Creative ways to maintain well-being during crisis

For the creative workers we talked to, the transition from the routine to working in quarantine is probably one of the most challenging parts of working from home (WFH). “WFH disrupted the communication flow at work because our coordination is now done via chat,” said Alodia (@AlodiaYAP), a marketing communication officer who moonlights as a freelance illustrator and tattoo artist based in Salatiga.

“I also noticed that I’ve produced more designs almost every single day last month. It means that there is a work-related coordination made nearly every single day.”

WFH could also mean a breach to their privacy, their very own safe space. Riki Harimulya (@mulyahari), a 33-year-old graphic designer, expressed how difficult it was for him to adapt his working schedule in his new home office. “At the office, we work normal office hours, but at home, we have to be on standby at all time.”

It has been more than one month since the large-scare social restriction (PSBB) policy took effect in Jakarta. Some regions in Indonesia, including Salatiga have followed suit or are examining the possibility of implementing the policy. In the industry, however, a number of companies have implemented WFH as a response to the very first reported cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia.

For creative workers, there are so many ways that WFH can be a problem. Take, for example, Eko Setiawan (@ekovich), a photographer and videographer who works on a freelance basis. “In March, work started to become scarce. In April, I didn’t even get anything.” As there is really no work that could be done from home related to photography and videography for him, Eko had to seek other options to at least earn income.

This situation might be similar to what Kiki Narendra (@kikinarend), an artist, experienced. He has his film projects put on hold for the time being. “It is difficult for film workers to work from home,” he said. He did experiment on other means of delivering his performance by being a part of a virtually produced web series, ‘Ustadz Jaga Jarak.’

However, it doesn’t feel the same for the actor who did an impeccable performance in Impetigore (2019). “For me, the ‘feel’ is lost.”

Another reason why WFH can be a problem for creative workers is how to stay inspired in this situation. Stress in unavoidable, disruptions in the routines are most likely to happen and the flow of income can be uncertain. The extremely limited options for entertainment and human connection would definitely affect them. This situation greatly affects the well-being of creative workers at so many levels.

“In the beginning, I’d hurt my legs from sitting cross-legged for a long time while working, while mentally...I guess most people would also experience insomnia and bizarre dreams,” said Dadang Sidik Wibowo, a marketing automation officer.

For him, the most challenging aspect is maintaining his psychological health. “The easier way for me to do it is to keep in touch with people via video call, phone call, or even chat. It helps a lot.”

Alodia took this situation as a chance to be more mindful. “A part of me feels happy that I become more mindful of myself in this situation, and this leads me to be more mindful about others, too.” Basically, whatever she decides to do, be it waking up, doing her work, or simply just eating, she does it with her own best interests in mind instead of doing what others tell her to.

However, maintaining her mental well-being is still a challenge for her. For this, she opted to improve her bedroom a.k.a. working space a.k.a. main living space by cleaning it.

Afina (@by.afinamey) is no different. To maintain her mental state, the art teacher/fashion designer opted to clean and tidy up her bedroom and working space. “It makes me feel like my life is more organised.” She also avoids unnecessary news exposure from day to day and it works very well on her. However, when it comes to being inspired, she is benefitting from her current working situation to create more.

“Now I have more time for brainstorming without a rush, so the ideas I come up with are even better than usual.”

Experimenting with ideas is what Ikmal Awfar (@ikmalawfar) chooses to stay inspired. “I still come up with concept ideas, then my stylist would execute the styling. Afterwards, she’d send me her work via bike courier, then I’d execute the shoot myself. Basically, I am still working on something.” Ikmal’s priority is to keep producing ideas during this time to avoid “getting rusty” and to stay inspired.

Everything might seem to be bleak and uncertain right now. Both striving to survive and enjoying your time during this dark time are perfectly fine. Even the smallest things that can make you feel at ease matter. Enjoy every single one of those small things, go at your own pace and listen to what you need and want for now.