Even passionate creatives with decades of experience can hit burnout. In this honest discussion, registered psychotherapist Katie Feder and brand strategist Ben Miles tackle a question from someone who's been creating for 30 years but finds themselves procrastinating on new work. They explore burnout as energy depletion, the importance of saying no, and why caring for yourself matters as much as caring for your craft. With practical advice on replenishment, boundaries, and recovery, this piece offers hope for anyone wondering how to reignite their creative spark without burning out again.
Burnout doesn't discriminate. Even after 30 years of creating, with passion still burning bright, you can find yourself procrastinating on new jobs and wondering where your energy went. The good news? Recognising burnout is the first step towards recovery.
This question was answered by Katie Feder – Registered Psychotherapist – who specialises in emotional health and wellbeing, and Ben Miles – Brand Strategist and Founder – who brings decades of creative industry experience. The discussion was hosted by Andy Wright, Founder of Never Not Creative.
Katie explains burnout simply: "Burnout is expelling energy." She uses the analogy of a water glass being poured out repeatedly without being refilled. "If my expectation is that I can infinitely pull without ever stopping and topping it back up again, at some point it's gonna... that will no longer work."
The creative industry's project-based nature compounds this issue. As Ben notes, "We are on to the next project, on to the next project, on to the next project." When you care deeply about your work, you bring yourself into every project, creating physical, mental, and emotional tiredness all at once.
Recovery requires active replenishment. Katie emphasises finding "the counterbalance" through "nurturement of self, whatever the expression of that is for you, whether it is doing more self work, whether it is exercise, whether it is good food, whether it is rest."
This might feel counter-intuitive when you're exhausted, but as Katie insists, "You must stop and replenish your resources so that you can step back in."
Ben identifies a crucial skill for preventing burnout: "Knowing when to say no." He acknowledges the challenge, especially for people pleasers: "If you're a people pleaser, you're gonna try and stretch yourself until you break."
The key is transparency. Ben suggests saying, "I'm not going to be able to give you the best thing you want here because I've got x, y and z going on." Most people understand and will find alternatives.
Despite admitting he's "being a complete hypocrite" about his own sleep habits, Ben emphasises sleep's importance. He references an IKEA advert that suggested you don't need beauty products, "you just need more sleep." Quality rest forms the foundation for everything else.
Katie's most powerful insight addresses the heart of creative burnout: "When you care about something, you want to put everything into it. I just encourage all of us to care about ourselves." She continues, "We must bring ourselves into the picture. In fact, we must be forefront... You must care about yourself."
This means giving yourself the same level of commitment and energy you give to your work, clients, and loved ones.
Never Not Creative's Circles programme offers peer support for navigating challenges like burnout. These small group sessions, held twice monthly on Tuesday evenings, connect creative professionals facing similar struggles. In a supportive environment, you can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and realise you're not alone in your burnout journey. Learn more about NNC Circles.
If burnout feels overwhelming or persistent, professional support can make a significant difference. Therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals can provide personalised strategies for recovery and prevention. Don't wait until you're completely depleted. Find resources for professional help.
Remember, recognising burnout after 30 years of passionate creating isn't a failure – it's wisdom. Your awareness gives you the power to make changes, set boundaries, and rediscover the joy in your creative practice. Recovery is possible, and you deserve the same care and attention you give to your work.
Globally recognised brand thinker who’s reshaped major brands from Telstra to SKY NZ. Blends optimism with realism, champions diverse thinking & won a Fast Company award for G’AY MATE.
Registered psychotherapist blending Jungian & Eastern approaches with modern science to support emotional wellbeing. Works holistically, tailoring therapy to each person, now based in Australia.
Founder of Never Not Creative, CEO of Streamtime & co-chair of Mentally Healthy, driven to make the creative industry fairer & more human. Believes great work should never cost wellbeing.
