10 ways to take care of your artist self (especially now)

Take Care of the Artist Behind the Art

You can’t grind forever. Not without paying for it.
And if you’re a tattooer, piercer, or creative who feels like you're constantly chasing the next booking, the next project, the next trend—it’s easy to forget that you are the asset.

Here’s your permission slip to treat yourself like someone worth protecting.
Because you are.

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Honor your off-hours.

Your brain isn’t a machine.
Block out at least one day (or even just a half-day) with zero shop talk. No emails. No sketching. No guilt.
Go outside. Watch trash TV. Take a nap. Do whatever refills you—not just what looks productive.

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Celebrate tiny wins.

Finished that gnarly half-sleeve?
Nailed your first watercolor piece?
Posted something you were scared to share?
Mark it. Brag about it. Journal it. Treat yourself to your fave coffee.
Momentum is built on micro-celebrations.

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Fuel your creativity.

Inspiration doesn’t live on Pinterest alone.
Read a weird book. Watch a documentary. Go to a museum. Scroll art history hashtags.
Your brain needs new inputs to make new things. Feed it well.

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Connect (IRL and online).

Even solo geniuses need a crew.
Join a local art group. DM that artist you’ve admired forever.
Hop on a forum. Vent. Ask questions. Share your weirdest healed piece.
Creativity grows in community, not isolation.

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Set boundaries—especially with freebies.

Your time and talent are valuable.
Yes, give back when it matters. Offer charity coverups or discount flash on your terms.
But if “free” becomes the norm, burnout’s not far behind. Protect your rate. Protect your peace.

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Keep learning, even when you’re swamped.

Watch a 5-minute tattoo breakdown.
Take a mini online course. Read an indie zine.
Little skill boosts add up—and keep you inspired through the chaos.

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Build a non-art routine.

Art is your job. Your life needs more.
Ten minutes of stretching. A morning playlist. Cooking something just for fun.
Rituals outside tattooing help your brain know when to clock in—and when to clock out.

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Talk about money (without shame).

Knowing your numbers doesn’t make you less creative. It makes you freer.
Figure out your ideal rate. Set a savings goal. Create a plan to pay off that scary credit card.
Financial clarity is a form of self-care.

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Ask for help—and mean it.

Drowning in emails? Can’t crack a design? Overwhelmed by bookings?
Reach out. Delegate. Collaborate.
Let someone help you carry the load. It’s not a weakness—it’s a skill.

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Remember why you started.

When the hustle gets heavy, go back to your “why.”
The feeling of ink on skin. The joy of creation. The moment your client cried happy tears.
Keep that fire in view. It’s yours. Always.

You’re not just an artist.
You’re a whole human—with needs, limits, and magic.
Don’t wait until you burn out to start taking care of yourself.
Start now. One step. One boundary. One nap at a time.