Creative burnout is an all-too-familiar experience in the design world. Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer or any kind of artist, the demand to produce original, inspired work—often under tight deadlines—can lead to exhaustion. As much as we love what we do, the reality is that creativity isn’t something we can summon on demand. Like any resource, it needs time to replenish. 

At Crux, we recognize that creative burnout is a serious challenge for individuals and teams alike, which is why it’s important to have an open conversation about how to cope and recover. 

Our work demands innovation and constant reinvention, but this pressure can sometimes turn into a burden. Projects pile up, expectations rise and before we know it, the passion that once fueled our work begins to fade. Instead of viewing burnout as a failure or an obstacle, it’s critical to see it as a natural part of the creative process—something that can be managed with the right tools and mindset. 

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few practical tips that have helped me recognize when I’m hitting a wall and, more importantly, how to push through it. Whether you’re feeling burnt out right now or just want to prevent it in the future, I hope these seven ideas can help you keep your creative spark alive and thriving. 

1. Find a Creative Outlet Outside of Work: As a designer, creativity isn’t just something we do for work; it defines who we are. When the pressure of client feedback and deadlines piles up, taking time for creative outlets outside of your professional realm can be a game-changer. If you’re a graphic designer, try painting, drawing or picking up a creative hobby you’ve always wanted to explore. The important thing is to create something purely for yourself—without the weight of expectations or a client review. This process helps you reconnect with why you became an artist in the first place, flex different creative muscles and have fun along the way. 
2. Collaborate with Coworkers: Creativity doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Collaborating with coworkers can provide new perspectives you might not have thought of on your own. By brainstorming together or bouncing ideas off one another, you tap into a collective pool of creativity. Working in a vacuum often leads to stagnation, but with collaboration, the combined energy and creativity of multiple minds can help projects come to life in new and exciting ways. 
3. Set Clear Boundaries & Learn When to Say “No”: Burnout often occurs when we stretch ourselves too thin, taking on more than we can realistically handle. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is crucial, but so is knowing when to say “no.” It can be difficult to turn down requests, especially when you don’t want to let anyone down. However, being honest about what you can accomplish is far more effective than overcommitting and risking burnout. If you take on too much and can’t deliver, everyone loses in the end. By managing expectations and protecting your energy, you set yourself up for long-term creative success. 
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Sometimes, a project can feel overwhelming, and you don’t know where to begin. Divide the work into smaller, more manageable steps, and once you take that first step, you’ll build momentum. Each small win gets you closer to the bigger goal. Remember, great creative work doesn’t happen with one swipe of the trackpad. It’s sculpted through a series of individual steps that build upon each other, gradually leading to the finished masterpiece. Celebrate those small victories along the way—they’re what make the end result possible. 
5. Facilitate Open Critiques at Work: Open, constructive critiques are vital to personal and team growth. By discussing your work in a group setting, you gain insights that might have been elusive while working solo. These critiques should be constructive, focused on learning from each other rather than pointing out flaws. Embracing feedback helps us grow and makes us better designers over time.  
6. Step Outside and Reconnect with Nature: This one might sound cliché, but stepping away from the screen and getting outside can clear your mind. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a game of pickleball with friends or simply spending time outdoors, being in nature has a grounding effect. Sometimes, the solution to creative burnout isn’t more work but simply a change in scenery. Research actually reveals that fresh air, movement and disconnecting from technology can reinvigorate your senses and recalibrate your creative brain.  
7. Connect with the Local Art Community: Being a part of a creative community is essential. Go to a local art gallery, attend an or join in on a Creative Mornings session we’re glued to our screens. Getting involved with local and national creative networks helps us reconnect with the broader purpose of design, as well as with like-minded peers who can inspire us and share in the challenges we face. 

Burnout happens to the best of us. By taking deliberate steps to recharge, reconnect and collaborate, we can come out stronger and more inspired. Whether it’s through personal creative outlets, teamwork or community involvement, there’s always a way to reignite that creative spark. If you’re feeling stuck, try a few of these methods—and remember: burnout is temporary, but your creativity is always within reach. 

Have your own methods for dealing with burnout? Did any of these tips resonate with you? Let’s keep the conversation going! Reach out on LinkedIn to share your thoughts—creativity is better when we support each other.