The power of being a confident artist ? By Adele Sciortino
Confidence is a powerful force that shapes every aspect of our lives, influencing how we approach our art, interact with others, and overcome challenges. It serves as a way for personal growth and empowers us to pursue our creative dreams with determination and authenticity. The beauty of confidence lies in the fact that it can be nurtured and developed over time, not just reserved for a select few.
Confidence is not about showing off or seeking validation from others. True confidence stems from an inner sense of self-assurance that arises when we embrace both our strengths and weaknesses. It allows us to celebrate our unique artistic voice, knowing that our worth extends far beyond external judgments or passing opinions. As we find this inner security, we become less affected by external pressures and more focused on our artistic journey of self-improvement and growth.
An essential pillar of confidence is self-awareness. Understanding our artistic values, passions, and aspirations helps us build a strong artistic identity. This awareness also aids in setting realistic goals, breaking down artistic challenges into manageable steps. Each milestone we achieve along the way reinforces our belief in ourselves, creating a positive feedback that further boosts our confidence.
The road to confidence is not without obstacles. As artists, we all face fears, doubts, and setbacks. Embracing these moments is when the true transformative power of confidence reveals itself. Viewing obstacles as opportunities for artistic growth, we learn, adjust, and emerge stronger, armed with newfound wisdom and experience.
Confidence positively impacts how we engage with others in the artistic community. When we show self-assurance, we inspire trust and respect from fellow artists and art enthusiasts. This energy fosters healthier artistic relationships, creating an environment of support and collaboration. As confident artists, we often find ourselves becoming natural leaders, empowering others to reach their artistic potential.
It's important to remember that building confidence is a process that requires patience and self-compassion. As artists, we must be kind to ourselves and acknowledge that growth takes time. Setbacks are natural, and they offer opportunities for reflection and growth. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive artistic community, whether it's through friends, mentors, or like-minded artists, can provide valuable encouragement and feedback, upholding our belief in ourselves and our creative pursuits.
Here is a personal story I would like to share?
As artists, we often encounter setbacks that can deeply shake us. I can personally share an experience from a few years ago when I had set a long-standing goal to have several of my sculpted pieces critiqued by professional artists. I had spent many months preparing for this important occasion.
When the day finally arrived, and my sculptures were presented before the critique committee, I couldn't help but feel hopeful that my hard work would lead to acceptance into their organization. However, my hopes were dashed when, after waiting for over a month, I received a cold and indifferent rejection email. There was no acknowledgment of the effort and care I had put into creating those pieces for this special opportunity.
This rejection hit me hard, and it had a profound impact on my sculpting endeavors. While the person who sent the rejection letter might not have been affected, for me, it was a difficult blow to recover from. I had to face not only the disappointment of the rejection but also the challenge of rebuilding my confidence to sculpt again.
Despite this setback, I haven't given up on my passion for sculpting. However, I must admit that to this day, there has been no follow-up from the organization to see if I'd like to try again.
As artists, we must learn to cope with rejection and setbacks, understanding that they are part of the journey towards growth and success. It takes resilience and determination to keep pursuing our artistic dreams even in the face of disappointment. Though the experience was disheartening, I have used it as an opportunity to grow and refine my craft, continuously pushing forward with renewed determination.
Will apply again? No!
However, I can't help but wonder what could have been done differently in my previous attempt in presenting my work. One crucial aspect on the organization part could have been the assignment of a mentor to guide and support me in improving the areas that the critique committee felt needed work. Having the right mentor can make a significant difference in an artist's growth and development.
While organizations can be fantastic and supportive, finding the right fit is of utmost importance. Each organization has its unique culture and values, and aligning with one that complements an artist's vision and goals is essential for a fruitful experience.
I believe that organizations should evaluate not only an artist's technical skills but also the other traits and qualities they bring to the table. These additional attributes can contribute to making the organization stronger and more diverse.
Admittedly, the rejection did leave me feeling discouraged at first. However, upon reflection, I now see that it was a blessing in disguise. The experience pushed me to excel in other creative areas, and I have since circled back to sculpting, using my journey to help other artists build their confidence. I've learned that you don't necessarily need an organization to find your artistic path and support network.
It's important to remember that the opinions shared here are entirely personal. Joining an art organization can offer many rewards, but it's essential to find one that aligns with your artistic vision and values. Every artist's journey is unique, and finding the right community or support system can make a world of difference in one's artistic pursuits.
Becoming a confident artist is an empowering journey that involves both self-discovery and skill development. Here are some tips to help you cultivate confidence in your artistic abilities:
1. Embrace Your Unique Style: Understand that every artist has their own individual style and approach to their craft. Embrace your uniqueness and let it shine through in your artwork. Don't compare yourself too much to others; instead, focus on developing your authentic voice.
2. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, artistic abilities improve with practice. Set aside dedicated time to create art regularly. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in your techniques and ideas.
3. Set Goals and Challenges: Set achievable short-term and long-term goals for yourself as an artist. These goals can include mastering a specific technique, completing a certain number of pieces, or participating in an art exhibition. Challenges will push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow.
4. Learn from Critiques: Receiving feedback and critiques, whether from peers, mentors, or online communities, can be immensely beneficial. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve your work, but also remember to stay true to your artistic vision.
5. Celebrate Your Achievements: Acknowledge your progress and celebrate your artistic achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Building confidence often involves recognizing your growth and the efforts you put into your art.
6. Keep a Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive attitude towards your art and yourself as an artist. Avoid negative self-talk and self-doubt. Recognize that mistakes are a natural part of the creative process and can lead to new discoveries.
7. Attend Workshops and Classes: Participate in workshops, art classes, or online courses to learn new techniques and gain fresh perspectives. Continuous learning can boost your confidence by expanding your knowledge and skills.
8. Exhibit and Share Your Art: Display your artwork in local galleries, art shows, or online platforms. Sharing your creations with others will not only give you exposure but also provide valuable feedback and encouragement.
9. Network with Other Artists: Connect with fellow artists and creatives in your community or online. Engaging with like-minded individuals can inspire you, offer support, and help you feel part of a larger artistic community.
10. Be Patient with Yourself: Building confidence as an artist is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and understand that improvement takes time. Stay committed to your passion, and your confidence will grow as you continue to create and explore.
Remember, confidence in art is not about being perfect; it's about embracing your creativity, expressing yourself, and enjoying the journey of self-expression through your art. Enjoy the process, and let your confidence blossom as you evolve as an artist.
Ultimately, confidence is not a destination but an ongoing artistic journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Embracing our unique artistic abilities, celebrating our achievements, and learning from challenges are the stepping stones to blossoming confidence from within. Let this unshakable confidence be your guiding light, helping you navigate the artistic uncertainties with courage, grace, and an unwavering belief in the extraordinary artistic capabilities that reside within each and every one of you.
Keep creating and be confident in your art. The world is waiting to experience the brilliance that only you can bring to life.
I would like to leave you with this thought:
"Confidence is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets."
