8 Lies Artists Like to Tell...themselves.

1)     I’m not good enough or I’ll never be good enough.

Stop fooling yourself! You are wonderful just the way you are!

2)     I’m not a real artist, it’s just a hobby.

Perhaps you tell yourself this because you’re afraid of the “A” word (artist). You are every bit an artist whether you spend full-time or a little time on the weekend in play.

3)     I’ve never sold a painting. I must not be a real artist.

You’re certainly not a fake artist! Don’t place monetary value on your worth. You’re worth so much more than the cost of a Monet!

4)     So-and-so is much better than me or I’ll never be as good as so-and-so.

Oh, I know the comparison game quite well! This game never ends well and will always leave you feeling “less than.” Appreciate the artwork that others put into this world but try not to weigh yourself against them. There’s room in the world for everyone to share their special gifts.

5)     I’m not a REAL artist.

You seem real to me! Don’t undervalue your amazing talents.

6)     No one’s ever heard of me.

Take a little time to put yourself out there. Start a blog, make some new friends, or take a marketing class if this is what you wish to pursue.

7)     There’s never enough time to paint (or other creative passion).

It’s all about managing your time wisely. Peruse your planner and see where you can fit in a little time for you. If it’s something important to us, we’ll make time for it.

8)     But my art teacher said…fill in the blank.

Ah yes, my high school art teacher told me that I didn’t know when to stop. You know what this did to me? It paralyzed me. I was then afraid that I would go overboard and ruin a painting. Sometimes people say critical things trying to be helpful. These comments stay with us longer than they should ever be welcome. It’s all about learning to shake it off and let it go. You’re doing a beautiful job.

You are an artist! Claim it. Own it.

And stop telling yourself lies.