🎨 Why Taking Time Off Really Matters

Welcome back to the ArtwithErrol Podcast! This is our 30th episode—crazy how fast time flies, right? I’m your host, Errol: artist, gamer, designer, dad, and full-time worker juggling a ton while trying to stay creative and consistent.

Today’s episode is a little different. It’s shorter, recorded outside (yes, we’re soaking in nature!), and it’s all about a topic that’s been on my heart lately: taking time off.

🎮 Weekly Recap

Last week was busy but productive. We managed to get three game streams in—despite me struggling through a few shooters (still had fun!). We also dropped an art video sketching the Fantastic Four to celebrate their movie release, which was a blast to create.

This week? I’m slowing it down. No gaming streams. Just this podcast, an art video later in the week, and my daily gaming news Shorts on the Art with Errol Gaming channel—because those are quick, simple, and keep the channel fresh.

🧘‍♂️ Why Pauses Matter

Let’s talk real for a second. Taking breaks is essential. Whether you're a content creator or work a regular 9-to-5, the mental, emotional, and even physical weight of never pausing catches up with you.

You ever get irritable for no reason? Feel overwhelmed? Tired, even after a full night's sleep? That’s burnout creeping in.

And let me tell you from experience: it’s real.

Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re slacking—it means you're prioritizing sustainability over hustle. Especially in the content creation world, where pressure to always “stay active” is high, knowing when to rest can actually help you come back stronger and more inspired.

💡 Vacation Tips for Creators

Not everyone can just stop everything cold turkey. So here are a few strategies that creators (myself included) can use:

• Pre-record your content: If possible, double up on videos the week before you take off.

• Use scheduling tools: Upload ahead of time and set content to release automatically.

• Daily Shorts or light content: Like my gaming news Shorts—light lifts that still keep your community engaged.

• Communicate with your audience: Let your viewers know you’re stepping back. Transparency builds trust.

Even if you don’t post anything, a quick community update goes a long way.

⚖️ Balancing Ambition & Rest

Right now, I’m balancing:

• A podcast every Monday

• Three game streams a week

• A weekly art video

• Daily Shorts

• Family life

• A full-time job

It’s a lot. And sometimes, you just have to hit pause.

This week, I’m hanging out with my kids, recharging, and planning what’s next—including the South of Midnight playthrough coming soon!

🎨 Art Plans & the Future

Our art content is still rolling! Lately, we’ve been sketching whatever is timely—like recent movie or game releases. It’s been a fun way to practice regularly and keep things relevant.

We're sticking with sketchbook work through the end of the year, and in 2026, I’m planning a huge upgrade: investing in a high-quality production camera to step up our art content game.

Think step-by-step projects:

• Thumbnail sketches

• Composition drafts

• Final canvas painting

• And beautiful, crisp video quality

I’ve used pro cameras in college, and I’m ready to bring that knowledge to the next level for the Artistry Society.

🎉 Building the Artistry Society

Speaking of which—welcome to the Artistry Society! That’s what I’m calling our growing community of creators, gamers, and art lovers. If you’ve liked, subscribed, or left a comment, you’re already in.

I’m working on badges and emotes for members when we hit that point. It’s a slow build, but that’s okay. Every community starts somewhere, and I’m committed to growing this the right way.

👋 Final Thoughts

To wrap this up:

• Take your time off. You’ve earned it.

• Balance ambition with rest. Don’t overextend.

• Keep your audience informed. They’ll appreciate it.

• Stay consistent, but know when to pause.

And if you’re new here—welcome! Hit that subscribe button, like the podcast, leave a comment. This community is all about growing together.

Until next week, I’m Errol. Stay creative. Stay balanced. I’m out, y’all.