The First Question to Ask: How Are You, Really?

Apr 16

Written By DAB

On Mental Health and Staying Well as a Digital Artist Looking for Work

By Cansu Peker

Let’s be real. It’s hard out here.

You’re applying for jobs, pouring your soul into your art, scrolling through endless LinkedIn posts of people “thriving,” and wondering when your turn will come. Maybe you’ve graduated from one of the top art schools. Maybe you’ve freelanced here and there. Maybe you’ve worked in hospitality to make ends meet, and you’re tired of pretending you love it. Meanwhile, your inbox is full of “unfortunately” emails. And it starts to chip away at you.

So before we talk about portfolios, cover letters, or clients — let me ask you something simple:

How are you?

Not the “fine” kind of how-are-you. I mean really. Are you sleeping well? Are you eating more than just coffee? Are you being kind to yourself?

Because the truth is, none of this is sustainable if your mental health isn’t okay.

Dealing With Criticism & Rejection (Without Falling Apart)

Let’s get this out of the way: You will be rejected. You will receive unhelpful feedback. Someone will misunderstand your work or just won’t like it. That’s part of being an artist — but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.

You have to remember that criticism is not a verdict on your worth. It’s not personal, even when it feels like it. Take what’s useful, leave what’s not. And above all, don’t let one person's opinion become your inner voice.

The Job Hunt Is Emotionally Exhausting

Looking for an artist job can feel like a full-time job with no paycheck. And the longer it takes, the more self-doubt creeps in.

You start to ask:
Am I good enough?
Why is everyone else getting hired?
Is my work even worth it?

Let me say this: you are not alone. So many talented artists are struggling right now — especially those who don’t have a safety net or connections. It's not just about your skill. The system isn’t built to support emerging artists the way it should. So if you're feeling lost or discouraged, it doesn't mean you're doing something wrong.

How Not to Hate Life While Pursuing Your Passion

Let’s flip the question: What does it mean to enjoy life while being an artist?

It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.

Make space for small joys. For rest. For play. For making art just for yourself — not a client, not a gallery, not your Instagram feed. Not every day has to be productive. Not every project needs to lead to something.

You can love your craft and still be tired of the grind. Both can be true.

Meditation (Yes, It Might Help)

I know it sounds cliché. But hear me out:

10 minutes a day. That’s it. Try a simple guided meditation — not to become a Zen master, but just to pause the noise.

Over 30 days, you might notice:

You’re less reactive to rejection.
You can sit with difficult emotions instead of spiraling.
You get new creative ideas in moments of stillness.

Mindfulness doesn’t “fix” the problem. But it can give you a little more space to breathe, reflect, and keep going.

Embrace (All) Your Feelings

You don’t have to fight your feelings all the time.

Anxiety, sadness, anger, even numbness—they all make sense in a world that’s not always kind to artists. Try not to shame yourself for feeling them.

Instead, practice being with them. Say: “I see you. I get why you’re here.”

Then, gently ask: “What do I need right now?”

Sometimes the answer is: “to cry.”
Sometimes it’s: “to rest.”
Sometimes it’s: “to draw something weird just for fun.”

If You’re Still Reading This…

Know that I believe in you.

And someone else out there needs to hear what you have to say, feel what you have to express, see what you have to create. Even if that someone hasn’t found you yet.

So please: check in with yourself first. Before worrying about the next client, or post, or paycheck — ask the only question that matters:

How are you?

And if you know another artist going through it, share this with them. Let’s reach more people. We’ve got this.

And if you’re looking for connection while you navigate this journey…

We’re creating a community board on Digital Arts Blog!

A space for artists to share little reminders, thoughts, sketches, or anything else they’ve made during tough times. Words. Doodles. Feelings. A screenshot of your messy Procreate canvas. Whatever helps you feel seen.

Want to be part of it?

Send us something to include: a sentence, a visual, or just a feeling.

We’ll post it with your name (or anonymously if you prefer) on the community board.

Let’s remind each other that we’re not alone — and that art, even in its most uncertain moments, is still worth making.

Share What’s on Your Mind: A Mental Health Board for Artists