Self-doubt plagues everyone. Artists are more prone to it due to the nature of their art and work. How often do you create something you don’t like? How often do you compare your work to other artists publishing their work on social media?
Artists pour their heart into their work – whether it’s sculpting, painting, crafting or writing – and they must find the confidence to put their work out into the world, which is full of judgment, critics and rejection. Many artists also tend to work alone in their studios, hovering over their art while high expectations and negative thoughts whittle at their confidence.
If only there’s a product that can improve your artistic confidence as it does your physical confidence: a better smile with a teeth-whitening cooling mouthwash,younger-looking skin with a facial serum. But nothing yet exists that can help boost artistic confidence.
Fortunately, you can practice some techniques to improve your confidence as an artist and a creative entrepreneur. But before you can do these, it’s important to understand the concept and reality of artistic confidence.
Understanding Artistic Confidence
The root of all your insecurities with your art is the lack of artistic confidence. Artistic confidence is what allows artists to create their art in ways that naturally come to them. It is a feeling of self-assurance arising from your appreciation of your qualities or abilities.
Artistic confidence is different from artistic arrogance. It doesn’t mean having a big head or believing you are a god in your industry. Confidence focuses on believing in your capabilities as an artist. This state means you can assure yourself internally. It is the ability to love yourself and your art for where it is today.
Artistic confidence is the ability to let go of constant self-criticism and disappointment. Instead, you are kinder and more compassionate toward yourself and your work.
Artists experience a lack of artistic confidence when they compare themselves to other artists, thinking that they are too inferior in a pool of creatives. Some artists are not confident in what they can do; as a result, they push themselves to work harder and still feel unsatisfied.
Not having artistic confidence can cause burnout or losing one’s passion. Don’t let the lack of confidence take away your love for art. Instead, practice loving yourself and your art with the following techniques.
How to Restore Your Artistic Confidence
Think Inspiration Instead of Comparison
Social media is a great tool to share your art with the rest of the world. It can also be inspiring to look at the artwork of other artists, but make sure you don’t constantly compare your work. When you’ve been in the industry and/or medium for many years and you see artists thriving overnight, it can be disheartening.
Don’t let that happen. Instead, be an artist with a unique journey. Refrain from comparing and feeling negative about your work. Inspire yourself with another artist’s skill and get back to practicing yours. Remember: comparison helps no one. Only focus on yourself and your art to improve yourself.
Take Breaks and Move Around
There’s nothing worse for your body than being stuck in your home, huddled over your art for hours. Don’t torture yourself. Take a break when you need it.
If you’re frustrated with your work or are experiencing a creative block, stretch and go out for a walk. Walking clears your mind, gets rid of toxins and helps your muscles function better because of the blood flow. You can also return with fresher eyes.
If you’re tired, sleep or watch your favorite movies for a while. Refresh by watching the Disney princess movies in orderwith the kids or that Netflix series everyone’s seen and you haven’t.
Give Yourself a Break
In the right circumstances, setting high expectations for yourself can be a good thing. But some expectations need not be too high. Artists tend to have expectations about things like the number of people who attend your art events, how a piece of art will turn out or the number of likes they get on social media.
Give yourself a break. The more you have expectations about these things, the more likely you’ll experience disappointment.
Instead, stop worrying about these things and work with what you have. Art is meant to change you. Even as an artist, you don’t have control over your result as much as you think. That’s OK so learn to roll with it.
Accept the Reality of Rejection
Rejection is a part of life. But it doesn’t mean that when you get rejected, your work is bad or that people don’t like you. It means that what you’re offering isn’t right for them.
Instead of pondering over the rejection, reach out and ask them the reason so you can learn from it and improve your future proposals. Next, throw away the letter and move on. Don’t dwell; move forward.
Your artistic journey is a road of ups and downs. Instead of shying away from the downs, brace yourself and face them confidently. Remember: there’s no artist like you. You are unique, which is why you should go out there and keep showing the world your art.
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Vinh Van Lam & Stuart Horrex
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