I relate to all of this and I'm sorry you're dealing with it.

Some weeks I slip by, some weeks we break even, but most weeks I make do and if we had money we'd all be less violent and mad.

Thank you for your TED talk. As an artist I'll sign every word of it.

I feel this so hard, especially relate to THAT GUILT. fkn sucks.

I can relate to this allot, and that guilt is rough. Its hard to pave a path forward when you dont know where it leads. Makes things, life, less enjoyable.

it's real hard to manage that kind of mentality. I deal with it as well. I work a 10 hour shift at my full time job but then as soon as I am home I switch into 'art work' mode and end up working on commissions afterwards. even on my days off from my full time job I end up working on commissions and it sucks the everloving life out of you...

It's not something I've put into practice but something that I've seen other artists do to deal with not being overwhelmed is to work a SET schedule. Either put you commission art in a separate area of your home if you are able, and have set hours to only work on commission art, have certain days that you just DON'T. I imagine it is something that you will have to work at keeping on so a to not allow yourself to fall into going over hours or working on your days off, but that's why having a different area to work in definitely helps I would imagine.

can agree... if i had money to just toss around, i'd help ya out a bit but i'm am in a bit of a struggle as well, as much as i like to get art around, been very picky on who i commission cause even good artists are finicky, had them disappear with my money. : / so I'm very cautious... So here's to wishing you well on w/e is going on in your life to go a lot smoother for you.

sucks

Tell me about it. Mind you I have a job and I learn how to switch off, however when I'm not working I'm generally thinking about art so I understand how that is. I hope things will get better for you soon, my friend. If you need an ear to listen and advice, know I'm here for you. C:

Keep being awesome, Spear!

Can one hundred percent relate, gotta train brain to be able to check out every now and then and it's really hard!

I can definitely relate.

Can relate 100%

does the streaming not work as well? or a patreon? i mean granted i barely make enough to get by myself and i cant even afford a place of my own without someone else helping. but i always thought you had a huge following that would net you stability in the least? *is a huge fan of our art to and offers hugs*

i feel that...

I feel ya.

I know the feeling all too well. I have been dealing with the fallout of my sister being a very irresponsible adult. It made a mess of things such that we don't see eye to eye anymore and while I don't hate her, I sure as hell don't like her at all.

Yeah, working for oneself is both the best, and the worst. Being your own boss comes with the delightful benefit of never being able to be without said boss.
I sympathize, and wish you well.

Hi there, I hope it'll gets better for you. Here I choose to work less to avoid burn out (well to be precise to avoid to be burned out again) but it means 1 less money and living with not much (and I'm really well aware that it's kind of a privilege) and 2 all my projects are so very fucking slow now. This last point is incredibly frustrating and doesn't do well with the capitalist social networking system. I won't write to much 'cause it'll be really depressing but like the others I feel you. Thank you for your art and take care if you can.

I feel you. It's a hard grind and the bills-to-pay cost-of-living crap is non-optional and horrible. I hope you can still find joy in your art, and you do manage some time to give yourself a break and essential self-care.

I've been through this many times myself, the past few jobs I've had, I always have to bring my sketch book with me for break, It's hard to stop.

It is a difference between job and career. I understand the feeling. I think that more people must take note of how money is withheld from the common man and act to demand the rich give more back into society. We are successfully made too busy for that most days. Good luck in all that you do!