Being an artist is an incredible journey, but let’s be honest—it’s not always as effortless as it looks. There are struggles, quirks, and self-doubts that come with the creative process, things we don’t always say out loud. But I’ve learned to embrace them, because in the end, they make me the artist I am today.
So here it is—the real, unfiltered truth. If you’ve ever felt any of these, know that you’re not alone!
1️⃣ I’ve changed my art style more than once—and honestly, it was terrifying each time.
Every time I shifted my style, it felt like I was starting over from scratch. Would my audience still connect with my work? Would I still love what I was creating? Change is scary, but every time I leaned into it, I ended up in a place that felt even more me. Growth as an artist means evolving, and I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to trust where your creativity takes you.
2️⃣ I hardly ever feel like a piece is truly finished—there’s always something I could tweak!
The urge to “fix” something is real. I’ll stare at a painting for days, thinking, Maybe just one more layer… But at some point, I have to remind myself that no piece will ever feel perfect—and that’s okay. Imperfection is what makes art unique.
3️⃣ I’ve painted over pieces that others loved—sometimes, my gut just says start over.
This one has been tough. I’ve had people fall in love with a painting, only to find out I covered it with a completely new piece. But if something doesn’t feel right to me, I have to trust my instincts. Art is deeply personal, and I believe that each painting finds its right moment—or its right second life.
4️⃣ I hoard art supplies (because you never know when you’ll need that extra brush… or ten).
I admit it—I have an excessive collection of brushes, paints, and sketchbooks. And yet, somehow, I always feel like I need more. There’s something about fresh art supplies that sparks creativity.
5️⃣ I get impatient with drying times… and yes, I’ve smudged my own work more than once!
Waiting for layers to dry is torture when you’re in the flow. I’ve rushed the process too many times, only to end up with fingerprints, smudges, or colors blending in ways I didn’t intend. Sometimes, I have to force myself to walk away and let the paint do its thing.
6️⃣ I still get nervous before starting a new painting—every. single. time.
You’d think after all these years, I’d be completely confident picking up a brush. But nope. That blank canvas is still intimidating. The first brushstroke always feels like a big leap, but I remind myself that creativity only flows when I stop overthinking and just start.
7️⃣ I’ve had paintings sit unfinished for months (or even years). Some ideas just need time to breathe!
There are pieces that I’ve abandoned, convinced they’ll never work—only to come back months later and see them in a completely new light. I’ve learned to be patient with my process. Sometimes, a painting just isn’t ready yet.
8️⃣ I sometimes like my underpaintings more than the final piece and wonder if I should’ve stopped earlier.
There’s a raw beauty in those first layers of paint. Every now and then, I step back and think, Did I overwork this? Should I have left it as it was? It’s a delicate balance between refining a painting and knowing when to stop.
9️⃣ I get attached to my paintings, and some are really hard to let go of!
Selling a painting is always exciting, but some pieces feel different. They hold memories, emotions, or personal breakthroughs. There have been a few I’ve hesitated to part with, and honestly? Some I just decided to keep.
🔟 I’ve had creative ruts that felt like they would last forever… until suddenly, inspiration hit.
There have been days (or even weeks) where nothing flows, and I start to wonder if I’ll ever create something I love again. But then, out of nowhere, inspiration strikes, and I’m right back in it. I’ve learned to trust the ebb and flow of creativity—it always returns.
1️⃣1️⃣ I talk to my paintings. Yep, full conversations. And honestly? It helps.
Okay, this might sound strange, but sometimes I literally ask my painting, What do you need? And I swear, it works. Whether it’s adjusting a color, shifting a composition, or just stepping away, listening to my gut (and my painting) usually leads me in the right direction.
1️⃣2️⃣ I get inspired at the worst times—like right before bed or when I should be doing something else.
Creativity doesn’t care about schedules. Some of my best ideas pop into my head right as I’m about to sleep, or in the middle of another task. I’ve learned to keep a notebook nearby so I can capture the idea before it disappears.
Art is a Journey, Not a Destination
At the end of the day, every artist has their own quirks, doubts, and struggles—but that’s what makes the creative process so special. I’ve learned to embrace the imperfections and trust that every challenge is part of the journey.
Do any of these resonate with you?
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