Creativity in Cycles: Why Rhythm Matters More Than Hustle
Collage by Claire Lefebvre
Whilst preparing for my solo exhibition, I was constantly asked how I managed it all (studio hours, writing, admin, and still showing up creatively). The truth is that I wasn’t running on endless energy. I was prioritising rhythm.
The Hidden Cost of Hustle
Creativity is often framed as a linear race: the longer you work, the more you produce. This approach is a fast track to burnout. Sustained high-pressure work can drain motivation, stifle ideas, and even reduce the quality of your output. For artists, juggling big projects, deadlines, and inspiration can feel like chaos. Trying to push past natural limits rarely produces better work, it just exhausts you and sets you up for the well known “post-show blues”.
Practical Ways to Work With Your Rhythm
Even if intuition guides your cycles, having a system can help you stay aligned. You can:
Track projects: Know what needs attention without overwhelming yourself.
Map energy cycles: Notice when your focus is at its peak and when it dips.
Log rituals and inspiration: Make room for reflection, observation, and creative play.
A structured approach like this doesn’t replace creativity - it supports it. It helps you move through your projects with awareness, rather than pressure.
A Long-Term Perspective
Sustainable creativity isn’t about doing more. It’s about showing up consistently, respecting your own energy, and cultivating resilience. Pauses, rest, and reflection are not wasted time, I believe they’re essential phases of the creative process.
By embracing cycles, you can protect your energy, deepen your work, and make creative practice a lifelong journey, rather than a sprint.