Creative Professionals Share Strategies for Surviving the Busy Year-End Period
In the final quarter, Creative Boom's community, The Studio, offered strategies for handling workload and stress. Video producer Nick Hill enjoys daily dog walks, while artist Selena Tabakovic recommends listening to music during walks. Designer Asa Rodger takes strolls in Scotland after lunch to maintain his rhythm. Author Juliana Salcedo and designer Steel Grimpeur minimize digital distractions by disabling notifications. Artist Destiny Hankerson embraces guilt-free napping, and writer Jamie R intends to nap following a productive year. Designer Matthew Gallagher safeguards holiday time at year-end, while programmer Martin Beroiz suggests taking a week off in October. Brand designer Wajeeha Abbasi took a three-month break due to burnout. Graphic designer Lyndsey Yates participates in quarterly review calls for insight, and photographer Erik Sven advises compiling a list of accomplishments for self-care.
Key facts
- The last quarter of the year is often the busiest for creatives due to client demands and year-end deadlines.
- Nick Hill, video producer and animator, takes daily dog walks in local parks to declutter his mind.
- Asa Rodger, designer and art director in Scotland, takes an hour-long walk after lunch to get daylight and works later in the evening.
- Juliana Salcedo, author and illustrator, turned off notifications to reduce anxiety.
- Steel Grimpeur, designer, eliminated social media and notifications, using only a dumb phone.
- Destiny Hankerson, artist, finds short naps help her brain rest.
- Matthew Gallagher, designer, now protects year-end holidays after 10–15 years of nonstop work.
- Wajeeha Abbasi, brand designer and illustrator, took three months off due to severe burnout and felt like a new person.
Entities
Artists
- Nick Hill
- Selena Tabakovic
- Asa Rodger
- Juliana Salcedo
- Steel Grimpeur
- Destiny Hankerson
- Jamie R
- Matthew Gallagher
- Martin Beroiz
- Aneala Wilson
- Wajeeha Abbasi
- Lyndsey Yates
- Erik Sven
Institutions
- Creative Boom
- The Studio
- Being Freelance
Locations
- Scotland
- Seattle