How does a burnt out artist find their flame again?

Question

I'm a filmmaker, currently a student at NCSA...sometimes I get into the process of making my art and it gets to be too much and I get burnt out. How do I avoid this?

Answer 1

have patience with what you do

Answer 2

As an artist, I can understand what you are going thru, and even more as an actor I can definitely relate. The key to finding your flame and potentially never losing it is, "INSPIRATION". You have to stay inspired by someone or something. Look to who you admire, and even though some may opt against this, trust me it works. I can imagine that you want to be the best at what you do, so sometimes when things do not go your way it can get to be a bit stressful, and looks as if a dark road is ahead, but this is the making of you as an artist, and a filmmaker. Your inspiration is going to give you strength and make you dig deep when it seems as if your stride has slowed down. So if you are looking at people such as Stephen Spielberg, George Lucas, Robert Zemeckus, etc....... there was somewhere along the way that they had to find their flame, and guess what they found it and are continuing to make more movies. Also understand that you are not alone in this industry and someone else is sharing your experience right now. Also another thing to remember is do not work alone when you do not have to. There are too many other artists such as yourself who would love to team up toward a common goal and together you guys can strengthen each other, pace each other, encourage each other, and creatively create a masterpiece together. Like I said before, "YOU ARE NOT ALONE". You will find that you will be more productive and successful when working with others as suppose to just working alone. Trust me it helps when you have someone to call that you can let some steam out every now and then!"LOL". Next, do you have any direct-contact mentors that you can call and ask for advice on the "how-to's" and "what-to's"? This is a valuable key when getting into this industry. There is always so much going on that could steal your focus, and the fact is that "YOU HAVE TO STAY FOCUSED". Get someone who has been where you are and has had the same experience of what you are going through, who is successful now, and ask them to mentor you! Trust me on this! There is someone out there who wants to give back, and the way they plan to do it is to mentor someone. Finally pace yourself, set the goals and deadlines, and when you want this and that to be completed, and unless you have an emergency that you just cannot get around, always, always, always "EXECUTE". Think about all of the people who have high responsibility positions such as CEO's of multibillion dollar corporations, Athletes, Presidents and world leaders, the fact that they are in those positions and have that responsibility, does not neccesarily mean that they feel up to the task all the time, but persistence is the key. No matter how you feel always "EXECUTE". Take breaks as well, but not too long, we are expecting too many movies from you. Trust me you will be fine, and one day someone will be asking you the same question, because you would have been successful, and you are going to tell them what you went through. GOOD LUCK!

Until next time......

Yours in success

Alex Price
[e-mail]
dancelikethisinc.com , coming soon
askalex.com , coming soon

Answer 3

I'm not a filmmaker but I am a songwriter. When i first wrote a song I would record a roughdraft of would it would sound like ETc... I would allways get so excited about the song and how catchy or good it was. When it came down to the recording studio I would lose my flame and eventually get tired of the song. My advice would be to make a film or think of your idea, then just let the time pass don't think about it. Then when you are ready go back to your idea and you will find that you can do it with the passion and interest as when you first thought of it... If that makes any sense.

Answer 4

Well im an Artist a musician song writer.. where does it say that we have to be turned on 24/7 365 IT DOESNT I would suggest that you find yourself some hobbies I like to play xbox online and surf the web listen to talk radio these are my outlets.. chill out for a couple of weeks and see inspiration hit you. it might come to you sooner but I feel like your pushing yourself way to fast young man and you have to back off.. along with school too man.. you focus on something else watch when you come back how you thrieve and take off..

Answer 5

I suggest you keep two projects going. One serious and one definitely not. When you get burnt out on serious, switch to Not for a couple of days and have fun with it. Switch back because Serious can't be ignored for long, but reward yourself with Not when you need to.

Oh, and DO exercise. I discovered I couldn't write more than 20 pages of prose in a day without my brain going to jelly. I finally set a limit of 10 to 12 pages and rewarded myself with a trip to the gym afterward. Worked wonderfully.

Answer 6

In my case, I discovered that I have ADD... I'm very enthusiastic at the beginning of projects and then it's hard for me to follow through; anything tedious or mundane would absolutely kill me! It wasn't out of the ordinary for me to go off on a tangent. If there is a regular pattern of this in your life, I would consider talking to your doctor. (I'm a teacher so you can imagine how difficult this was at times!)
I started meds a few months ago and it has made a big difference. I can actually follow through without feeling like I'm having to do it at gunpoint!

Just a thought... Take care!

Answer 7

When you have such passion as an artist, it's impossible to prevent getting burned out. But throw in some physical exercise (I know, feels like there's never time - I really do understand that). Take a jog, bike ride, long walk. It will help to clear your head and recharge your creativity. Give it a shot - nothing to lose.
Take care!

Answer 8

If you are getting burned out at such a young age you need to be careful. Perhaps this is not really your field is one consideration. Maybe you need to add more variety to your life. Perhaps the actual discipline you have chosen within film making isnt really the one that drives you. Consider delving deeper in other aspects ie: directing, acting, writing, critiqueing etc.
Or. Take a vacation!

Answer 9

Switch directions. I was a painter for years, then I took up music. I'm still doing something creative, when I get burnt out on music, I'll go to something else. When your passion becomes labor, it's time for a change.

Answer 10

I am an advanced armature photographer and when I find my work beginning to deteriorate I put it aside for a couple weeks and start again fresh. I also find that when I make my photography feel like work it seriously effects my photos. Slow down, when it starts to feel like work walk away. Try something you haven't attempted before, these all work for me.

Answer 11

Im a painter. This might apply to your filmmaking, might not. I do the exact opposite of the kind of paintings I like. I like abstract, modern paintings so I do realistic and romanticism painting. Do you get my drift? From Pollock or Picasso to Rembrant.