Nail techs: Here’s how you can overcome creative burnout

Are your nail art ideas waning and are you feeling run-down? Scratch explores the causes and impacts of creative burnout and how to overcome them…

What does creative burnout look like?

Creative burnout can manifest in a number of ways and will vary from person to person, but there are often tell-tale signs. “It’s important to be able to recognise these signs and implement lifestyle changes, such as reducing hours, having breaks or considering other methods to manage stress,” says Lucy Price, OPI educator.

“Creative burnout can really affect your work, as you may not feel inspired to create anything new,” shares Louella Belle educator, Michelle Brookes. “When I experienced burnout, all my clients left with a French or red nail finish – I just didn’t have any suggestions. My social media also took a hit, as I had no fun or creative content ideas.”

Fran Humphrey of Gels by Fran, Cleethorpes, recalls her experiences of burnout, explaining that they often occurred alongside challenges outside of the workplace. “During these times, working became very hard. I used plain colour or glitter on most clients, keeping nail looks simple. At the deepest point of burnout, taking time off from work was my only option. Luckily, I have a very open and honest relationship with my clients, who were all incredibly kind and understanding,” she explains.

“The comeback after time away is always daunting, but I returned full of fresh energy with a drive to be creative. I changed my working hours to accommodate more time for my family in the evenings, as working so late was hugely impacting our time and my mental health.”

“This type of stress led to my mind going blank when I was trying to create new designs. I would sit and stare at the nails with no idea what to do,” says Melanie Garlick of Cruelty Free Clawz, Lincolnshire. “When I finally created something, it was simple and plain. My perfectionism is my downfall, so I would hate what I had created, and it would really affect my confidence.

“Even though clients loved their nails, I wasn’t happy with them as I knew I could do better. I hated sharing my work on social media and when I did, I found that I was very focused on other people’s feedback, and how many likes the design received. This would affect my confidence further, impacting my motivation and ultimately my love for nails.”

How can you overcome it?

Beauty business coach, Zaara King, experienced burnout when balancing work as a mobile tech alongside her home life and corporate sales career. “My creativity came back when I started working on my mindset. I wrote a daily journal and visualised how I wanted my life and business to look,” she shares. “It helped me realise what I want to gain from my business and to focus on what is in my control. I also began to schedule what I could, including daily mindset habits and self-care, and I set time aside to find creative inspiration.”

“Book time off in advance if you can, and do something fun for you,” recommends Fran Humphrey. “It’s easy to want to keep updated with what other techs or creatives are doing, but it’s important to step back and enjoy time away from that space. It will still be there when you come back.”

Emma Medlicott of Nails by Emma, Wales, schedules regular breaks and time away from the nail desk to help her separate her work from her personal tasks. “Find something else to focus on during your breaks, so that you resume with a fresh perspective,” she suggests.

“I overcame burnout by admitting to myself why I was experiencing it, which was a mix of personal heartache and anxiety over my work,” reveals Michelle Brookes. “I pushed myself by building up a Pinterest folder of inspiration, buying new products and booking myself on some extra training courses.”

“It’s a good idea to look back at your past work that you enjoyed and that was successful and take inspiration from those ideas,” Stacey Machin, Glitterbels content creator, advises. “Don’t worry too much about trends; focus on your original ideas and you will enjoy the process and create something unique. Don’t just take inspiration from nails; consider art, fashion, and film for nail art ideas and colour combinations.”

“I find that maintaining social media posts takes a backseat when I’m feeling burnt out, so I now schedule posts in advance,” comments Lucy Price. “Implementing small changes and allowing more time in your day to plan makes work so much more enjoyable.”

How can creative burnout be avoided?

“Regularly rest and re-evaluate how you’re operating in your life and business,” says Zaara King. “Make a note of your goals and priorities, then schedule your time accordingly. Surround yourself with positive people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”

Lucy Price recommends trying to spot the signs of burnout in yourself as early as possible and implementing lifestyle changes to prevent it from happening. “Say no when you need to and use an online booking system to manage your diary, so you can take breaks more easily.

“Make sure to book onto training courses regularly, as education always helps to reignite your passion.”

“Taking breaks is important and something that many nail techs do not prioritise,” adds Emma Medlicott. “When I experience creative blocks, I focus my energy on other things that I enjoy until I feel ready to be creative again. I also try not to overthink my designs, and channel what I feel in the moment into my work.”