Before I became an artist, I had so many ideas about what being an artist meant—and honestly? A lot of them weren’t true. If I had held onto these beliefs, I might have never started painting at all!
Here are 10 things I used to believe—and what I’ve learned along the way:
1. That talent was something you were born with
I used to think that if you weren’t naturally great at art, there was no point in trying. But talent is just the starting point—practice, curiosity, and persistence are what really make an artist. No one picks up a brush for the first time and paints a masterpiece.
2. That changing my style meant I was inconsistent, when really, it was growth.
I used to worry that switching styles meant I wasn’t “serious” enough as an artist. But over time, I realized that growth means change. My style has evolved multiple times, and each shift brought me closer to work that feels more me.
3. That every painting had to have a deep meaning—but sometimes, creating for joy is enough.
I used to put so much pressure on my work to have a profound story behind it. But some of my favorite pieces were made just because they felt good to paint. Art doesn’t always need a big explanation—sometimes, beauty and joy are enough.
4. That the best ideas had to come instantly—now I know creativity takes time.
I thought artists just knew what they wanted to create right away. But I’ve learned that creativity isn’t always about big, sudden ideas. Sometimes, the best work comes from slow exploration, trial and error, and allowing ideas to develop over time.
5. That art should always come easily—when in reality, struggles are a big part of the process.
I used to think that if I was struggling with a painting, it meant I wasn’t good enough. But now I know that struggle is just part of creating. Some of my best paintings have come from moments when I pushed through frustration.
6. That if a painting wasn’t working, it was a failure—but now I see every piece as a lesson.
Not every painting turns out the way I imagined, and that used to frustrate me. But I’ve learned that every piece teaches me something—whether it’s a new technique, a new idea, or just what not to do next time!
7. That artists should always feel confident about their work—but we doubt… everything.
I thought experienced artists always believed in their work. But here’s the truth—I still doubt myself. I still wonder if a piece is “good enough.” But I keep creating anyway, because confidence grows through the process, not before it.
8. That artists always feel inspired—nope, showing up matters more than waiting for inspiration.
I used to think that artists had endless creativity flowing at all times. Now, I know that inspiration isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create by showing up, experimenting, and trusting the process.
9. That once you find “your style,” you have to stick with it—but evolving is part of the journey.
I put so much pressure on myself to define “my style,” thinking I had to stick with it forever. But styles evolve naturally. My work looks very different today than it did a few years ago, and I love that growth.
10. That if a painting doesn’t sell, it means it’s not good enough—when in reality, art connects with people in its own time.
I used to believe that if a painting didn’t sell quickly, it meant something was wrong with it. But I’ve learned that art finds the right person at the right time. Some of my favorite pieces took longer to find their home, and that’s okay.
Final Thoughts:
If I had held onto these beliefs, I don’t know if I would have ever become an artist. The truth is, art is a journey—full of growth, self-doubt, surprises, and joy. And that’s what makes it so worth it.
Do any of these resonate with you? Have you ever believed something about art that turned out to be totally wrong?
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