The life of an artist has often been associated with sacrifice and endurance, giving everything for the sake of perfecting one’s craft. Society romanticizes the idea of neglecting personal relationships, health, and basic needs for art. Rebelle Featured Artist Zarimoth once believed this too, until experience showed her a better path. Today, she advocates for a creative life rooted in sustainability, where growth and well-being can coexist and shares her tips in this blog.
Painting With the Universe: A Creative Companion
As Zarimoth shares these insights, she is also working on one of her latest illustrations, "One With the Universe," using Rebelle, a digital painting program designed to emulate traditional mediums with stunning realism.
Zari discovered Rebelle after watching a speed painting video. "I was mesmerized by its unique brush engine and realistic oil painting emulation. Since incorporating Rebelle into my workflow, I noticed a dramatic improvement in both, the traditional feel of my digital artwork and overall creative enjoyment", she adds.
Essential Self-Care Habits for Artists, According to Zarimoth
Daily Movement
The emphasis is that daily movement is a non-negotiable part of an artist’s self-care routine.
Even when deadlines loom and commissions pile up, taking at least 20 minutes a day for physical activity can significantly impact mood, energy, and creativity. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout—walking, stretching, dancing, swimming, or even sparring can all serve the purpose.
Zari feels an immediate difference on days when she skips movement, highlighting the critical role it plays in maintaining creative flow.
Stretch Breaks During Drawing Sessions
Having struggled with tendinitis, Zarimoth stresses the importance of regular stretch breaks during long drawing sessions. She recommends setting an alarm to take breaks every hour while drawing, performing simple but effective stretches to protect hands and wrists:
- Wrist circles: 15–20 reps
- Finger extensions: 15–20 reps
- Finger counting exercises: 15–20 reps
- Palm extensions: 10–20 seconds
- Wrist compressions: 10 seconds
Preventing injuries is far better than dealing with the consequences later—artists must treat their hands and wrists with the respect they deserve.
Watch full video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifwwEdxONOQ
Mindful Practices Before Creating
Zari advocates for mindful practices as a crucial part of preparing for creative work.
Before starting a session, she recommends engaging in meditation, breathwork, journaling, or free sketching to center oneself. Alternatively, simply being mindful and present while painting—feeling gratitude and joy for the process—can have a profound effect.
She notes, that practicing mindfulness consistently has helped her create from a place of peace rather than pressure, leading to greater focus and fulfillment.
Free Sketching Time
One of the most transformative changes Zarimoth made was scheduling regular free sketching time.
Setting aside at least two hours each week (or ideally more) just to draw for fun, completely unrelated to work or commercial projects. The key is to protect this time and resist the temptation to turn casual sketches into polished professional pieces.
Since implementing this habit, she has experienced a significant renewal of passion and energy in her creative life.
Creative Dates
Finally, Zarimoth recommends going on creative dates—experiences that feed the soul and inspire the imagination.
These outings can be solo adventures or shared with a friend or partner, or a fellow artist. Ideas include:
- Watching a new movie
- Visiting an art gallery or museum
- Exploring a national park
- Browsing secondhand shops for unique finds
- Walking along the beach at sunset
The goal is to observe the world with the wonder and excitement of a child, allowing new experiences to nourish one’s inner creative reservoir.
Final Thoughts
Zari’s message is clear: Taking care of yourself is taking care of your art.
By embracing sustainable habits, artists can ensure their creative spark remains vibrant for the long haul.
Which self-care habits have transformed your creative journey? We would love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Thank you for joining Zarimoth on this journey toward artistic self-care and sustainable creativity.
Escape Motions Team
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Learn more about Zarimoth: www.escapemotions.com/featured-artists/zari-beltran
