As an artist or designer venturing into the world of art licensing, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the sheer competition and vastness of opportunities available. Yet, a significant number of creatives find themselves stuck—not because they lack talent or skill, but because they’re crippled by self-doubt. How many opportunities have slipped through your fingers because a little voice inside your head said, “You’re not good enough”? How many times have you allowed the fear of not being as skilled as someone else to hold you back from a chance that could’ve changed your career?
The truth is, self-doubt is one of the biggest barriers to success in the art licensing world. It doesn’t matter if you’re a painter, surface designer, illustrator, or photographer—self-doubt sneaks in and tells you that someone else is more capable, more deserving, or more skilled.
But here’s the reality: every time you shy away from an opportunity because of self-doubt, you’re essentially signing a farewell letter to a potential success. RIP to the opportunities lost due to that tiny voice in your head.
Why Self-Doubt Hits So Hard in the Creative World
The creative industry, especially in art licensing, is highly competitive. When you see a promising opportunity, whether it’s a licensing deal, a gallery exhibition, or a collaborative project, it’s easy to assume someone else is more qualified. This is particularly true in art licensing, where your artwork needs to be both creatively outstanding and commercially viable.
As artists, we’re often quick to see the beauty and potential in others’ work but painfully slow to recognize our own. There’s always that nagging feeling that someone else might have stronger technical skills, a more appealing style, or more industry connections. But this way of thinking is what keeps so many creatives from thriving in art licensing.
The Cost of Self-Doubt: Lost Opportunities
When you allow self-doubt to dictate your decisions, you’re not only limiting your growth but also shutting yourself out from countless opportunities that might otherwise come your way. Consider this scenario: a major brand is looking for unique surface designs for an upcoming product line, and you stumble upon the call for submissions. Your heart leaps because this is exactly the kind of opportunity you’ve been dreaming of. But then, the self-doubt creeps in:
- “Maybe someone else’s portfolio is more impressive.”
- “What if my designs aren’t what they’re looking for?”
- “I don’t think I’m ready for this yet.”
Before you know it, the deadline passes, and you’ve missed out. This isn’t just about losing a potential client or paycheck—it’s about missing a chance to grow and showcase your work to the world.
Rewrite Your Future: How to Move Past Self-Doubt
To succeed in the art licensing world, you need to reframe your mindset and take actionable steps to combat self-doubt. Here’s how:
1. Take Small Risks Consistently
Self-doubt thrives in comfort zones. It convinces you to stay where things feel safe and familiar. However, growth never happens in a place of safety. Start by taking small, manageable risks that push you beyond your usual boundaries. For example:
- Submit your designs to a small licensing agency or local art show, even if you think the chances are slim.
- Offer to collaborate with other artists or brands on a project that feels slightly outside your comfort zone.
The more risks you take, the more resilience and confidence you’ll build. Over time, these small steps will add up and make a huge difference in how you view your potential.
2. Reframe Failures
In the creative industry, failure is inevitable—but it’s also one of the best teachers. Reframe failures not as a reflection of your worth or ability, but as part of the learning process. Missed out on a licensing deal? Didn’t land that collaboration? That’s okay. Every time you face rejection, you’re also gaining valuable insights into what can be improved.
In art licensing, persistence is key. Brands, manufacturers, and clients want to work with artists who are not only talented but also adaptable and resilient. Setbacks can help you refine your approach and ultimately grow stronger as a creative entrepreneur.
3. Seek Advice and Feedback
It’s easy to get stuck inside your own head, especially when self-doubt takes over. Don’t be afraid to seek out feedback from mentors, peers, or even fellow artists who are also navigating the licensing world. Sometimes, others can see your strengths more clearly than you can. A fresh perspective might be all you need to boost your confidence and realize that your work is indeed good enough for the opportunities in front of you.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Creative professionals tend to be their own worst critics. Instead of beating yourself up over perceived shortcomings, practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you would offer a fellow artist or friend. Remember, nobody is perfect, and every artist’s journey is unique. Cut yourself some slack and don’t be afraid to give yourself credit for how far you’ve come.
What If Things Don’t Work Out?
Let’s face it: not every opportunity will lead to success. That’s just the nature of the industry. But instead of viewing this as a personal failure, see it as part of your larger journey. Every step you take, whether it leads to immediate success or not, is progress. The more you put yourself out there, the more chances you’ll have to land the right opportunities.
Moving Forward: The Only Voice That Matters Is Yours
Ultimately, overcoming self-doubt is about silencing the voice that says you’re not good enough and replacing it with your own voice of self-belief. The art licensing world is filled with talented creatives, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for you. Each artist has a unique perspective and style to offer—yours included.
As you continue your journey in art licensing, remember this: every opportunity missed due to self-doubt is a potential success left unexplored. Instead of letting those opportunities slip away, challenge yourself to seize them. By building resilience, embracing failure, seeking guidance, and showing yourself compassion, you’ll be able to face the next big opportunity with confidence.
It’s time to stop underestimating yourself and start recognizing the immense value you bring to the table. So, when that next licensing deal or collaboration crosses your path, take a deep breath and go for it. You never know just how far your talent might take you.
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To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders ArtSHINE.com
