How do I know the difference between procrastination and needing a rest? The truth is, I often don’t. As someone who was always told “Professional artists work even when they don’t want to, that what makes them a professional instead of a hobbyist,” the line between procrastination and rest can feel blurry.
For me, illustration is often an energy-giving activity. I feel better for having illustrated than not illustrated. But, heading into the holiday season this year, I was feeling worse: drawing was harder work than it normally is – not because I was doing difficult work, I just really wanted to do something else.
So I did. I played video games, went for walks, completed some handyman jobs around the house, read books. Each and every activity accumulatively restoring my energy. I felt better and better. Soon enough, I’ve realised that the motivation to pick up a pencil and draw again has returned and has once again become an energy giving activity.
In our hyper-productivity culture, it’s easy to forget that resting isn’t laziness, it’s an active, mindful choice that contributes to better work tomorrow rather than worse work today.