Advice for self-taught artists and designers.

In this video, I talk about my experience of going from a self-taught artist, children’s book illustrator, and a textile designer to a professional one, my story of self-doubt and how I overcame the experiences that almost had me leave my creative dreams. I hope you find inspiration and support in my video that will help you be brave and keep going!

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Sometimes I feel like a beginner and that I am missing many things even after many years as a professional illustrator and designer. I definitely have those days too!

Yep, that’s my truth I wanted to share with you today. Just in case you were
thinking that professional designers and artists have it all figured out, let me share…

I started out as a self-taught illustrator and designer 13 years ago and the fears of missing something and not being enough were real and kept me for going after my creative dreams. I got brave one day and went to a conference in Italy and one of the older illustrators there almost screamed at me for showing him “digital artwork” to critique 🙂 he thought that digital artwork will not last 😄 I felt very sad and disillusioned for a few days and wanted to give up art altogether after that conversation.

Well, good thing that I snapped myself out of it, didn’t listen to his negative comments and decided that my creative dream is much more important to me than any unsupportive things people say as I had years or amazing projects ahead of me waiting to come to life.

But, sometimes we actually tell these unsupportive things to ourselves!

I tell you this because it’s unavoidable to feel like a beginner sometimes like you don’t know what you are doing.

AND THAT”S OK!!!!

I believe that the sooner I acknowledge my fears of my art not being enough, the sooner it will pass
and I can get back to being good old productive me.

I shared my thoughts on how to get over the self-taught artist fears in this video:

Ok, that’s all I got for you today…embrace your beginner period and know that these moments will happen…own it….and it will help you keep on moving.

Oh, and you should know now that no matter how successful you are, these moments will happen. We are all human and we tell ourselves sometimes that other people are better than us, that there is so much we don’t know, we overwhelmed ourselves…so make sure to surround yourself with people who will build you up and
have your back.

Embracing Your Journey as a Self-Taught or Beginner Artist.

Ss an experienced self-taught artist and creative studio owner, I understand the struggles that come with starting out in your creative journey. It can be overwhelming, especially when you’re new to the industry and don’t know where to go or what to do. But let me tell you, it’s all okay!

I remember a defining moment in my career when I was just starting out. I was a self-taught children’s book illustrator and I went to a conference in Italy, eager to show off my portfolio. I was excited to get advice from a famous Dutch illustrator. However, as soon as he found out that I was self-taught, he was extremely harsh and told me that digital art was a waste of time.

At that moment, I was taken aback and felt down about my abilities. But as I took the train back to my hotel, I made a decision that would change my life forever. I decided to pursue my passion for art and illustration out of love, not for anyone else’s approval. Over time, I published my own children’s books, started my own creative studio, and was able to support myself and my family with my art.

I want you to know that it’s okay if you’re feeling insecure or lost in your creative journey. We’ve all been there. But it’s important to remember that growth comes from within and you will get better with time and practice.

Don’t let anyone bring you down or discourage you from pursuing your passion. It’s your journey and you have the power to make it as successful and fulfilling as you want it to be.

If you’re just starting out, find the supportive people in your life who believe in you and your abilities. Surround yourself with positivity and don’t compare yourself to others. Remember, we’re all on our own journeys and there’s no right or wrong way to do things. Just keep creating, learning, and growing, and you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.

In conclusion, being self-taught or just starting out in your creative journey can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to embrace your unique perspective and bring your own ideas to life. So, don’t be afraid to take the leap and chase your dreams. I believe in you!

Hope this video was helpful for you to get you started overcoming your beginner artist blocks and that you found my advice for self-taught artists and designers helpful.

I know you can do it! Grow, love, and create!
Oksancia