What Does It Mean to Fear as an Artist?

There’s a truth about being an artist that often goes unspoken: the constant, creeping fear that threatens to overshadow every stroke of creativity. Today, I’m choosing to face that fear head-on by sharing the raw and real challenges that come with living a creative life.

You see, being an artist is a constant battle against fear and anxiety. There's the fear of not being able to sustain a creative practice, the fear of financial instability, and the fear that pursuing financial stability might compromise my artistic growth, among others. I have countless memories of building up the courage to create a piece, only to find I am absolutely paralyzed by the challenge of portraying the ideas in my head and not doing them justice.

Just like an artist staring at a blank canvas, anyone can face paralyzing fear in their daily lives—whether it's the anxiety before a big presentation at work, the fear of making a major life decision, or the pressure to meet high expectations. These fears can feel overwhelming, but just as an artist learns to navigate through their doubts, so can you. Imagine the satisfaction of finishing a challenging project, or the relief of making a decision that aligns with your values. The fear may never fully disappear, but by confronting it, you pave the way for growth, whether in your career, relationships, or personal goals.

Why Understanding and Familiarizing Yourself with Creative Fears Is Essential

Understanding and familiarizing yourself with creative fears is essential because it allows you to see these anxieties for what they truly are: complex barriers that, while daunting, can be navigated and overcome. Creative fear is often a mix of self-doubt, perfectionism, and fear of failure, and it can paralyze even the most seasoned artists. By acknowledging and dissecting these fears, you gain insight into their roots—whether they stem from past criticism, societal pressures, or internalized beliefs that your work isn’t “good enough.” This understanding is the first step in dismantling their power and taking back control over your creative process.

Familiarizing yourself with these fears also fosters self-compassion, enabling you to approach your anxieties with kindness and patience instead of frustration or avoidance. This self-awareness builds resilience, empowering you to persist in your creative journey, even when fear looms large. By getting to know your creative fears, you transform them from insurmountable obstacles into challenges you can navigate with confidence and courage, ultimately setting the stage for growth and artistic fulfillment.

Practical and in-depth Sources

To further support your journey in managing and overcoming creative fears, I’ve found a couple of insightful sources that offer practical, in-depth insights on the topic. Take a look at this article compiling Five Timeless Books of Insight on Fear and the Creative Process written by Maria Popova or if you prefer to listen to a podcast, here is Andrew Huberman’s episode on The Science of Creativity & How to Enhance Creative Innovation.

How Can We Face Our Creative Anxieties?

Gratitude is one way to deal with these fears, yet if we’re being honest with ourselves, it often falls short to the trials and tribulations of life. Some other actionable steps you can take towards combating these fears include but are not limited to:

Setting boundaries between work and rest.
Are your environment and schedules currently working for you or against you?
Letting go of expectations we create for ourselves or accept from society’s misguided standards.
What do these expectations create for you? Do they bring happiness, validation, stress? How can you shift your perspective to achieve what you want without limiting yourself?
Re-discovering joy in your discipline or expanding into new areas of creative expression.
What did your practice look like before fear struck? What part of that process can you bring back into today’s practice?
Expanding into new areas of creative expression.
Whether it’s a walk in the park or a dance class, exploring different activities can shift your perspective and refresh your mind. Are there other hobbies that give you a break from creative pressures?
Share your struggles with those around you.
What does a person in another discipline think of the challenges you are currently facing? How did they approach an obstacle in their life similar to what you are going through?

While these options might seem simple, the reality of putting them into practice is far more challenging. Yet, it's through this repeated struggle, through facing countless obstacles, that progress begins to take shape.

Finding Fulfillment Amidst the Struggle

Art, for me, is a constant battle—a dance between frustration and fulfillment. Each time I sketch, whether it’s an animal or a figure, I wrestle with the intricate details that bring my vision to life. Perspective, volume, color—every element is a challenge, and when things don’t align, it can feel like a personal failure. Yet, the moment a piece comes together, the joy it brings is beyond words.

Despite these fears, I find solace in moments of gratitude—reminding myself of the privilege it is to wake up every day and chase my passion. I’m grateful for the opportunity to struggle towards creating a life that makes me happy and aligns with my character.

Even with all the challenges, I can’t help but feel incredibly fortunate. The opportunity to create something that resonates with me, that might even be considered beautiful, is a privilege I don’t take lightly. For me, nothing compares to the fulfillment art brings.

How Can We Support Each Other as Creatives?

The life of creativity is a journey filled with fear, growth, and triumph. As you navigate your own creative path, I challenge you to take a moment today to acknowledge those fears—and then to create anyway. Remember, we are stronger together. Here are a few ways we can lift each other up in this beautiful struggle:

Share Your Story: Open up about your own creative journey with friends, fellow artists, or online communities. Your experience could resonate with someone else, offering them the encouragement they need to keep going. You can join me on Instagram @Evan_Mz00 where I regularly share my own challenges and triumphs, and I’d love to hear your stories too.
Offer Encouragement: A kind word, a thoughtful comment on a fellow artist's work, or a message of support can make all the difference. Letting others know you see their efforts and appreciate their unique contributions can influence their motivation and inspiration!
Exchange Ideas and Resources: Whether through art meetups, online forums, or social media groups, sharing ideas, tips, and resources helps us all grow. Collaborative projects or simply discussing creative challenges can lead to new insights and enhanced imagination.
Give Thoughtful Gifts: Art can be a powerful way to uplift others. Consider giving a piece of art that includes daily reminders or affirmations as a gift to yourself or someone you care about. My recent collection of postcards titled Seaside Serenity, which features messages of positivity, compassion, and self-love, is designed to bring daily encouragement into your life and make a perfect gift for a fellow creative.

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