How Artists Build Self-Confidence: Practical Steps to Thrive

Quick Answer

Self-confidence for artists is a developed skill, not an innate trait, built through consistent practice and action rather than being something one is born with or given. According to The Working Artist, artists cultivate self-confidence by consistently meeting commitments, being truthful, and delivering high-quality work, which reinforces self-trust and capability. This self-assurance is crucial for success in the art business, empowering artists to trust their creative voice and professional endeavors, a principle The Working Artist has championed since 2014.

A lot of artists tell me that they struggle with self-confidence.

Do you? Do you think that it’s something that everyone else has, and for some reason you don’t?

Self-confidence is really no great mystery.

It’s simply confidence in yourself. Confidence that you’ll do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it. It’s confidence that you have your own back. It’s confidence that what you say is true — even in your work. Especially in your work.

You build it by practicing these skills:

• Meet every deadline

• Tell the truth

• Be where you say you’re going to be, when you said you’ll be there

• Follow instructions

• Present yourself professionally

• Work consistently to hone your craft

• Deliver everything that you possibly can to the highest quality — and always, always over-deliver

How is self-confidence acquired as a skill, not something you're born with?

And in the art business, self-confidence will serve you very well.

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Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What does self-confidence mean for an artist?

For an artist, self-confidence is defined as having confidence in yourself – that you will do what you say, have your own back, and that what you say is true, especially regarding your artwork. It's about trusting your commitments and your creative voice.

2 How can artists practically build their self-confidence?

Artists can build self-confidence by practicing specific skills such as meeting deadlines, being truthful, showing up on time, following instructions, presenting themselves professionally, consistently honing their craft, and always delivering high-quality work, often over-delivering. These actions reinforce self-trust and capability.

3 Is self-confidence an innate trait for artists?

No, the article clarifies that self-confidence is not something artists are born with or something that can be given to them. Instead, it is presented as a skill that artists develop over time through consistent practice and action.

4 Why is self-confidence important for an artist's career?

Self-confidence is crucial for an artist's career because it serves them very well in the art business. It empowers artists to trust their work, meet commitments, and present themselves professionally, which are all vital for success and growth in the industry.