When Self-Doubt Creeps In: What I’m Learning as an Artist in Progress
My Tiny Sketchbook of Rage and my studio assistant, Mia (the spicy meatball).
Every artist I know, no matter how accomplished or confident they may appear, wrestles with self-doubt from time to time. I’m in one of those moments right now.
And I want to talk about it—not because I need advice or rescue, but because I think it’s important that we normalize what it’s like to be a sensitive creative in the middle of the becoming.
The Voice of Doubt
My self-doubt doesn’t shout. It’s not dramatic. It’s quiet, calculated, and uncomfortably reasonable. It says things like:
“Your work doesn’t look like it’s getting better. How will this ever become something someone would license?”
“Wow, Artist X has such great command of color, composition, and line. Yours looks muddy and clumsy in comparison.”
It always sounds so factual. So educated. Like it’s simply stating the truth—and that’s the part that stings.
But I’m learning to pause and notice that voice. I’m learning to respond rather than react. Because what I’ve discovered is that self-doubt is just a thought. It’s not the truth.
The Illusion of “Not Ready Yet”
My self-doubt tells me that it’s trying to protect me. It wants me to be “ready” before I put my work out there. It wants me to hit some invisible benchmark—some vague, undefined version of perfection—before I take up space.
But here’s the truth: I’ve been making art my whole life. I didn’t wait for someone to give me permission. I didn’t wait for an art degree. I chose to learn. I’ve committed to growth. I show up for this work, and I take it seriously. That’s what makes me a professional artist—not some imaginary milestone of mastery.
The Comparison Trap
I sometimes find myself scrolling and thinking:
“I’m so far behind. I didn’t go to art school. I haven’t studied like they have. There’s so much I don’t know.”
But then I remember: we don’t all arrive at the same destination through the same doorway. Some of us are walking sideways. Some of us are climbing in through windows. That doesn’t mean we’re behind—it just means we’re taking the scenic route.
And honestly? The scenic route has a better view.
The Practice That’s Helping Me Right Now
Every night, I’m doing quick studies in what I lovingly call my “Sketchbook of Rage.” It’s tiny. The paper is thin. The format annoys me. I bought it on purpose to break perfectionism’s grip. It’s a space where bad art is allowed—expected, even.
The irony? Some of the sketches I’ve made in that sketchbook are the most cohesive and charming work I’ve done in a while. It’s proof that when we take the pressure off, creativity can surprise us.
This blog has also become a place where I sort myself out. Writing these thoughts down—seeing them in black and white—helps me realize that most of my doubts are just ideas I don’t even believe in. They’re like steam. Once they’re released, the pressure dissolves.
If You’re In This Too
If you’re feeling lost or unsure or behind, I just want to say: I see you. I’d give you a big hug if I could. These thoughts don’t mean you’re failing. They mean you care. They mean your inner artist wants more from you, and is maybe afraid it’s not possible.
But I promise you: you’re not behind. You’re in process.
Speak the doubt out loud. Let it show you where you’re hungry for validation, support, or more self-trust. Then get back into the studio. Make something messy. Make something strange. Make something anyway.
Because the only thing between here and the artist you want to become… is not giving up.
Want to Follow My Creative Journey?
Here are a few ways to stay connected:
🌟 Join me on Patreon – see my work unfold in real time, vote on upcoming rewards, and support the long-term vision.
🎨 Download the Art + Soul Journal – 365 days of prompts to help you get out of your head and back into your art.
🌀 Get the Dream Distiller – a free tool I created to help you uncover your North Star, from the inside out.
💌 Say hi on Instagram – I’d love to hear if this post resonated with you.
