The life of an independent artist is no joke. It’s a constant balancing act—chasing after big dreams while dealing with the realities that can sometimes knock you down. For many of us, passion keeps us going, but that same passion also comes with a lot of emotional turbulence—ups, downs, doubts—things that can really mess with your mental health. I got a chance to sit down with Cortlin “Bortlin” Pegues, an artist, animator, producer, and mental health advocate, to hear his story and get his take on how he manages all these emotions while staying true to himself.
Bortlin’s Story: Building His Identity Through Struggles
At just 23, Bortlin has already made waves—not only with his music but also with his creative animation work. His story is so inspiring because it’s filled with a lot of pain but also hope. He lost his mom when he was nine, and that kind of loss sticks with you. Growing up, he had to figure out how to handle grief, responsibility, and figuring out who he was. He talks about using “delusion or divine focus” to keep himself grounded, and honestly, that really hit home for me. Sometimes you gotta put your head down and just focus, block out the noise.
He says music is like therapy for him. “Whenever I feel alone, I tell the mic whatever I need,” he explained. It’s like talking to a therapist—just him, his feelings, and his craft. He also shared a powerful promise he made to his mom: “I told her I’d come back to her grave when I make it as an artist. That keeps me going, knowing I gotta persevere until I can do that.”
All Different, All the Same
Like many artists, Bortlin is juggling a lot—paying bills, handling responsibilities, and still trying to create. That’s the reality for most of us. Balancing the “civilian” side of life with the artistic side can feel like walking a tightrope. Some days are easier than others. He mentioned how important it is to keep routines that support his mental health—whatever helps him stay grounded—whether that’s creating, staying close to loved ones, or just taking his time.
What really stood out to me was how he’s honest about the emotional rollercoaster. The doubts, the fears, the moments of feeling like giving up—those are all part of the process. But he’s determined to push through because his art and his purpose matter. That resilience is what motivates him, and honestly, it’s what keeps a lot of us going too.
Verifying His Words & The Bigger Picture
I also looked into some research to see how common this really is. A recent study in the Journal of Artistic Psychology (which I found through Nexus Uni) said that a lot of indie artists deal with anxiety and depression—stuff that’s often overlooked. The study recommended creative outlets and routines as key ways to stay mentally balanced, which lines up with what Bortlin shared.
I also checked his social media pages; he’s open about his struggles and his journey, which makes everything he says even more real. It’s one thing to talk about these things, but seeing him share his life online confirms how genuine he is about mental health and staying resilient.
The Big Takeaway
What I took from my chat with Bortlin is that behind all the music, animation, and hustle, there’s a real person fighting his own battles. His story reminds us that setbacks, doubts, and heartbreak are part of the process—especially for indie artists trying to carve out their space. But it’s also about finding ways to keep going, whether through art, routines, or a promise to someone you love. Having these honest conversations and sharing our stories can help break the stigma around mental health in the creative community. We all face these ups and downs, and sometimes just knowing someone else is going through the same thing makes a difference.
To support Bortlin, check out his instagram page and also his Youtube page.
