5 Essential Boundaries Every Artivist Needs to Set
We know how challenging it can be to balance your creative passions with all the other demands life throws your way. Between the work, the life stuff, and the endless creative ideas buzzing around, it can feel like you're constantly giving—whether it's your time, energy, or creativity. That’s why it’s so important to have boundaries in place to protect your well-being and your creative flow.
Setting boundaries isn’t about being rigid or saying “no” all the time. It’s about knowing what you need to stay healthy, inspired, and productive, and then honoring those needs.
Here are the top 5 boundaries every Artivist should have in place:
1. Time Boundaries: Protect Your Creative Space
As an Artivist, your creative time is precious. Without enough dedicated space to dive into your work, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One of the best ways to protect that time is by setting clear hours for when you’re working and when you’re off-duty.
How to apply it: Block out chunks of time on your calendar specifically for creating, and stick to them. If someone asks you to take on something during your creative time, be ready to say “No, I’ve got my creative flow going!” It’s a matter of respecting your time and energy, and knowing when it’s time to focus on your work and when it’s time to chill.
2. Emotional Boundaries: Know When to Say “No”
Let’s be honest, Artivists are naturally empathetic and often find themselves giving more emotionally than they should. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. Knowing when to say “no” is a huge part of maintaining your emotional energy, and it’s necessary for staying grounded in your creative practice.
How to apply it: If something or someone doesn’t align with your goals or your emotional state, give yourself permission to step back. Whether it’s a project that drains you or a friend who’s a bit too high-maintenance, set that boundary. You have every right to protect your emotional energy so you can show up fully in your creativity.
3. Energy Boundaries: Protect Your Creative Energy
We get it—sometimes the demands of life can be draining, and it’s easy to overextend yourself. But remember, your energy is everything as an Artivist. Protecting it is key to staying inspired and focused. You don’t have to say yes to every request that comes your way, especially when it leaves you feeling depleted.
How to apply it: Be mindful of who and what you give your energy to. Set boundaries around distractions and outside requests, and make sure you’re giving yourself enough space to recharge. Whether it’s saying “no” to social plans or not responding to every email immediately, respecting your energy is essential for maintaining balance.
4. Financial Boundaries: Honor Your Worth
Artivists, your work has value! It’s time to make sure you’re getting compensated fairly for the time, talent, and creativity you put into your projects. Having clear financial boundaries protects your ability to thrive as a creative and ensures that others respect your work.
How to apply it: Don’t undersell yourself or your craft. Be clear about your rates and stick to them. Having a contract in place for each project, and being upfront about payment expectations, will save you a lot of hassle later. Your work is valuable, and you deserve to be compensated for it! Use the Freelancers Union Contract Creator to make the contract building process so much easier.
5. Relational Boundaries: Maintain Balance in Your Connections
As an Artivist, you’re naturally drawn to connecting with people, whether it’s through collaborations, friendships, or professional relationships. But it’s important to maintain balance here, too. Healthy boundaries in relationships help prevent burnout and keep your personal life and work-life in harmony.
How to apply it: Keep your personal life and your work life separate when necessary. If you're in a collaboration, be clear about what’s expected from each side, and make sure you’re not carrying the emotional or logistical weight alone. And remember, it’s okay to set boundaries with friends or clients who cross lines—whether it’s sharing too much personal info or expecting more time than you can give.
Why Boundaries Matter for Artivists
Setting boundaries isn’t about being harsh or distant. It’s about self-care and sustainability. Boundaries allow you to give your best self to the projects, people, and passions that matter most. By respecting your time, emotional energy, and creative flow, you’ll not only protect your well-being—you’ll also create more space to thrive.
As Artivists, it’s essential to know that your creativity is a gift. Don’t let it get lost in the noise. Set boundaries that protect your creative energy, and watch yourself flourish!
If you're feeling like it's time to reassess your boundaries or need help creating a plan that works for you, we’re here to help. You got this! 💪