guaranteed.

• Limit Social Media: Scrolling through X or other platforms, seeing others’ “perfect” art or success, can spiral into self-doubt. Simply mute accounts that trigger comparison and limit my time to 30 minutes a day. Cleaning your feed also, may help feeling better.

• Find a Creative Outlet Outside Manga: Burnout often comes from tying your identity to one art form. I dabble in photography or write blog posts (my side hustle 😉 to refresh my creative spark without pressure. Indulging into versatile endeavours is proven to help the brain “breathe” and keeps the synapse connections in a healthy state. 

4. Build a Support System

Art can be isolating, especially for beginners who are men who feel they can’t open up.

• Connect with Peers: Join local or online artist communities (like Discord groups or X or Threads for manga artists). Share struggles and wins —it’s validating to hear others get it. I’ve got a small group of artist buddies I check in from time to time. And some other times, we can strike interesting conversations. People who understand your path will be a breath of fresh air during your journey

• Seek Mentorship: As someone who empathizes with beginners, I mentor younger artists. Teaching keeps me grounded and reminds me why I love this craft. Find a mentor or be one—it’s a two-way street. Or simply reach out!  😉

• Consider Therapy: Therapy isn’t weakness; it’s a tool. iF you have the means, a counselor might help you to manage anxiety. If that’s not accessible, free resources like mindfulness apps (Headspace, Calm) or mental health threads on X or Quora can be a huge help into managing your feelings and understanding better what is going on.

5. Reconnect with Your “Why”

Burnout often hits when art feels like a job, not a passion.

• Revisit Old Work: Look at your early sketches. They’ll remind you how far you’ve come and why you started. 

• Draw for Fun: Set aside time to create without a deadline or client brief. Doodle a character you love or mess around with a new style. It’s like playtime for your brain.
  After all, you are in it because you enjoy doing it for yourself first. Keep that clearly in your mind. You come first.

• Celebrate Small Wins: This is my favorite part hehe!
  Finished a panel? Nailed a tricky pose? Pat yourself on the back. I usually reward myself with one candy pack, a snack and my favorite drink. I eat all of that watching an episode of my favorite anime of the moment. Hitting a milestone is huge! So it is mandatory to get some reward for yourself, your body and your mind so that all 3 of you can keep the fire up during this long journey.

Final Note

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a warning sign. Listen to it. 

I’ve learned the hard way that pacing yourself and prioritizing mental health doesn’t just prevent burnout—it makes you a better artist. If you want specific tips (e.g., meditation techniques, or manga/animation workflows), let me know, and I’ll dive deeper. 

What’s your biggest burnout trigger right now?