A word of encouragement for artists that are afraid to start.

Are you so scared to put your art out into the world? Do you feel unprepared to post on social media or does the idea of growing your business on there terrify you? Or do you want to create your own website and there are far too many directions you can go? 

Bestie, I’ve been there. I find myself there OFTEN. 

When I was in school, I was constantly surrounded by other creatives who encouraged me to keep going and to try new things. Professors challenged me to go deeper in my designs. People outside of the College of Design were always astounded at what we were making. And then - graduation - real-world - daily support system - GONE. And it sucks! 

I used to be the person in college supporting my peers in posting their work, and then I became the person who needed encouragement to keep posting my work. 

I spent the summer pumping out projects and Reels and TikToks only to get 30 likes 200 views, and no sales. I was discouraged. 

I started to quit and just apply to full-time jobs but then I took a good look in the mirror and realized I was giving up far too quickly. 

Did I try different video methods or new products or go to more markets? No. My attitude was, in the kindest way to myself, shit. I don’t expect things to come easily to anyone or myself, and here I was, giving up after three months of trying. 

So, I started finding more markets, tried new video formats, and challenged myself to make better products. But the real kicker was that I told myself I would be confident in myself. 

I was already confident in my artwork, but myself - no. Unfortunately, in this day and age, your social media is a reflection of yourself, and it wasn’t coming off confidently. 

So, I told myself I was done worrying about what others thought. I want to do this full-time; who cares what others say? I swallowed my pride whenever someone asked me when I would get a full-time job. I stopped calling myself unemployed but rather self-employed. 

And when I tell you how much the world shifted when I did that, it would blow your mind. 

I won first in a sustainable fashion show, which connected me to many professionals and opened up many doors for my graphic design career. 

I received my first brand collab with another business where I am creating exclusive products. 

I am doing multiple sweatshirt commissions. 

I made a follower’s wedding earrings. 

And so on. 

I feel open to life and open to opportunities because of my confidence shift. It is way harder said than done; I’d be lying if I said I don’t have bad days still or slumps of time where my confidence dips because it does. But, on those days, I just remind myself of all the good that occurs when you put yourself out there. 

To quote Ellie Goulding from her hit pop song in 2014, “Anything could happen. And I know it’s gonna be alright” 

So, here’s my parting advice: let go of your worries, let go of the fear of not being enough, and let go of what is holding you back from really taking off. 

Say “yes” to new opportunities; you never know what doors they might open! 

Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself. I promise you’ll have more fun! 

You truly never know what will happen in your life, so just keep living, man! 

The world is big, and it is wide, and it is FULL of people you haven’t met who want to see what you make! 

So, SHOW THEM WHAT YOU MAKE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO!!! 

I’m proud of you; keep making, keep creating, and sharing it. I can’t wait to see it!