Be a confident Illustrator!

Being confident is a constant struggle, There's no arguing that. As artists we are constantly trying to better our work. This in turn leaves our old work to be tough to love. How do we stand up for a price tag on our work without confidence? How do we fight through artistic struggle without encouragement? I don't think we can. I am confident when I say, Confidence is necessary.

So, how do we stay confident artists, while also continue inf to grow? That is something I have struggled with since I was in design school. Don't worry though I found some solutions!

Be Postitive
Most of the time when I make something I am so close to it that all I can see is where I made the mistakes. I focus so hard on what I did wrong that what I did right gets missed. Yes thats how we get better, but don't obsess over your mistakes. Spend the same amount of time looking at your pieces victories. What did you do better on this piece, then any of your older works? you might not find it on every piece but look for the places you knocked it out of the park. 

Find great people
I have amazing people looking over my shoulder, constantly telling me I'm doing great things, but they also aren't afraid to critique. Make sure to surround yourself with great people. Find people you want to be like, or people who have it figured out. Great people want to see you succeed and make you better. Have those people critique your work. It is very easy to take critique from people who have your best interest in mind. you don't want yes people, you want confident people who want to see you succeed.

Put your work out there
before social media, I hated my work. I hated everything about my work. I loved to draw but I never liked the product. obviously I got better from practice but what got me practicing was social media and my website. At first you think, "everyone will hate my work" and who knows maybe your right. there is a lot of shit work on the internet. but what is the worst that could happen?

Ill tell you, the worst thing that could happen is your work is so bad that nobody pays attention to it. If thats the case, get better. (and you will)

But the point is, once your work is out there you realize its not that bad. most people don't troll visual artists. Its just not common. so your Instagram feed will be full of love from anyone who will double tap on the work you put out there. all good stuff for confidence.

Put in the work
the more I draw the more confident I become. I mean there are bad days too, but if you are doing the work, you will be more confident in the work you produce.

Compete with yourself
To this day I still look at other's work with envy. but this kills confidence. Just make your work better then yesterdays.

Through out the past few years these have been paramount to my success and growth. Practice all these tips and I know you will be a confident artist. You got this!


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