With the start of 2023, I’ve been reminiscing about the many great things that I learned during my daughter’s first year of life as a working artist. Let’s face it; There’s no sugarcoating how challenging it is to work from home with a baby. As much as I tried to prepare I couldn’t have foreseen the many sleepless nights that I would have to endure nor how long they’d last.  Parenthood was new and uncharted territory, and some days I got little to no artwork done.  Although it’s been exhausting, it’s also been one of the most rewarding and transformative times of my life.

Hoping to encourage other new parents, I want to share the things that have helped me transition into motherhood. By no means do I have it all figured out—I’m still learning something new every day—but (on most days) I have found some peace amidst the chaos.  Hopefully you’ll find them just as useful.

Allow Yourself to Grow

“A big part of your purpose in this world is to learn, grow, and evolve through challenging times of adversity.” – Nikki McMillan

While I do enjoy new experiences and broadening my horizons, I’m not a huge fan of embracing the unknown.  It’s scary, uncomfortable, and anxiety-producing, yet it’s pretty much what you sign up for when you become a parent.  However, when I began to accept my limitations as a mom and embrace my new and unpredictable life with open arms, things improved tremendously.

Having boundaries around my work was the game-changer. By saying no more often and being more selective, I was able to devote more time to myself and my baby, and tackle the challenges that came my way with less stress.  In truth, I wished I had done so from outset of my illustration career, but like the wise Maya Angelou says, ‘when you know better, do better.’ 

We are meant to grow and evolve in life, not remain rigid and unchanged. Yes, we may stumble as we venture into the unknown wilds of parenthood, but with faith, patience, and self-compassion we will eventually find our footing.   

Take Care of Yourself

It’s common knowledge that running on empty will eventually lead to burnout and resentment.  Although I knew the harms of pushing past my limits, I didn’t listen to my inner wisdom.  With meeting deadlines, taking care of a baby, and trying to create new artwork, I was mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted.  Maybe if I had more help it may have been manageable, but I only had my husband for help. Nonetheless, it was time I accepted that my old ways of being and working were no longer feasible.  I really needed a break.

Surrendering to my body’s silent plea for rest, I now allow myself to work less and to be present for myself and my baby.  I choose to prioritize my health and well-being, rest when needed, and release any guilt that may arise from taking care of myself.  And as a result, my work is more full-filling.  The peace I achieve with this new mindset has changed the way I feel about my artwork for the better.

By looking after my wellbeing, I am becoming more creative and present for what matters.  Like the saying goes, ‘you cannot pour from an empty cup.’ So if you can, take care of health, go easy on yourself, and enjoy your little one. 

Rest

“Rest is not idle, is not wasteful. Sometimes rest is the most productive thing you can do for body and soul.” – Erica Layne

Every new mom is told how important rest is for their recovery and well-being, yet with a baby it may not always be possible. If you’re anything like me,  you may even feel guilty for having thoughts of rest when you have a house to maintain, illustrations to create, deadlines to meet, and of course, a new baby to care for.

However, rest is pivotal. It not only recharges your battery but also heightens your creativity by giving your mind, body, and soul a much needed break. If you’re a new parent, you need all the breaks you can get.  I personally feel like a whole new person when I’m able to catch up on my sleep. So rest as much as possible to improve your wellbeing and receive inspiration if you’re able to. It truly can be all the medicine you need to create your next masterpiece while staying healthy and sane to care for your little one.

Do what brings you joy

It may seem counter-intuitive to suggest spending time doing the things that bring you joy while you feeling the growing pains of parenthood, but it helps. I’m not advocating that you neglect your responsibilities and book yourself a cruise vacation, but to find moments in your day to do what will please your soul. Although I stumbled upon this wisdom by happenstance as a remedy to ease my postpartum anxieties, little did I know how beneficial it would be in keeping me grounded. I turned my attention to activities that I enjoyed as a distraction, but unexpectedly, they’ve helped me find peace and creative inspiration.

For example, to meet my new dietary restrictions while breastfeeding, I baked a lot of new recipes becoming a more confident baker with each successful batch, read for pleasure once again (something I could never find the time to do before my daughter came along), and took more photos to document my motherhood whilst improving my photography skills.  For the first time in years, I shamelessly enjoyed the things that filled my cup.

Even if you have only a few minutes to read a new book or watch your favorite tv show, do it.  It was only when I gave myself permission to enjoy the things that made me happy that inspiration came knocking. So do the things that enliven your spirit. Your art, family, and wellbeing will thank you for it.

 Be Flexible

“Instead of trying to get back to the way I used to be, I will accept and appreciate the person I am becoming.  The next season of my life will require someone who can learn the lessons, let go of the past, and level up for the future.” – Faith Broussard Cade

By trying to fit my new life as a mom into my old ways of working, I struggled to get any work done.  Some days I couldn’t work at all, and no matter how hard I tried I simply couldn’t find a way to get back into the swing of things. However it is possible to be successful at your work and a wonderful parent to your little one without burning yourself out.

 As a creative entrepreneur, I’m reminded every so often how important it is to be open to change.  Being flexible allows those changes to take place. It also encourages you to think of better ways to work that fits your current lifestyle.  If you can, take a look at your life, and see if it’s possible to add a bit more flexibility.

Find community

I have no shame in admitting that I am a hermit by nature. But as much as I love my solitude, motherhood can get pretty lonely.  I longed for companionship more than I missed sleeping on my stomach or eating spicy foods when I was pregnant.  There are just certain times in life when a person needs a tribe, and the journey into parenthood is one of them.

Those long quiet months gave me time to reflect and encouraged me to seek connection with other moms and fellow illustrators. Fortunately, I was not alone in my quest in finding camaraderie.  There were (and still are) plenty of new mothers searching for friendship as well, and having another to confide in about the challenges of motherhood and illustration has been the healing medicine I didn’t know that I needed.

Working from home can get pretty lonely, but find comfort in knowing that there are other moms like you also seeking companionship. Reach out to close friends and family if you can, and if not, join a mom group online or in person. Social media can also be useful in finding your tribe as well.  For example, I’ve found the Peanut app very helpful in finding community among other women, and I have made a new mom-friend who lives nearby as a result.

Cherish Every Moment

As difficult as it can be in the moment, infancy only lasts for one year.  My hope for you is to cherish every minute you have with your little one while you can.  Indeed we will be tested with challenges and obstacles, but I believe this journey can also unearth new skills and strengths that we didn’t know we possessed.  

So if your experience with being a new parent and working from home has helped you uncover your hidden strengths and resiliences, I’d love to know. Or if you have any insights to share about working from home with baby, please feel free to share. :)