December 2024 : The Artistic Divas World

The Courage of Vulnerability

Leave a Comment / Art, artistic style, Communities enhanced by art, creativity, emotional vulnerability / admin

Artists are some of the most vulnerable and some of the bravest people I know. Every brushstroke, sketch, or sculpture is a piece of their soul, a peek into their inner world. But with that courage comes a challenge that many artists face daily—emotional vulnerability. Let’s explore what this means and why it’s such a universal experience for creatives.

Creating art is an intimate process. Whether you’re painting a portrait, sculpting a figure, or designing something abstract, your work often reflects your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. When you share that art with the world, you’re essentially putting a part of yourself out there for others to see—and critique. That’s where vulnerability comes in.

The fear of criticism can be overwhelming. It’s one thing to create in the privacy of your studio, where only you see the imperfections. It’s another to show your work to others, knowing they might not interpret it as you intended or, worse, dismiss it entirely. Even a passing comment like, “I don’t get it,” can sting because it feels personal. And let’s be honest, how could it not? Your art is personal which is what makes you vulnerable.

But emotional vulnerability isn’t all bad—it’s also what makes art powerful. It’s the rawness, the honesty, that connects your work to others on a deeper level. People resonate with art because they see pieces of themselves in it. Your courage to be open allows them to feel seen, heard, and understood. In a way, your vulnerability becomes a gift.

So how do you manage this double-edged sword of vulnerability? Here are a few tips:

Remember Why You Create
Stay connected to the joy and purpose behind your art. Whether it’s self-expression, storytelling, or simply the love of creating, let that be your anchor.
Not Everyone Will Get It—and That’s Okay
Art is subjective. What doesn’t resonate with one person might deeply move another. Focus on the audience that appreciates your work.
Separate Yourself from Your Work
Your art is a part of you, but it’s not all of you. Criticism of your work isn’t a judgment of your worth as a person.
Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Product
Art is as much about the journey as the final piece. Every project, whether a masterpiece or a learning experience, contributes to your growth.
Find a Supportive Community
Surround yourself with fellow artists who understand the your vulnerability and the highs and lows of creative life. They can provide encouragement, feedback, and solidarity when you need it most.

Vulnerability as an artist isn’t easy, but it’s also what makes your work meaningful. The very thing that makes you feel exposed is the thing that connects you to your audience. It’s your superpower, even on the days it feels like a curse. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you as you create something only you can bring into the world.

We talk about issues that creatives face on this blog and we have dealt with several obstacles we face. You can find a few of these posts here and here.

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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Leave a Comment / Art, artistic style / admin

Imposter syndrome—let’s talk about it. We looked at this once before, but it deserves to be explored and reviewed frequently. You can see our previous blog post about this topic here. If you’ve ever created something, whether it’s a painting, a poem, or even a beautifully decorated cake, chances are you’ve felt it: that nagging little voice whispering, “You’re not really good at this. People are going to find out you don’t know what you’re doing.” It’s frustrating and honestly a little heartbreaking, isn’t it? You pour your heart into your work, but instead of pride, you’re met with doubt. That’s imposter syndrome for you—and it’s something so many creative people wrestle with.

At its core, imposter syndrome is this persistent belief that you’re not as capable or talented as others think you are. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been painting for twenty years or sold hundreds of your creations—it’s the sneaky feeling that you’ve somehow managed to fool everyone, and it’s just a matter of time before you’re “exposed.” The irony? People with imposter syndrome are often incredibly skilled and hardworking, but they’re too busy picking apart their flaws to see it.

So why does this hit creative people so hard? I think it has a lot to do with how personal creativity is. When you make art, you’re putting a little piece of yourself out into the world. That makes it feel vulnerable, like you’re saying, “Here, this is me. Do you like it?” And if there’s even a hint of criticism—or worse, silence—it’s easy to interpret that as rejection of you, not just your work. It’s a high-stakes game that can make even the most confident artist second-guess themselves.

Another piece of the puzzle is comparison. Thanks to social media, we’re constantly bombarded with images of other people’s work, often accompanied by captions about how quickly or effortlessly they created it. It’s almost impossible not to compare your behind-the-scenes struggles with their polished final product. Of course, what we don’t see are the hours they spent reworking a sketch or doubting their choices. But our brains don’t always care about the reality—they just see “better than me” and run with it.

Perfectionism also feeds into imposter syndrome. If you’re the type who sets impossibly high standards for yourself, you might feel like anything less than perfection isn’t worth celebrating. You downplay your accomplishments because, in your mind, they don’t count unless they’re flawless. And let’s face it, when it comes to art, “flawless” doesn’t even exist. Art is subjective—what one person loves, another might not understand at all. But when you’re in the throes of imposter syndrome, it’s hard to remember that.

There’s also the societal pressure to “make it” as an artist. We live in a culture that often equates success with money or fame. If you’re not selling out galleries or racking up followers, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing, even if you’re making incredible work. And for those who do find success, imposter syndrome can creep in with thoughts like, “I just got lucky,” or “I don’t deserve this.”

So, what can you do about it? Well, the first step is recognizing that imposter syndrome is a liar. It thrives in silence and isolation, so talk about it with other creatives. You’ll be surprised how many people say, “Oh my gosh, me too!” Knowing you’re not alone can take a lot of the sting out of it. Also, take time to celebrate your wins, no matter how small they seem. Finished a painting? That’s a win. Tried a new technique? Another win. Those little moments of pride add up and can help counteract the negative voice in your head.

Finally, try to shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on whether your work is “good enough,” focus on the joy of creating. Remember why you started in the first place. Was it to prove something to others, or was it because you love it? At the end of the day, the only person who needs to believe in your art is you. And let’s be real—if you’re showing up, putting in the work, and creating from the heart, you’re already more than good enough.

If you are a visual learner, we also have a video about this on our channel, The Artistic Diva.

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Creating Art on a Budget

Leave a Comment / Art, Art Journaling, artistic style, Cardboard Art, Collage, Crafts, creativity, DIY Art Supplies / admin

Art doesn’t have to be a pricey endeavor. Some of the most creative and unique pieces come from the simplest materials and the humblest beginnings. With a little ingenuity and resourcefulness, creating art without emptying your wallet can be done. Here’s how each of these budget-friendly tips can help you as an artist:

1. Creating Art with What You Have
Before heading to the craft store, take inventory of what you already own. Those leftover scraps of fabric, old magazines, cardboard boxes, or packaging materials tucked away in a closet can be the perfect foundation for your next project. This approach not only saves money but also pushes you to think creatively about using unconventional materials. An old shoebox can become a shadow box, and those fabric scraps might turn into beautiful journal covers.

When you limit yourself to what’s on hand, you’re also doing your part for sustainability by reducing waste.

2. Thrift Store Goldmines
Second-hand stores are like hidden treasure chests for crafters. You can find old books with gorgeous illustrations, picture frames for upcycling, jewelry that can be disassembled into embellishments, and fabric remnants perfect for sewing or mixed media projects. The key is to visit these stores with an open mind. That broken necklace might seem like junk at first glance, but its beads and charms can bring your next junk journal or collage to life. You will never run out of ways for creating art at a thrift store.

Thrift shopping is also a fun way to spark new creative ideas. You never know what you’ll stumble upon!

3. Creating Art with DIY Supplies
Buying pre-made art supplies can be expensive, but many of them are easy to make yourself. For example:

Stamps: Carve designs into erasers or potatoes for custom shapes.
Stencils: Cut patterns into cardboard or plastic sheets.
Coffee-Dyed Paper: Soak regular paper in coffee for a vintage effect, perfect for junk journaling or calligraphy.
Creating your own supplies not only saves money but also gives your projects a unique, personalized touch. Plus, the process of making these supplies can be just as rewarding as the art itself.

4. Swap and Share
If you’re part of a crafting community or have artistic friends, consider organizing a swap. You can trade supplies you no longer need for materials that inspire new projects. For example, you might have extra watercolor paints while someone else has a stash of fabric they’re willing to trade. This helps you and the crafting community in creating art without breaking the bank.

Swapping also builds relationships within your artistic circle and exposes you to materials or tools you might not have thought to use.

5. Free Digital Resources
The internet is a goldmine for crafters on a budget. Websites like Pinterest, Canva, and Unsplash offer free templates, graphics, and high-quality images you can use in your projects. You’ll also find countless tutorials on platforms like YouTube that teach you how to use these resources effectively.

For printable art, sites like The Graphics Fairy or Creative Commons offer vintage and royalty-free images you can download and incorporate into your work. This expands your creative toolbox without spending a cent.

6. Think Outside the Box
Everyday items often overlooked can bring extraordinary character to your art. Bottle caps, keys, buttons, twigs, and even bubble wrap can be used for texture and decoration. Nature is another rich source of materials—leaves, stones, and pressed flowers can add organic beauty to your creations.

This mindset not only stretches your budget but also helps you see the potential for creating art in unexpected places, keeping your creativity fresh and innovative.

How This Helps the Artist

We have visited this before so you can check that out here. By adopting these budget-friendly practices, you not only reduce your expenses but also foster a sense of resourcefulness and innovation. Working within constraints can spark ideas you might never have explored otherwise. Plus, the satisfaction of creating art from what might have been discarded is deeply rewarding.

Creating art isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how you see the world and express it. So grab what you have, explore new resources, and start crafting your masterpiece today!

You can check out this link here to find great art supplies for a little expense. This is an affiliate link and I get a few pennies if you use it.

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