Facing the Canvas: Overcoming 5 Common Fears New Artists Experience When Showcasing Their Work
Stepping into the world of art can be both exhilarating and terrifying. As a new artist, the decision to share your creations with the public often brings with it a whirlwind of emotions. Whether it's your first gallery showing or simply sharing your work on social media, the fear of exposure is universal. Let’s dive into the five most common fears new artists experience when showcasing their work and explore actionable strategies to overcome these anxieties.
Fear #1: Fear of Criticism
The fear of criticism can be overwhelming. Artists often pour their soul into their work, and the thought of negative feedback can be paralyzing. This fear is not unfounded; criticism can indeed be harsh and sometimes unjust.
How to Overcome It
One effective way to manage this fear is by developing a thick skin and understanding that criticism is a part of growth. Consider the following:
Seek Constructive Feedback: Look for feedback from trusted mentors or fellow artists who can provide constructive criticism rather than just negative remarks.
Join Art Communities: Engaging with supportive art communities, such as local art groups or online forums like DeviantArt, can help you gain confidence and perspective. I personally have had a lot of luck finding like minded artists in Discord (just google some) and Reddit threads! Check them out!!
Fear #2: Fear of Rejection
The fear of rejection can halt an artist's progress. Rejection can come in many forms, from not getting accepted into an exhibition to receiving a lukewarm response from potential buyers.
How to Overcome It
Embracing rejection as a stepping-stone rather than a setback is crucial. Here are some tips:
Persistence Pays Off: Remember that many successful artists faced numerous rejections before gaining recognition. Persistence is key.
Learn and Adapt: Use rejection as an opportunity to refine your work and approach. Each rejection brings you closer to success.
Fear #3: Fear of Not Being Good Enough
Many artists grapple with the fear that their work isn't good enough to be shown to the world. This can stem from comparison with more established artists or self-doubt.
How to Overcome It
Building self-confidence and focusing on personal growth can help alleviate this fear. Consider these strategies:
Focus on Progress: Celebrate your progress and milestones, no matter how small. Each completed piece is a testament to your growth.
Avoid Comparisons: Comparing yourself to others can be detrimental. Instead, compare your current work to your previous pieces to see how far you've come.
Fear #4: Fear of the Unknown
The unknown can be a scary place for new artists. Whether it's the fear of new experiences, unfamiliar environments, or uncharted territories in their artistic journey, the uncertainty can be daunting.
How to Overcome It
Embracing the unknown with curiosity rather than fear can transform your artistic journey. Here are some suggestions:
Experiment: Trying new techniques and mediums can be a thrilling adventure that expands your artistic horizons.
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the art world, galleries, and exhibitions. The more you know, the less intimidating it will seem.
Fear #5: Fear of Success
Ironically, the fear of success can be just as paralyzing as the fear of failure. Success brings with it new expectations and responsibilities, which can be overwhelming.
How I Have Overcome It
Embracing success with a balanced perspective can help mitigate this fear. Here are some tips that I have found most helpful over the last (very lifechanging) few months:
Stay Grounded: Remember why you started creating art in the first place. Keeping your passion at the forefront can help you navigate success with humility and grace.
Take It One Step at a Time: Success is a journey, not a destination. Appreciating each achievement and staying focused on your long-term goals can help you manage the pressures of success.
Take a Deep Breath: You are making art, not curing Parkinson’s disease or something. You are making a unique, imperfect, visual display of your soul. Don’t worry that its not perfect…just breath and move on.
Facing the canvas with confidence and courage is a journey every artist must undertake. By understanding and addressing these common fears, you can transform your anxieties into powerful catalysts for growth and creativity. Embrace your artistic journey with an open heart and a fearless spirit.
More resources…
Here are a few more links that could be beneficial for new artists looking to engage with communities, showcase their work, and gather resources:
ArtStation: A platform for professional artists to showcase their portfolios and with opportunities. ArtStation
Behance: An Adobe-owned platform where creatives can showcase and discover creative work. Behance
Etsy: A global online marketplace where artists can sell handmade or vintage items and craft supplies. Etsy
Saatchi Art: An online art gallery and platform for artists to sell their work and for collectors to find new art. Saatchi Art
Dribbble: A community of designers sharing screenshots of their work, process, and projects. Dribbble
Instagram: A popular social media platform that's highly visual and can be a powerful tool for artists to showcase their work. Instagram
