Valuing Your Art: Overcoming Insecurity

I used to believe being an artist was solely about creating beautiful pieces. I thought I would succeed in the art world if I could produce aesthetically pleasing work. But as I delved deeper into my craft, I realized there was much more to being an artist than just creating pretty things. It was about valuing myself and my work, something I struggled with. Like many aspiring artists, I battled with insecurity and fear of not measuring up. I hesitated to charge what my art was truly worth. Does this sound familiar to you? Have you doubted your skills and felt uneasy about asking for fair compensation? If so, you’re not alone. But I’m here to tell you that with dedication and self-work, you can transform your mindset, build confidence, and discover the power of owning your artistic value. In this blog, I’ll share my journey of finding self-worth as an artist and provide tips on how you can do the same. Let’s dive in!

Acknowledging the Fear

“The first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” This quote by psychologist Nathaniel Branden resonates with me and my journey as an artist. I was hesitant to put myself out there and fully embrace my creativity. Like many artists, I feared rejection and struggled with pricing my work. Comparing my work to others made me afraid to ask for the full price. I was a prisoner of my self-imposed limitations of the fear of being rejected or undervalued. It was so bad that I even had dreams about it. In one dream, an elderly lady wanted to buy one of my paintings and asked me how much it was. I shyly told her half the price, which she picked up on. She then advised me to always ask for what I want, especially for my art. She reminded me not to be afraid to ask for what my work is truly worth. Looking back, I realized this was my unconscious mind talking to me about valuing my work as an artist. It’s important to believe in your abilities. Never fear asking for fair compensation for your hard work and talent.

It wasn’t until I acknowledged and accepted my insecurities that I took the necessary steps to build my confidence. Confidence is essential for proudly exhibiting your work and communicating your value. It also opens doors to better opportunities. For me, recognizing the need for confidence was the first step toward change. I’m excited to see where this newfound awareness will take me. 

Focusing on Strengths: The Power of Self-Awareness

Instead of dwelling on what I couldn’t do, I focused on what I could do. I am passionate about personal development, technology, arts, crafting, and design. My stunning and realistic drawings showcase my artistic skills, but my blending techniques and use of technology set me apart. Beyond my creative abilities, I also have a background in coaching and teaching. This gives me a unique edge in understanding and connecting with my audience. I have learned to see my worth beyond just my artwork and embrace the value I have to offer.

Practicing Visualization: Seeing Success Before It Happens

Visualization became a game-changer for me. Every day, I imagine myself confidently asking for the payment I deserve. I visualized my conversations with potential clients and the satisfaction of being paid fairly for my work. This practice rewired my mindset and gave me confidence to ask for what I deserve. Visualization isn’t just daydreaming. It’s a powerful tool to train your brain to embrace success. It also reduces anxiety about the future. It has helped me to overcome my fears and doubts and has allowed me to focus on achieving my goals. By visualizing my success, I will manifest it into reality. Incorporating visualization into your daily routine can profoundly and ultimately impact your mindset and success.

Embodying the Artist Persona: Acting the Part

I remember a conversation with one of my brothers. He asked if I would buy art from someone dressed and looking like I was. At that moment, nothing about me looked creative. Then and there, I decided to dress, talk, and act like the successful artist I wanted to become. This wasn’t about pretending. It was about aligning my outer actions with my inner aspirations. I started wearing clothes that made me feel professional. I began speaking with more authority and passion about my art. I behaved like someone who respected my craft. These small changes helped me not only to look at the part but to feel it as well. And as they say, when you feel good, you do better. So, I started showing up to meetings and events with confidence. My enthusiasm made a noticeable impact on my interactions. People started taking me more seriously and seeing me as a professional artist. It was a powerful lesson. It taught me the importance of aligning our inner and outer selves. This alignment helps to achieve our goals.

Taking Consistent Action: Building Confidence Over Time

Confidence doesn’t develop overnight; it’s built through action. This was a lesson I learned on my journey towards a successful creative career. I realized that to believe in myself and my abilities, I needed to actively work towards building my confidence. So, I committed to daily habits that reinforced my belief in myself. I improved my skills. I networked with other artists. I showed up to work on my craft. Each step added to my confidence. The more I practiced asking for fair compensation and advocating for myself, the easier it became. And as time went on, I developed the experience and self-assurance needed to thrive in my creative career. So, if you’re looking to boost your confidence, remember that it’s a process. It takes time and effort. Yet, the results are well worth it.

Reaping the Rewards: Growth in Career and Self-Worth

 Reflecting on my journey as an artist and designer, I experienced significant growth. One pivotal moment was when I started believing in myself. As my confidence grew, so did my opportunities. Clients recognized my professionalism, and my willingness to value my work attracted commissions and collaborations. More importantly, I felt a deep sense of self-worth. I no longer feared asking for what I deserved. I understood the value I brought as an artist and designer. This newfound confidence helped my career and positively affected my personal life. I no longer doubted my abilities and pursued my passions with a newfound determination and drive. I am grateful for this realization and will continue to strive for self-belief in all aspects of my life.

Confidence is a Skill You Can Build

Let this story serve as a reminder that confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you cultivate. From my experience as an artist, I’ve learned that self-doubt and insecurity are common obstacles we all face. However, I’ve also learned that these feelings can be overcome. Focus on your strengths, and practice visualization techniques. Embody the artist you want to be. By doing so, you can overcome insecurity and achieve your goals. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back from pursuing your passion. Start small, stay consistent, and trust that your confidence will grow with time. The creative career you deserve is waiting, you need to believe in yourself enough to claim it.

Remember, confidence is not a fixed trait, it’s a skill that can be developed. So keep pushing, take risks, and step out of your comfort zone. With determination and self-belief, you can achieve anything.