How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt in Creative Workspaces

7 May

Boundaries are one of the most essential tools for sustainable creativity, yet they are often the hardest to set, especially in the arts. In creative workspaces where passion and personal identity often blur with productivity and performance, many artists, freelancers, and arts workers struggle to say no, switch off, or protect their time.

Maybe you have said yes to a gig that underpaid you because you did not want to lose the opportunity. Or you have worked late into the night on a project because you felt like you should be grateful for the work. Perhaps you have taken on emotional labour for your collaborators because you were the calm one in the room.

Sound familiar? You are not alone.

At Hey Mate, we support creatives across Australia who want to thrive without burning out. Setting boundaries does not mean you are selfish, rude, or difficult to work with. It means you value your wellbeing, your time, and your creativity. And when done well, boundaries actually make collaboration stronger.

Here is how to start setting boundaries in creative spaces without guilt.

Know What a Boundary Actually Is

A boundary is simply a line between what is OK for you and what is not. It might be about time, energy, communication, workload, emotional responsibility, or physical space. Boundaries are not about controlling others—they are about clearly stating your needs and limits.

In creative workspaces, common boundaries might include:

Not responding to emails after a certain time
Saying no to unpaid work
Asking for a contract before beginning a project
Needing rest between performances or shoots
Asking to be addressed respectfully in a rehearsal room

Start here: Ask yourself, where in my work life do I feel overwhelmed, drained, or taken advantage of? These are often the places where a boundary is needed.

Understand Why It Feels So Hard

Many creatives are taught—explicitly or subtly—that their value comes from being easy to work with, always available, and endlessly passionate. Saying no can feel like you are ungrateful or letting someone down. If you have experienced precarious work, discrimination, or financial insecurity, the pressure to say yes can feel even stronger.

The guilt that comes with boundary setting is often a sign that you are breaking old patterns, ones that prioritise productivity over health or harmony over honesty.

Give yourself compassion: The discomfort is real, but it does not mean you are doing the wrong thing. It often means you are finally doing the right thing.

Start with Low Stakes Boundaries

You do not have to start by confronting your most challenging collaborator. Practice setting small boundaries in safer spaces first.

Try:

Letting someone know when you are unavailable for a call
Taking a proper lunch break without multitasking
Blocking out an afternoon to create without interruptions
Saying, “I will get back to you tomorrow” instead of replying immediately

Each time you hold a boundary, you reinforce to yourself that it is safe to do so. This builds confidence for the bigger conversations.

Use Clear Kind Language

A boundary does not need to be harsh to be firm. In fact, boundaries are most effective when they are communicated calmly and clearly.

Some phrases that can help:

“I am unable to take that on right now”
“I need to leave by 5 today, let us pick this up tomorrow”
“That tone does not work for me. Can we speak respectfully”
“I am happy to help within these limits”
“For my wellbeing, I need to take a step back from this project”

You do not need to over explain. You do not need to apologise. Being honest and respectful is enough.

Recognise the Cost of No Boundaries

If guilt is holding you back, it can help to consider the flip side. What is the cost of not setting a boundary?

Chronic overgiving leads to resentment, burnout, and creative fatigue. When you are constantly saying yes to others, you often end up saying no to your own needs, projects, or values.

Think of boundaries as a form of self respect. They are not walls that push people away. They are the container that helps you protect your energy so you can keep doing the work you love.

Expect Discomfort and Maybe Pushback

Some people will not love your boundaries, especially if they were benefiting from you not having any. This is normal. It does not mean you need to backtrack.

You might feel awkward, second guess yourself, or worry that people will think you are being difficult. But you are not responsible for how others feel about your needs—you are responsible for stating them clearly and kindly.

Over time, the right people will respect your clarity. And those who do not? They are showing you something important too.

Build Boundaries Into Your Creative Practice

The most successful creatives are not the ones who hustle nonstop. They are the ones who know when to stop, how to rest, and where their limits are. Make boundaries a regular part of your practice, not just something you turn to in crisis.

Try:

A weekly reset where you check in on your workload and adjust
A calendar block for uninterrupted creative time
A written contract or scope of work for each project
A buddy system where you help each other practice saying no

Boundaries create consistency. And consistency creates freedom.

Model It For Others

When you set boundaries, you are not just helping yourself—you are creating a healthier creative culture. In an industry where overwork and self sacrifice are too often glorified, modelling care, clarity, and rest is a radical act.

You might be the first one to say, “Let us finish on time today,” or “Let us pause and check how everyone is doing.” That matters. It helps others feel safe to do the same.

We need more leaders in creative spaces who value wellbeing as much as output. Be one of them.

You Deserve to Create Without Losing Yourself

Setting boundaries is not about being rigid. It is about being real. It is about recognising your worth, your limits, and your need for sustainability in a fast paced, emotionally demanding industry.

At Hey Mate, we believe in a creative sector where people feel good doing what they love. If you are struggling to set boundaries, feeling burnt out, or unsure how to protect your time and energy, reach out. Our peer support, counselling sessions, and workshops are designed with creatives in mind.

Your creativity deserves to be nurtured. And so do you.

Need Support

Visit our Creative Wellbeing Hub for free resources or book a session with one of our creative industry aligned counsellors.

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