We recently asked our community one simple question:

“How’s your creative energy right now?”

Here’s how the votes landed:

• Feeling great & inspired — 21%
• A bit drained, hanging on — 32%
• Burnt out & need a break — 47%
• Other — 0%

That’s almost half of Australian creatives saying they’re running on empty. And while that might sound grim, it’s also an important wake-up call and a chance to rethink how we work, create, and recover in a rapidly changing industry.

1. Burnout Is Still the Biggest Creative Block

With 47% of creatives saying they’re burnt out or need a break, it’s clear we’re still in the middle of a mental health reckoning. The creative industry thrives on passion and hustle, but too often that passion is running on fumes.

Deadlines, instability, constant context-switching, and the pressure to stay relevant in an AI-driven market have left many feeling drained.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, we explored this in our piece, “Burnt Out or Battling Imposter Syndrome? Real Talk.”

Actionable tips:

• Protect your recharge time. Schedule downtime like you would a client meeting. Creative ideas need rest to breathe.
• Say “no” strategically. Every time you decline an energy-draining gig, you make room for something better.
• Find your creative community. Talking with other freelancers or agencies reminds you you’re not in this alone and can reignite your spark.

How Artisan helps:
Artisan has seen the toll creative burnout takes, that’s why we advocate for realistic workloads, respectful clients, and clear briefs. When we match talent with projects, we make sure expectations are healthy from the start.

2. “A Bit Drained, Hanging On” — The Creative Middle Ground

About a third (32%) of creatives said they’re “a bit drained, hanging on.” This group isn’t crashing yet, but they’re not exactly thriving either.

This is often where freelancers and in-house creatives get stuck: work’s steady, but inspiration feels flat. Maybe you’ve been saying yes too often, or you’re missing that sense of growth and direction that keeps things exciting.

If that resonates, check out our article, “Stuck or Soaring? What Aussie Creatives Are Saying About Career Growth in 2025.” — it’s full of insights on how to reignite purpose and momentum.

Actionable tips:

• Revisit your goals. What do you actually want from your next role, more freedom, more challenge, or more meaning?
• Mix up your work diet. Take on a side project, learn a new skill, or collaborate with someone who inspires you.
• Check in on your energy, not just your calendar. It’s okay to pause before you say yes to “just one more” thing.

How Artisan helps:
We help creatives reconnect with work that energises them, not just fills the time sheet. Whether you’re looking for short-term freelance gigs or a new long-term role, we’ll help you find the right fit for where you’re at now, not just where you’ve been.

3. The Inspired 21% — The Creatives Still Soaring

Let’s hear it for the 21% who said they’re feeling great and inspired. You’re the proof that it is possible to stay energised in a demanding industry, but it doesn’t happen by accident.

These creatives often share a few common traits:

• They’ve built strong boundaries around their work-life balance.
• They’ve found clients or projects that align with their personal values.
• They invest in their curiosity, learning new tools, experimenting, and staying playful with their craft.

It’s no surprise that many inspired creatives also know what brings them joy, and it’s not always what you’d expect. You can read more about that in “What’s Bringing Aussie Creatives Joy in 2025.”

Actionable tips:

• Keep nurturing your joy projects. They’re often where your best ideas and next opportunities come from.
• Share your wins. Inspire others and remind yourself how far you’ve come.
• Stay curious. Try that new AI tool, experiment with storytelling, or mentor a junior creative. Inspiration multiplies when it’s shared.

How Artisan helps:
We love matching inspired talent with brands that recognise creative value. When we represent you, we highlight your whole story, your skill, your passion, and the spark that makes you stand out.

The Energy Check-In Every Creative Needs

The creative industry isn’t slowing down, but it doesn’t mean you have to burn out trying to keep up. Whether you’re exhausted, plateauing, or in full creative flow, the key is recognising where you are and taking intentional steps to move forward.

At Artisan, we’re here to help you do just that. From freelance flexibility to permanent placements, our goal is to match you with work that keeps your energy alive… Not drained.

Because creativity isn’t a race; it’s a rhythm. Let’s help you find yours again.