What Holds Artists Back

Aug 12

“Being an artist is the act of trying to define what an artist is.”

- Unknown

Feeling stuck as an artist? We all go through the struggles in every part of our journey when it comes to wanting to create artwork. Everyone says the same thing! Then give advice that is ambiguous that feels pointless. Let's break down what ultimately holds us back as an artist and what we can do to change it.

Mental State

Low Self Value

Lets face it, all we see now is the success of others on different paths than our own. How we long to do what they do! But, how do they get there? What's their secret? What if I told you that they too are going through the same thing, even well established artists. We don’t take their stories to heart because they were not us. Well, let's start with the self.

Basing success on sales

Sales do not mean success. Many believe this but it isn’t quite all encompassing. Just because someone makes money from their art doesn’t mean that all successful artists find success through selling. Nor do all artists sell their work to begin with.

Career growth also means a lot more work. A lot more to do! From running a business to making the products themselves means the further along you are in “growth” means the more effort you have to put in. Not everyone wants that kind of success that takes them away from what they enjoy about the work. What does success look like to you?

Many believe that successes should be measured against yourself, not the “model” of what a successful artist looks like. When you look back to your old sketchbooks or bodies of art you made in gradeschool, that is progress you should be keeping in mind. Take the steps to where you want to be in your career but don’t forget where you started out. That is true success.

Being afraid that your art isn’t good enough.

No artist is immune to this feeling, even well established artists. We are our own toughest critics making it hard to see our work from outside our own biases. Art is more often than not, personal, so we place our own fears of judgment on ourselves when we wish to release our art into the world.

There are two views of creating work, the way that we value what makes art good to us and the skills that we have to make art that we like.

The value of art knows no bounds, only to the beholder. Same goes to show that we don’t know the value of an artwork in someone else's eyes unless they connect and tell us what it means to them in their own life. That is one of the beautiful manifestations of art, once you let a work go you won't know how it will affect someone else.

What does art mean to you? What value does it bring into your life? Art is often considered as an escape, self expression, the act of process, the release of emotion, etc.

Ways to change:

Reassess your expectations.

Work on improving your art skills with practice.

Take note and compare your progress.

“You are more capable, valuable, and creative than you think you are.” - Mimimoo Illustrations

Perfectionism and Overthinking

We all struggle with our own expectations. Getting over our self talk to make something, to finish something, let alone even starting is one of the most difficult things in the process of making. This is all drilled into us once we pick up our first pencil. But these are the habits that need to be explored and conquered over time.

Listening to negative voices

Humanity is naturally critical, even more so with the use of social media. It’s important to build resilience to withstand the overwhelming negativity. You can't please everyone. This goes back to the “magical ideal artist” moment. Building yourself as an artist takes time. Building your skill, networking, portfolio, following and ways to present your work to the world. If you plan to take your art seriously as well as others to take it seriously then you need it to be in for the long haul. There are no shortcuts.

Art is personal and can feel like an impression of the self. It is natural to feel like it isn’t perfect or up to the standard when compared to others. We often fall into the trap of not creating because it isn’t good enough, when it is the idea that not creating anything is safer than failing.

Failing takes courage, if you don’t make mistakes then you won’t learn how to improve. Making bad work is part of the process, you don’t try, you don’t fail.Take what you learn from each piece and apply it to the next, you can get to where you wish to be. Good enough is better than perfect. Your work is good enough for where you are now in your journey. The energy put into a work does not necessarily equal its value.

If someone thinks ill of your work, then it isn’t for them. They don’t need to be there for your growth, you do. Others who enjoy your work will be there for the ride.

Ways to change:

Why is it important for your art to be perfect?

Set challenges for yourself.

Remove overthinking by restricting your options.

“If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” -Vincent van Gogh

External Comparison

We have all felt like we aren't good enough while scrolling through social media or those who already have success. Why are we comparing ourselves to other people who are in different situations than us?

Comparing yourself to others

It’s easy to feel like you are not unique or what you do has already been done. There will always be someone ahead or behind you in your art journey, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for you too. If you are not directly copying from someone then you are already unique. Use them as goals and inspiration not a comparison, you never know the full picture.

If you create something that has value to people then it doesn’t become less valuable because you are creating something they already know they like. Just because two people make similar works it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for both.You are not each other's competition, compared to yourself.

Things to Try:

Many are inspired by the same things.

Reframe comparison from where you began to now.

Analyze the comparison.

Follow people who are in different stages of their journey.

“It’s not fair to yourself to compare your day 10 to someone’s day 100.” -Mimimoo Illustrations

Social Approval

Seeing how other artists got to where they are now in their careers often creates “the field of dreams syndrome”, because all we see is how good they are, that's all we focus on, what an artist should be. But this is not the whole truth, it is never as simple. Talent alone does not draw attention, you have to work hard to get yourself noticed and recognised as an artist by others. The whole journey is often simplified, when we take it in we often don’t believe it. Until we do it ourselves in our own way.

Going along with listening to everything you hear and taking it to heart. No one's journey is the same as others. This is where the misunderstanding comes from.

Many people and older generations especially find art to be difficult or low paying. This is often what you hear when explaining you want art to be a significant part of your life. Many try to deter you from pursuing it simply because they believe it isn’t a safe and stable income. However, there are so many ways that artists can make money now. Many do not understand.

In the world we live in now, not only do we have opportunities to make art work for us in creative ways but there are resources too. College is no longer the only way to become a well seasoned artist. The online art community is a wonderful space to connect and support each other throughout each other's journeys. There you can find many forums and chat groups for advice, support, mentorships, ideas and inspirations.

Things to Try:

Communicate what art means to you.

It’s okay to not have other people’s permission.

Find support within an art community online or otherwise.

Fear of Failure

Fear will always be here to remind you how much you care about your work. Failure is just a reminder of how much you want it to work and to slow you down so you can reassess the best course of action for you. Deep down, you realize that failure is not the end. It's an uncomfortable pothole that will force you to panic but know this, you can always help yourself or get others to help you change the tire and continue on.

If you don’t try you are guaranteeing you will not succeed. Don’t be afraid to take your own pace in your process, if you try to force too much of it you will become disconnected. Your fears are valid but they do not need to control your actions. Staying inside the studio is also counter intuitive. Getting out and exploring other creatives, inspirations and art will help you in your own journey through the process. What is the worst that can happen? What if you were to succeed?

Things to Try:

What if I succeed?

What does success look like to me?

Acknowledge your fear and take control of it.

Find ways that your fear can drive your motivation instead of hinder it.

“If we want magic and miracles in our life we have to remember that it means things are going to show up in unexpected ways, but how available are you to receive something in an unexpected way when you (or not) control every single step of the way and know how everything is going to look like. That isn’t a miracle, that is a plan.” -Georgina Noel

Money

Financial Stability

As an adult we have a lot of responsibilities that prevent us from taking risks. That is okay. Take this time to learn and develop skills to get to where you want to be. It is okay to take your time. Every little bit of time you can set aside to hone your skill set will be instrumental to your growth as an artist. By research, videos, podcasts, sketch practice, etc.

It is okay to start with what you have. More often than not many skills transfer into what you are striving to do. If you are wondering what you can do to cut costs, see what you can learn. You don’t have to wait for the right time to get started. Set yourself up for success. You don’t need the most expensive media to be a great artist. Hone your skills with what you have so when you grow enough and are ready to expand your skills will allow you to grow to new heights.

Things to Try:

Make a long term plan.

Educate yourself on things you don’t or want to know.

”As your career grows, you’ll expect to be selling more work. Depending on your sources of income – you may be relying on sales to support yourself and others. So, I know this is hard to swallow, but sales don’t always equal success. Don’t let this get you down. Shift your sense of accomplishment to measure each step in the progress. If you are moving towards your goals – you are successful. If your mailing list is growing – you are successful. If you’re getting into shows – you are successful. As long as you’re not giving up – you’re moving up”. - Mimimoo Illustrations

Time

No Time

Artists naturally want to do many things at once, often leading to abandoned projects or too many going on at once. We often have ideas bursting at the seems to come alive. But if you never finish or start you won’t be able to make progress in your work. It’s recommended that you work on only two projects at a time, a primary and a secondary.

Another real adult problem where we are bogged down by responsibilities. Creating art falls along the wayside because it does not satisfy these responsibilities. It is not always under the guise of time, sometimes it is about how much energy we have in a day or mental capacity to do our energy day tasks. Often you need the head space to sit down and create so adjusting your expectations and giving yourself time to work on your creations will help in the long run.

Things to Try:

Be kind to yourself.

Make your own rules for time dedication.

Set a challenge for yourself, set goals.

Wasting Time

Everyone has an idealistic idea of what an artist “is”. When in reality it isn’t all just making art and getting noticed. There is no fated turning point that will “make you an artist”. It starts with you, making actions. Start doing things now, even the smallest to get the habit following. Many people will say that to make art you have to make something everyday. That just doesn’t seem feasible. However, the idea is there. Consistency will help you grow your skill, habit of creation and help you through artist block.

Trying to do too many things at once is another way to cause inaction. If there is no focus to the action or too many options, it will inevitably cause no action at all. Set attainable goals, set limitations in the process. Oftentimes creativity needs boundaries in order to be produced.

This also correlates to adult responsibilities and having art being an insignificant priority in life. This is linked to what your expected outcomes are. Investing in yourself is not a waste of time. If art brings you joy then that adds significant value to your life. If you want your art to become your job/business/career then investing time into it is a worthwhile investment. Time spent practicing is never lost.

We often waste time on things that are enjoyable so why not let art be one of them? If it doesn’t work out this time then you have gained knowledge that can be used to do better the next time.

Things to Try:

Re-evaluate what makes an activity valuable to you.

Give yourself permission.

You’re allowed to prioritize yourself sometimes.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” - Unknown

Late to Start

When we see people younger than us doing the things we wish we were doing, it can feel like we missed out. There is no reason to not do something new, at any age. The older you are the more life experience you have to guide you on your journey. It’s not a race against anyone else, but yourself.

As an artist you have to wear many hats. But with the use of internet sources you are able to learn a variety of things to help you as an artist. Hire people to do things you can’t or to help you in your workload. Social support and groups online for resources and feedback are a great way to help you evaluate your process and see what is in need of improvement and where your strengths are.

Things to Try:

Accept that you could have started years ago.

Why does it matter to you that lots of other artists are younger?

You can change your goals and priorities at any time in life. We don’t need to be or do something forever.

“Today is the youngest you will ever be, life is too short for holding yourself back.” -Mimimoo Illustrations

Space

No Art Style

Having an art style sounds more like a bigger deal than it really is. You find your style by practicing and creating art. Using references and doing studies from other artists or aspects of life that inspire you. You don’t need to have a style to enjoy making art. Your art style can change over time so it is unrealistic to pick just one style for all of your work.

Things to Try:

Take some time to develop your style through research & practice.

Enjoy doing what feels good right now.

Build a portfolio in one style and keep your others for fun.