When I first started panting, I had so many expectations about what being an artist should feel like. But the more I created, the more I realized that there were things no one really tells you about this journey. Some of them were tough to learn, and some were game-changers.
Here are 10 things no one tells you about being an artist—but they’re 100% true:
1. Art isn’t just about talent—it’s about consistency.
You don’t need to be “naturally gifted” to be a great artist. The real key? Showing up, experimenting, and practicing. The more you create, the better you get—it’s that simple.
2. The fear of messing up never fully goes away.
Even after years of painting, I still hesitate before making that first brushstroke on a blank canvas. But I’ve learned that fear doesn’t mean I shouldn’t start—it means I care.
3. Selling art is a skill in itself, completely separate from creating.
No one tells you that being an artist also means being a marketer, photographer, and storyteller. Creating and selling are two different things, and learning how to sell your work is just as important as making it.
4. Some of your best ideas will come when you’re not painting.
I used to think inspiration only happened at the easel. But some of my biggest breakthroughs have come while walking, cooking, or even falling asleep. Creativity works in the background, even when you’re not actively painting.
5. Your "ugly" paintings will teach you the most.
Not every painting turns out how you imagined—but those “failures” are often your best teachers. They show you what works, what doesn’t, and push you to experiment in ways you wouldn’t have otherwise.
6. Inspiration isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create.
I used to think artists were just naturally inspired all the time. Now I know that inspiration comes after you start painting, not before. The more you create, the more ideas flow.
7. Finding your style takes time (and it will evolve).
So many artists stress about finding “their style,” but the truth is—your style finds you. It’s not something you decide overnight; it’s something that naturally develops through years of painting. And guess what? It keeps evolving!
8. Not every painting needs to be a masterpiece—experimentation is just as valuable.
I used to feel pressure to make every painting “good.” But some of my most important paintings were the ones where I just played with color, technique, or composition with no expectations.
9. The more you create, the more confident you become.
Confidence isn’t something you wait to feel—it’s something that grows through doing. Every painting you make adds to your experience, and with each one, you trust yourself a little more.
10. There’s no “right” way to be an artist—only what feels right for you.
There are no rules. There is no one path to success. Art is personal, and the best thing you can do is find what works for you—whether that’s your creative process, your subject matter, or how you sell your work.
If you’re looking for more tips and inspiration, don’t forget to grab my free Composition Cheat Sheet below🎨
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A Rare Peek into My Sketchbook – Free Composition Cheat Sheet!
Mastering composition takes practice, but these tips will help you create more balanced, impactful artwork. Ready to elevate your skills further? My free Composition Cheat Sheet offers a peek into my sketchbook with ready-to-use ideas and layouts.
Download it HERE and start transforming your art today.
