Burnt Out or Battling Imposter Syndrome? Real Talk.

Real talk from Aussie creatives on what’s really holding them back and how we can start fixing it.

Before we start diving into the biggest challenges for creatives, take a look at the common things bringing JOY here!

What’s really weighing on Aussie creatives in 2025?

When we asked our network, “What’s your biggest challenge in your career right now?” here’s what they told us:

38% said Lack of time or burnout
28% said Self-doubt / imposter syndrome
28% said Financial irregularity

That’s more than just frustration, it’s creative fatigue, fear, and instability knocking on the door of every Aussie creative’s studio or laptop.

The Emotional Reality

It’s no secret: the creative hustle is real. But so is the cost.

Between the rapid pace of AI changes, unpredictable finances, and ever-shifting client expectations, it’s a tough balancing act.

For freelancers, it often feels like juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope, endless pitching, project managing, and delivering, all at once. For full-time creatives, that feeling of growth plateauing is all too familiar.

That line hits home because it reflects a wider industry truth, we’re pushing harder than ever, but not always with the support or clarity we need.

Let’s Break Down the Top 3 Challenges

1. Lack of Time or Burnout (38%)

The “always-on” nature of creative work is exhausting.

You’re expected not just to deliver on fast-paced briefs, but to learn new tools, stay ahead of trends, and keep your portfolio fresh, all while managing the blurred lines between work and life, especially in hybrid or freelance setups.

How to navigate:

Treat recovery as a strategic priority, not a luxury. Rest is fuel.
Learn to say no, not every project is a “yes” opportunity.
Outsource what you can, automate repetitive tasks, and set clear time boundaries.

Burnout isn’t a badge of honour; it’s a signal to reset.

2. Self-Doubt / Imposter Syndrome (28%)

Scrolling through LinkedIn or Instagram, it’s easy to feel like everyone else is nailing it, except you.

The looming fear that AI might “do it better” only adds to the pressure. Freelancers often wrestle with whether they’re charging enough or if they even deserve their rate.

How to navigate:

Build an “evidence bank”, collect wins, client feedback, testimonials.
Talk to recruiters (like us at Artisan!) who understand your worth objectively.
Connect with peers, creative huddles or mentoring can be a game changer.

Remember, your unique experience and voice can’t be replaced by an algorithm.

3. Financial Irregularity (28%)

Freelancers know the “feast or famine” cycle all too well, the thrill of a big project quickly shadowed by quiet months.

Undercharging or unclear client expectations can add to the stress, especially when market rates feel like a mystery.

How to navigate:

Charge for your value, not just the hours you put in.
Have open rate conversations with recruiters or clients who can advocate for fair pay.
Build a client pipeline that provides safety nets, smoothing out the income rollercoaster.

Financial stability isn’t just a dream, it’s a goal worth planning for.

What This Means for the Creative Industry

We need to stop pretending everyone’s thriving just because their Instagram looks polished. The reality is that many creatives are carrying a heavy load behind the scenes.

The creative industry demands more transparency, more support, and better structures. Admitting you’re struggling isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a smart first step to getting help.

How Artisan Can Help (For Real)

At Artisan, we don’t just place candidates, we start career conversations that matter.

We help you figure out what you actually want from your career, not just what job’s available.
We provide guidance on fair rates, workload balance, and role types.
Our consultants are your advocates, focused on building your confidence not just filling roles.
We connect you with roles that value flexibility, fairness, and genuine creative growth.

We’re not just here to place you. We’re here to advocate for you.