Bobby Lebel is a world-class musician. He began playing guitar at the age of nine and has never stopped.
In 1998, he was inducted into the Buffalo, New York Music Hall of Fame, the same year Buffalo native Harold Arlen, composer of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, “It’s Only a Paper Moon” and “That Old Black Magic,” was inducted posthumously.
He’s a composer, a national touring performer, and music director for the Musicians of Buffalo (MOB) and co-hosts the MOB’s annual holiday concert alongside rock vocalist Jessie Galante and internationally known bassist Billy Sheehan.
MOB donates all net proceeds from the show to support young, up-and-coming musicians in the Buffalo area.
Most recently Bobby rolled out his new band Buffalo Bound. The group delivered an outstanding performance during their debut at one of Buffalo’s finest music venues, The Sportsman’s Tavern. When I spoke to Bobby a couple of days after the show, he told me he was feeling a little down.
“I always feel kind of low for a few days after a great show like that,” he said. “But this is nothing compared to the aftermath of the holiday show. I put everything into that performance. When it’s over, I feel depressed. I can’t get anything going for a month.”
After finishing my sixth book, Create in a Flash, I went through something similar. It took a full year of intense writing, editing, and re-editing to complete the book. In 2019, I threw a big party to celebrate the launch—and shortly afterward, I hit a wall. I felt exactly the kind of depression Bobby was talking about. In fact, I even wrote a blog post called AFTER the party is over: A lesson for the creative process.
I experienced the same thing after finishing my most recent book, Solve the Real Problem, and again after delivering a TEDx Talk in Omaha, Nebraska, in November of last year.
I call it the post-creation blues. It’s temporary—but it’s real.
As I dug deeper into the topic, I discovered there’s a name for this experience: post-creation depression.
What Is Post-Creation Depression?
Post-creation depression refers to the emotional low or sense of emptiness that some creators experience after completing a major creative project. It’s common among artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and performers.
Here are some of the key characteristics:
- Emotional Drop After a High
The creative process demands intense focus, emotional investment, and a deep sense of purpose. When the project ends, that structure disappears—leaving behind a void. - Loss of Identity or Direction
During a project, we often tie our identity to our work. When it ends, we can feel unmoored, unsure of what comes next. - Lack of Immediate Recognition or Fulfillment
We may hope for closure, satisfaction, or applause. But if recognition is delayed—or muted—the result can feel anticlimactic. - Physical and Mental Exhaustion
The final push to complete a project is draining. Once the adrenaline wears off, fatigue and burnout can take hold. - Grieving the End of the Journey
We form a bond with our work. Letting go of it can feel like saying goodbye to something deeply personal.
Honestly, this list could be my journal entry. Every one of these applied to me—and to Bobby.
So, how can we deal with post-creation depression?
Six Ways to Manage the Post-Creation Blues
- Normalize the feeling. Understand that it’s a natural part of the creative cycle.
- Take time to rest. Recharging is essential for your next creative wave.
- Reflect on the journey. Celebrate your effort and growth—not just the outcome.
- Reconnect with your purpose. Ask yourself: What do I want to explore next?
- Start something small. A low-pressure project can reignite your creative spark.
- Stay connected. Talk with fellow creators. Share your story. You’re not alone.
Post-creation depression is the emotional hangover of the creative mind—not a sign of failure, but a mark of deep investment. With awareness and care, it can become fertile ground for the next breakthrough.
