How 33 Artists Deal With Fear in Their Art Practices
Creating art grounds us during uncertainty. Here’s how your fellow artists conquer fear and insecurity.
If you’re a nerd for personality types, then you’ll appreciate what I’m about to divulge. When it comes to the Myers-Briggs Personality Test, I’m an INFJ. As far as Enneagrams are concerned, I’m a Type 4 — “The Artist,” go figure. A common attribute of these specific “types” is the deep disdain for small talk. Instead, I crave raw, real, and meaningful conversations. I feel more seen and heard when I can let it all hang out with someone who also wants to share their deepest thoughts. I also feel a lot less alone in my struggles, insecurities, and fears. This vulnerable type of expression and connection is also, in my humble opinion, the pinnacle of art itself.
Apparently, a good portion of the Artists Network community craves vulnerable conversations, too. (Are you surprised?)
How do you deal with fear as an artist?
Since the launch of our new artist podcast Art Bound, we’ve been continuing the real talk after hours with the Artists Network community — on our Join the Conversation page, in the Artists Weekly newsletter, and on social media. We recently continued the discussion sparked by Art Bound Episode 1: Art & The Fear of Failure when we asked you how you deal with fear and insecurity in your artistic practice — and boy, did you all have thoughts to share.
Here are just a few dozen of those answers. I’ve found reading through them particularly helpful this week, as I struggle with election anxiety as well as navigating life during the era of COVID-19. We’re all having a lot of feelings right now, and it is the act of creating that grounds us during uncertainty. As you strive to make art during this time, discovering what other artists grapple with might help you dismantle the power of your own fears and inner critic. On top of that, may this list of responses help foster a sense of collective resilience and connection, especially during such an isolating moment in history. Like I said, vulnerable conversations like this make me feel much less alone. I’m hoping it does the same for you.
It’s a Struggle
I don’t deal with my fear and insecurity. It feels like I am lying when I attempt to sell my work. I know what price I want for my work based upon material and hours, but I always undercut myself. I feel like an imposter; an undeserving wannabe. — Therese R
It’s not so much fear but really anger that drives me to make art. I find that when I’m angry I put all that anger into making something. It’s the way I cope and deal with situations around me. — Priscilla M
Ugh, I’ve had it forever, but just lately feeling like I’ve made a slight breakthrough. I realize it stems from the lack of fundamental knowledge. Online videos, studying, workshops, etc. I just kept at it. I feel more confident now than before and am trying to stay focused on a proper path, picking up knowledge along the way. It’s hard, but I’m trying to embrace the journey. — Laurie E
Honest answer? Avoidance and procrastination. I didn’t say it was effective. — Tiggy B
Why Bother?
I’ve just gotten used to it. EVERY painting I do, I have to pass through the thought, ‘This is crap. Why do I bother?’ Every time. I’m 61 now. Still doing art and doing some of my best work. I think the trick is to recognize your thought patterns, accept them, and work through it. — Victor C
I often wonder, ‘Why bother?’, especially now. I do not get into every show, and my work does not sell like hot cakes. I’ve been a working artist all my life and now, in my mid-sixties (yikes!) I’m doing my best work. I wake up with purpose each day, and while working on one painting I’m thinking about the next. Maybe that’s enough. — Carmella T
What Others Think
Too old for that crap. You don’t like my art … don’t buy it. — Theresa H
Take other people out of the equation. Make for yourself first. Find what makes you happy. Because when you are happy it shows in your work. — Cheyenne G
I’ve been at it since 1983. Got a shell about me now. — Lisa A
At the end of the day, creating anything is brave. Putting it out for the world to have an opinion on? That is even braver. Deciding to be an artist is also deciding to feel that fear and do it anyway. I remind myself that I do it because I love the process, and that’s all that matters. I feel like if you create from an authentic place then it will resonate with the right person somewhere. It just needs to find them. — Erika H
Muscling Through
Most of the time I try not to think about it because I know I am as good as anyone else. Sometimes, though, the fear is paralyzing and stops me either from creating or communicating to an application because I anticipate a rejection of my skills. When that happens, I have to set aside the day and look through all my media presentation and just send out the info, regardless of the outcome — basically muscling through. — Iris G
Sometimes I have to remind myself of the journey I embarked upon to get here today. It was a brave step to follow my heart and ambitions. I proved myself worthy every step of the way and reached my goal of a master’s degree in painting. That’s something. Every painting is better than the last, so get to work! — Kim H
I do my best to stay away from things that trigger my imposter syndrome and natural competitiveness. Stepping away from Facebook last year made a huge difference. — Kelly E
I basically go out of my comfort zone by pushing and selling my wares. I’ve met many interesting people and will continue to try to make connections to gather exposure and sales. — Dee S
Embrace the oh-my-God-I-don’t-know-what-I’m-doing feeling. And just enjoy the DOING and the surprise at the end. — Jean A
Finding Perspective
I ask for my friends’ opinions on my artwork because I know that they will tell me honestly if they think that my artwork needs something. I am 20 years old and have been doing artwork for four years. — Kelsey B
I go to a modern art museum. When I look at some of the pieces that cost thousands — maybe even millions — of dollars for what they did, it encourages me to go home and paint. — Marilynn K
Realizing and acknowledging that until death, learning continues. Stay humble to continue to learn. — Yuki
After teaching art to high schoolers for 18 years, I have learned that to conquer fear you must face it head on. With that your insecurities will disappear. — Robin D
Creating art is a gift from our creator — one of our closest things to a spiritual reward and most intimate form of individual expression. Learning not to allow one’s ego to become vulnerable to negative criticisms is our second biggest reward. — Suzanne F
Fighting Perfectionism
Not every piece of art you create will be perfect, but if you let fear stop you, then you’ll never create anything. You learn from every piece you create. — Sarah B
I’m a born perfectionist. But I had to learn to see and appreciate the beauty of imperfection in my work. I love painting and realized early on that striving for perfection would quickly cause me to stop. I’ve had to accept — and even embrace — the imperfections in my paintings. I also had to accept criticism and the fact that some people would detest my work, some would think my paintings are just okay, and some people would love my work. Now, I just immerse myself in the process and thoroughly enjoy it, regardless of what anyone else may think. — Susen F
I tell myself, “Just go for it, and have fun along the way. Don’t let silly fears and insecurities hold you back from sharing your work with the world. Stop trying to make the perfect piece. Perfection holds you back from reaching your full potential, from creating art enjoyably, and makes you doubt your artistic abilities. Don’t compare your work to others; instead, learn from them. Also learn from your mistakes and use them to help you grow. If you never mess up, you’ll never learn what it takes to succeed.” — Anastasia G
Keep Going
Learned of this term recently, ‘imposter syndrome’. I struggled with this much of my life without knowing it was common among most of us. Recognizing these feelings and understanding it’s normal helps. I keep my head down and create. — Kate S
I keep creating until it goes away. — Susan C
I generally pull some paints out and start swiping papers and canvas and let the process bring me back to whole. Just swatching color can be healing; the process is the mechanics of building confidence and washing away fear. Literally I wash in color and erase fear. — Vicki C
Just keep going and let the fear stand in a far corner. It may ONLY watch but NOT interfere! — Andrea D
I once had an art teacher tell me that if I got one frame-able painting out of 10 attempts I could consider myself an artist. I get confidence from that and from the joy I feel when an attempt is successful. — Candice K
Just keep going, and it works out well. — Prabha P
By creating more work to enhance my artistic skills. By doing more you strengthen your artistic muscles. — Carmen S
Go With the Flaw
I put it on my canvas and work around it and add layers to mold it into something more confident. Otherwise, my anxiety takes over and I won’t get anywhere with the piece. — Dottie T
I make lots of sketches and color maps before starting most of my watercolors. It increases my confidence to know I’ve worked some of the kinks out before I begin. It’s most important to just show up and create something. Everyone has a unique perspective that needs to be shared with the world. — Candice M
In our pottery studio we have a note posted: “Go with the flaw” (no, not flow). Try not to think of everything as precious from the very beginning. That works for painting too. It’s just paper/canvas/dirt/clay. — Anne S
Have a technical question?
Contact UsJoin the Conversation!