The Ups and Downs of Being a Freelance Artist: Embracing the Quiet Periods

One day, your calendar is packed to the brim with gigs, projects, or performances; the next, you’re left with more quiet time than you know what to do with. This ebb and flow of work is something that most creatives, from singers to writers and visual artists, experience, but it’s often something we don’t talk about enough - let me correct that. We DO talk about when we are busy, but there’s more of a taboo to talk about the quiet periods. Perhaps because we associate not being busy with not being successful, and I would love, if we could all try to change the narrative of this point of view. 

For all of June this year I didn’t have any singing gigs lined up. For someone who works as a freelance singer, this can feel like a setback—until you realize that it’s all part of the natural rhythm of the freelance life. The truth is, it’s only possible for me to stay afloat financially because I have a few part-time jobs on the side. But even the most talented professionals, those singing at the highest levels, experience periods when their calendars aren’t as full as they’d like.

And that’s okay.

Here's an idea for your next quiet period: Take a look at some of the music you've always dreamt of learning. Manifestation is weird. And who knows. Perhaps you will need to know the music sooner that you can imagine?

We need to start normalizing these “quiet” periods in the freelance world. It’s common to have bursts of intense activity followed by quieter moments where the work slows down. These fluctuations don’t mean you’re a bad artist or that your skills have diminished. On the contrary, these quieter times can actually be an opportunity for growth. Without the pressure of constant work, you can take time to focus on improving your craft, reflect on your artistic journey, or even explore new creative avenues.

Yet, society often glorifies the hustle. We’re encouraged to always be busy, to constantly be producing, and to measure our worth by how much we’re working. This can create a toxic mindset, where we feel like we’re failing when we aren’t constantly booked or busy. The truth is, you’re no less valuable or talented during these quieter periods. You’re just in a natural rhythm, and that’s completely normal.

I wish society supported this reality more. Because the biggest problem with the “quiet” time: It doesn’t pay the bills… Imagine if society would support artists in these quiet times where we have the space to actually develop and grow as artists. In France they’ve set up a model for artists that does just that. How incredible would it be if this was more common everywhere? Imagine the benefits to have artists roaming with creativity instead of starvation? 

In my personal opinion, I think we need to embrace both the busy and the quiet moments in our artistic careers. Each phase plays an essential role in the process of growth and creativity. 

Perhaps you could use your quiet period for some admin work?

So the next time you find yourself with a little more free time than expected, take a deep breath, trust the process, and remember that you're just as worthy as when you're at your busiest. Your creativity will thrive during both the quiet and the active times.

Let’s start talking more about these quiet periods, so we can all feel more at peace with the natural ebb and flow of the freelance artist life.

If you journal, here are some prompts:

When was the last time you had a quiet period? How did you spend it?  What can you focus on, on your next quiet period? What’s a skill/music piece/role you’ve always dreamed of learning?