The Creative Wellbeing Handbook

“Frightened, I thought: If I’m no longer a creative, who am I? Answering this question took me all over the world – and, eventually, right back to my design studio. Happily, creativity is a flame that can be diminished, but not extinguished.”

“Connecting to yourself and others helps you sustain your output by strengthening your sense of purpose. Think of it like the Briefing stage of the creative process, and it will help you to focus on what matters most to you.”

“If I pay attention, I can see the beauty of a tiny new leaf growing on my plant. Or notice that the colours of the dishes on the drying rack match perfectly! And is that the first spring sunshine warming my cheeks? The more mindful we are, the more curious we grow.”

“When we pause, we can catch ideas that our intuition guides us towards. There’s a creative spirit swirling inside all of us. By pausing, and listening, we can tap into our intuition – and feel the ideas flow.”

“It’s strange to experience this duality – such deep pain at the same time as such beauty. Somehow it’s possible to feel awe and appreciation for life, even while finding it difficult to breathe.” 

​​”The Creative Ecosystem model is a way to think about what balance looks like for you. It covers five areas that act as fuel for creativity: Connection, Wonder, Pause, Movement, Joy. The experience of each of these – their source, their importance, their availability – is as unique as your creativity. Which is why, in this book, you’ll have the opportunity to explore each idea in a way that is personal to you. I’ll walk you through prompts and exercises that will help you map out your Creative Ecosystem, and guide you to activate it in your own life.”

“I was saddened but not surprised to learn about an Ulster University survey that found that those working in the creative industry are three times more likely to suffer from mental ill health compared to the general population. Anxiety and depression are
the most common reported symptoms. Over the years I have heard stories of people sleeping in their agency’s offices, and receiving texts from their boss at midnight. I’ve been asked to deliver work for free in exchange for ‘recognition’ because the client is a Fortune 500 company. This focus on output – to produce more ideas, more assets, more quickly – is draining us of what makes us, us.”

“Awe can also shape our perception of time. Research shows that experiencing awe can lead us to feel that we have more time and to feel less impatient. Research participants who experience awe are more willing to volunteer their time, prefer experiences over material goods, and feel more satisfied with life. Scientists attribute this to the fact that awe brings us fully into the present moment – which, in turn, can boost feelings of life satisfaction.”

Contact Emmi Salonen

• Creativity and wellbeing are not separate – they sustain each other.

• Emmi Salonen’s Creative Ecosystem model fuels creative energy through five flexible areas: Connection, Wonder, Pause, Movement and Joy.

• Each area links to a stage of the creative process, offering fresh ways to approach challenges in work and life.

• Connection: Connect who you are with what you do to deepen your sense of purpose.

• Wonder: Explore the ordinary with curiosity to spark your inspiration.

• Pause: Book in time for solitude and reflection to strengthen your intuition.

• Movement: Stay fluid and evolve with the process to support your resilience.

• Joy: Enjoy immersing yourself fully in an activity to recharge your energy.

Human-centred creativity

Creativity is shaped by our surroundings, relationships and beliefs. This handbook helps readers reconnect with themselves and their wider environment – to create in ways that feel more grounded and meaningful. (Emmi’s creative director background, visual format of the book, contributions from major designers, relevance to studios/agencies.)

Wellbeing

At the heart of book is the belief that creativity and wellbeing go hand in hand. This book supports readers to recharge, reflect and stay creatively energised – especially during times of burnout, overwhelm, or doubt. (Focus on burnout recovery, practical tools, Happiness Facilitator angle, mental health advocacy.)

Nordic approach

Shaped by Emmi Salonen’s Finnish roots, the book reflects values of balance, simplicity and connection to nature. Accredited Happiness Facilitator Emmi draws wisdom from the country ranked the world’s happiest for eight years running. (How slowing down and living in tune with the seasons can help sustain a more creative, contented life.)

• Burnout affects people in the creative industries three times more than the general population.

• 7.7 million people work in the creative economy in the EU, and nearly 50 million worldwide). Based on findings from Emmi Salonen’s recent survey, 67% of these are likely to suffer from a lack of motivation. This amounts to 5.2 million people in the EU, and 33.5 million worldwide.

• Mental health issues and burnout continue to rise in creative industries. In the UK calls to NABS’ Advice Line increased by 35% year on year.

• Deloitte’s survey highlighted that burnout among Gen Z increased from 46% in 2022 to 52% in 2023, and among Millennials, it rose from 45% to 49% during the same period.