Hi friends!
I’m back again to talk about a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Mostly because it’s a lesson I find myself needing to learn over and over again. It’s also a branch off from last month’s topic of having fun and embracing mistakes.
Being Brave
It sometimes feels silly to talk about bravery when it comes to making art because there is rarely, if ever, a high degree of risk involved. Sure, some materials are toxic and you could potentially hurt yourself if you aren’t handling things properly. On the whole though, what’s there to be scared of?
When I think about being brave creatively I think of it in terms of experimentation and being confident in our own abilities. That’s what I’d like to explore today.
Taking Risks
I know a lot of artists who, just like me, get nervous about stepping outside of their comfort zone. We all often draw the same thing, complain about being no good at drawing X, Y, and Z and often hit up against a brick wall of creative burn out when we get frustrated with our abilities.
Before I try something new I quite often psyche myself out about how difficult it will be before I even get started. I think, I can’t draw buildings or hands or whatever the subject might be so I may as well not try. Then of course I don’t get any good at it because I didn’t practice and allow myself to be bad at it.
So lately I’ve been sketching more, playing with new materials, and forcing myself to push through my doubts.
Part of what has been helping me is taking the time to study the things I think I’m not good at yet. The other day I studied the different type of leaf shapes there are using a Tombow marker and chalk pastels.*
Confidence is Key
When I look at the artists I admire, I sometimes fall victim to the old comparison trap. I worry that I’m not good enough and that’s why my art doesn’t look like theirs or why I haven’t had the opportunity to do the same things they have.
Earlier this year I purchased a surprise motto for 2022 for my partner and I. When I opened it up it said “Ask & Receive.” I’ve been trying to lean into that and it’s been very helpful. In fact, that’s how I managed to get signed to a literary agency earlier this year! I’ll one day have my art and stories published in a book that you can buy and that is as much exciting as it is terrifying.
I’ve been reminding myself that people like my work and that the opportunities I’ve received were the result of my hard work and skills.
Making Friends with Fear
When I get nervous about my art or think I’m not good enough, it sometimes helps to remind myself why I’m feeling this way. It’s because I really care about making art and want to share it with the world. When I view it from this angle it because much easier to empathize with my own self-doubt instead of become frustrated with it or lean into any depreciating comments I might think.
Making and sharing your art is a vulnerable act and, for me, that’s the scary part. It can feel like putting yourself up in the spotlight instead of the things that you made. But we are all learning and growing and can’t help but get better the more that we make. Eventually it becomes less nerve wracking. Eventually we feel more comfortable. Eventually we can be confident and proud of what we made!
Saying Goodbye for Now
We’ve reached the end of our time together for now friends! Please feel welcome to write me back if you have any thoughts. Do you ever feel doubt in your skills? Have you found anything helpful to deal with it? Are you trying to step out of your comfort zone? I’d love to hear about it!
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this communiqué and that you’ll join me for the next one in May.
Until then!
Love,
Bailey
*These links are affiliate links which will allow me to receive a small commission of sales. Please feel welcome to shop elsewhere if you would prefer.