Artists are tired. They’re asking hard questions about what’s working, what’s not, and whether the way they’ve been operating is sustainable for the long haul.
One of the most revealing data points in Katie’s report is that 30% of product-based business owners had considered closing their business in the past six months. That’s a significant number.
It’s also a reminder that we rarely see the full picture online. Most of us are still conditioned to share the good news—the exhibitions, the sales, the fresh work coming out of the studio. We don’t always hear the quiet doubt or behind-the-scenes exhaustion.
Katie and I talked about what’s contributing to this burnout. For her community, tariffs have added another layer of financial stress, along with rising production costs and delayed shipping.
For others, it’s the mental fatigue of pitching again and again and not hearing anything back. It’s not always clear whether the silence means no, not right now, or nothing at all.
What stood out most in our conversation were the conditions that seem to support sustainability in creative businesses. They aren’t surprising, but they are often overlooked or postponed:
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A streamlined, focused business model (instead of too many products, services, or offers)
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Systems and tools that reduce decision fatigue
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Trusted help—whether that’s a contractor, assistant, or peer support
I’ve seen this over and over again with my students and clients. The more complex their business becomes, the more energy goes toward maintenance and troubleshooting. What helps most is having the right tools, clear systems, and supportive people around you—so you’re not making every decision in isolation.
If you’re feeling stretched or uncertain, I hope this conversation reminds you to pause. You’re not doing anything wrong. The conditions really have changed. But there are still ways to steady yourself and move forward with more clarity and intention.