What self-doubts or fears hold me back from sharing my art with others?

The Fear of Exposure: Overcoming Self-Doubt as an Emerging Artist

As creatives, the world over know all too well, putting our art out into the universe can be a daunting task. For many of us, the fear of rejection, criticism, and vulnerability holds us back from sharing our work with others. As someone who’s passionate about growing as an artist, I’ve often found myself grappling with these very same doubts. So, what self-doubts or fears hold me back from sharing my art with others?

The Fear of Rejection

One of the most crippling fears that holds me back is the fear of rejection. What if people don’t like my work? What if they think it’s mediocre or, worse still, terrible? The thought of pouring my heart and soul into a piece only to have it met with indifference or disdain is enough to make me want to hide behind a veil of anonymity.

But here’s the thing: rejection is an inevitable part of the creative journey. Even the most renowned artists have faced rejection at some point in their careers. It’s how we respond to that rejection that matters. Rather than letting it define us, we can use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

The Fear of Vulnerability

Sharing our art with others requires a level of vulnerability that can be uncomfortable, to say the least. When we create something, we’re essentially putting a piece of ourselves out there for all to see. It’s natural to feel exposed, like we’re laying our souls bare for others to judge.

However, it’s this very vulnerability that makes art so powerful. When we share our work with others, we open ourselves up to the possibility of connection and understanding. We may be surprised by how much our art resonates with others, and how it can spark meaningful conversations and relationships.

The Fear of Comparison

In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to compare ourselves to others. Social media platforms are filled with talented artists who seem to have it all together. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, wondering why our work isn’t as polished or successful as someone else’s.

But here’s the thing: comparison is a thief of joy. When we focus on what others are doing, we take away from our own unique voice and vision. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we should be focused on honing our craft and staying true to our artistic vision.

The Fear of Imperfection

Let’s face it: none of us are perfect. Our art won’t always be flawless, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s often the imperfections that make a piece truly memorable.

Rather than striving for an unattainable level of perfection, we should focus on embracing our quirks and flaws. They’re what make our art human, relatable, and authentic.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

So, how do we overcome these self-doubts and fears that hold us back from sharing our art with others? Here are a few strategies that have worked for me:

• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Remember that everyone starts somewhere, and even the most successful artists had to begin at the beginning.
• Focus on your why: Why do you create in the first place? What drives your passion for art? When we focus on our purpose, rather than our fears, we’re more likely to stay motivated and inspired.
• Take small steps: Start small. Share your work with a trusted friend or family member. Gradually build up to sharing it with larger groups or online platforms.
• Celebrate your successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. This helps to build confidence and reinforces the idea that our art is worth sharing.

In conclusion, overcoming self-doubt and fear takes time, patience, and practice. It’s a journey that requires us to be kind to ourselves, focus on our purpose, take small steps, and celebrate our successes. By doing so, we can silence the voices of doubt that hold us back from sharing our art with others – and unlock a world of possibility and growth as creatives.