Is Your New Work-From-Home Setup Causing Aches And Pain? Here’s A Guide For Artists To Prevent And Relieve Discomfort

Aside from the risks it poses in itself, the coronavirus has led to a host of secondary health problems by confining us in our homes. Recent months have seen a spike in reports of anxiety, poor sleep, and — of particular relevance to artists — physical strain caused by new makeshift work setups.

Back pain, aching shoulders, tingling fingers: these are common complaints among anyone who spends their days hunched over a tablet, monitor, or keyboard. But for many, the crisis has exacerbated these issues, as people suddenly find themselves stuck in environments that may not be optimized for work. Enter Draw Stronger: Self-Care For Cartoonists and Visual Artists, a graphic novel that is designed specifically for artists suffering from physical pain and stress.

Published in 2018, Draw Stronger offers illustrated advice on everything from stretching to breathing exercise. The author is Kriota Willberg, a cartoonist with experience as a “massage therapist and health science educator.” Her guidance is intended as a complement to medical treatment (if necessary), not a substitute for it. The book comes with high praise, including from cartoonist Scott McCloud, who calls it “a life-saver.”

Willberg writes extensively on the subjects of art and self-care on her blog. She’s also been publishing excerpts from her book on Twitter:

Back spasm or feeling stressed? Try some simple breathing exercises. A little relaxation can go a long way! From Draw Stronger. @unciv pic.twitter.com/aCLMOW7ypg

— Kriota Willberg (@Kriota) April 24, 2020

Low back pain from sitting all week? Thigh stretches might help! (Stretch responsibly!) #selfcare from Draw Stronger, out via @unciv pic.twitter.com/0ICLMNmViT

— Kriota Willberg (@Kriota) May 7, 2020

Pick up the book for a few bucks on Amazon and save yourself a much bigger headache — and medical bill — down the road.