Amen.

Could always not be a freelancer and instead get a day job, then use art as a hobby to make side-money?

I do have a day job too but it doesn't pay enough. And I'm also a grad student.

I know how you feel. I work 12-18hrs a day on art. My husband works at a factory and works 12hrs a day. It sucks. I try to make time for hobbies every now and then but work's gotta get done.

You do need to take time for yourself. No one is going to set that time aside for you - on the contrary, the mystical 'work' will expand to fill your time. If you don't know what to do, just leave the house. An answer will come.
Also, join the Freelancer's Union.

You deserve a dozen cookies.

Amen.

Its okay to take a day off.

And a vacation now and then, with no work hanging over your head.

Definitely deserve a break. It's terribly easy to fall into the habit of feeling guilty for not working. 'You time' is important too.

Yeah, you totally do.

Although I must admit; I wish my work was in as much demand as yours haha~
Unless you mean you're working for 10hrs a day for free, in which case, I definitely feel you there DDDDD :

I get that feeling, totally understandable. I sketched 6 commissions today, lined half of them, took a nap and then came back to somebody screaming at me in my inbox because it had been an hour since they got an update.
This shit is tiring.

yeah. when I'm quiet it's not because I'm eating bonbons from home, taking advantage of people and making them wait. It's because I'm stuck at my school for 9 hours and having to work on homework or help people use various shit.

I know the feeling. I used to work 12 to 16 hour shifts at a bbq food stand in an amusement park. I was in charge of the smoker. So dealt with live fire, in 90 degree weather, while still being a cashier, cook, server, or dishwasher, or what ever was needed. Oh and cause i was a seasonal employee, I didnt have to get paid over time. My state seasonal employees are exempt from over time rules.

I forget this myself. ;A;

gotta try to balance things out of things you love

I mean I hate my job and work 12 hours a day for 7 days
then get 7 days off, that is worth it in my book, even though that is the only reason why I'm still there X3

Set a schedule and keep to it.
Post it on the front of your page.
That way you are in control :)

I think you deserve it. :)

I feel this -.-

*diesfromrelateability*

You deserve it!