What To Do When You Feel Like Giving Up as a Christian Artist
Answering God’s Call When You Feel Like Hanging Up on Your Art…
I wish someone had told me years ago that burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing…it often means you’re becoming.
But back then, I didn’t know that. I just knew I was exhausted.
I still remember the day I shut everything down. I turned off the sewing machine, unplugged the glue gun, and walked away from the craft studio I had built with my own two hands. After 17 years as a stay-at-home mom running a thriving handcraft business, I quit. Completely.
My husband stared at me in shock when I canceled the 800 number and shut down the fax line that constantly spit out orders.
But I couldn’t breathe anymore.
I didn’t recognize myself.
I didn’t trust my creativity.
And honestly…I didn’t even call myself an “artist.” I was just a crafter trying to keep up with demand, trends, wholesale orders, reps, shows, deadlines, and daily pressure.
So I did the thing so many Christian creatives do when we’re overwhelmed:
I went back to a “real” job.
I sat in a cubicle at a law firm while a tiny part of my creative soul withered a little more each day.
That was my detour.
And maybe you’re on one too.
When You Want to Quit: Why So Many Christian Artists Hit the Wall
Here’s the thing no one likes to admit:
Most artists don’t quit because they lack talent.
They quit because of cash flow, exhaustion, isolation, and pressure.
I burned out because:
• I was constantly hustling for the next sale
• My whole business depended on me
• I stopped creating from joy and started creating from fear
• I thought income required sacrificing mental, emotional, and physical health
• I didn’t see myself as an artist — just a producer
• I didn’t trust that God could sustain me financially using my creative gifts
And I see it happen over and over again with the women I mentor.
We don’t need a J.O.B. We need an income…and the best income you’ll ever make will come from the gifts God designed you with.
I know this because…
I lived the opposite way for years.
The Lie That Steals Your Calling: “I Need a Real Job”
When I quit my creative work the first time, I told myself all the things you might be saying right now:
• “I need stability.”
• “I need something normal.”
• “I need a dependable paycheck.”
• “I’ll do the creative stuff later.”
• “It’s too risky to be an artist.”
But here’s the truth I didn’t understand:
When God wires you as an artist…that IS your real job.
Your creativity is part of your design.
Your design is part of your calling.
And your calling is part of your Kingdom assignment.
When you step out of alignment with that?
Nothing feels right. Not even a reasonable salary. Not even benefits.
Not even a clean little cubicle where you can turn off the lights at 5 p.m. and stop working for the day.
The Moment I Finally Saw Myself Clearly
Ten years after I had shut everything down, someone asked me for a bio for a speaking event.
I listed:
• Paralegal
• Makeup artist
• Makeup educator
• Certified image consultant
• Speaker
• Spa owner
• Boutique manager
• MAC retail manager
And she said, “Oh, so you’re a creative entrepreneur.”
I froze. Wait. There’s a NAME for what I am?
Somehow, in all the busyness, all the jobs, all the detours…I never saw it.
But God did.
He had been following me from cubicle to makeup chair to boutique counter, lovingly nudging me back toward the identity He gave me.
Ask yourself… “Am I taking God on a detour right now?”
When You Quit Your Calling, God Has a Way of Calling You Back
My story reminds me of Peter.
When Jesus died, Peter went back to the only thing he understood: fishing.
He returned to the familiar when everything felt confusing, heavy, and uncertain.
He didn’t quit because he didn’t love Jesus.
He quit because he was overwhelmed.
But Jesus met him on the shore, cooking breakfast, ready to remind him of his calling.
That’s exactly what God did for me last summer when I signed up for Social Security.
He whispered: “You’re not done. I’m calling you back to creativity. I designed you for this.”
And friend—
He’s saying the same to you.
You weren’t made for a beige cubicle, a retail counter, or a timecard.
You were made to create, inspire, and carry light into dark places.
Your art is ministry.
Your creativity is worship.
Your expression is part of God’s plan.
The Biggest Financial Surprise of My Life
After all the worrying about getting a “real job”…
After all the jobs I tried to make work…
The most money I ever made?
Came from my handcraft business.
Not the law firm.
Not retail.
Not the spa.
Not working for someone else.
Art.
Creativity.
The thing I walked away from.
If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be:
“Your success is in your design.”
What To Do When You Feel Like Giving Up on Your Creative Calling
Here’s what I want you to hear with your whole heart: God hasn’t changed His mind about you.
When you want to quit:
• Get quiet
• Go back to the last thing God told you
• Connect with other Christian artists
• Share your work
• Write down the dreams He gave you
• Expect Him to meet you where you are
The Kingdom doesn’t operate the way the world does. God doesn’t ask you to build a career. He asks you to steward a calling.
And your creative gifts are part of that calling.
Daily Scripture for Christian Artists
God’s Calling… And Your Creative Gifts Are Irrevocable.
Here’s the verse for today’s creative journaling: (It’s soooo good!)
Romans 11:29
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
Let this remind you God has given you the gifts and called you to be an artist. He’s not changing His mind about it.
How to Begin…
- PRAY first
- PRINT the verse
- Create a PRETTY PAGE (decorate the page: doodle, color, collage, tape, stamp, paint, glitter, glue…)
- PROCLAIM! (write a truth statement or prayer)
- POST IT! (#gettingreadydaily)
*I was excited that “Little Jesus” made an appearance in the blog today. For the past six months my husband and I have been hiding Him around the house to surprise each other and remind us of His LOVE and that He is always with us. It’s a trend. Do you know about this? #littlejesus
My turn today: I placed Him on top of the thrifted old-school phone in the living room. I tell everyone it’s my “direct line to God”. lol!
Behind the Scenes: What I’m Working on Right Now
I filled orders from my website and Etsy shop. I always think of my customers as divine appointments, women God hand-delivered to my little corner of the internet so I can bless them.
For journal orders, I made personalized bead charms with their names.
For lipstick orders, I tucked in the Lipstick Santa (paper doll) ornament and a Santa Bag.
Related: DIY Santa Paper Doll Ornament.
And of course…a handwritten note.
It’s always easier to serve the customers you already have than chase new ones. And it feels like ministry every time.
Your Takeaway Today
When you feel like quitting, pause. Breathe. Remember: Your creativity is not optional.
It’s part of your identity in Christ.
Honor it, use it daily, and watch God open doors no “real job” ever could.
Create something today. Even creative journaling counts. You’re building your skills, tending your spirit, and partnering with the God who created you to create.
Keep the Inspiration Going
If this encouraged you, you’ll love my story: “How God Revived My Creative Call (at 62)”
It’s honest, hopeful, surprising, and full of God’s fingerprints in places I never expected.
Click through and let it remind you that you are never too late, too stuck, or too burned out for God to revive your creativity too.
Resources for Christian Artists and Entrepreneurs
Hey Creative Friend! Are you ready to stop worrying about getting a ‘real’ job and step into the creative business that God gave you? I wrote this book for you…
(A Self-Published Guide for Artists, Creatives & Kingdom-Minded Entrepreneurs)
If you’ve ever wondered how to blend your creative calling with your God-given purpose, Getting Ready is for you. Think of it as part faith art journal, part how-to guide, and totally made for creative women like us — artists, makers, and creatives who love Jesus and feel called to something more.
Inspired by Queen Esther’s season of preparation, this book takes you on a heart-level journey — a mix of spiritual growth and practical action — helping you align your creativity, business, and identity with who God says you are.
Curious to see my Kingdom-inspired Paper Art Dolls & Creative Journals? Check out my Etsy Shop here.
Thank you for visiting my blog where I love blending Beauty & Creativity for Self-Care and Mental Health. Before you go, if you haven’t already, grab the free resource below and Make it a beautiful day! Nancy
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