January 2025 : The Artistic Divas World

The 7 Biggest Challenges Artists Face

Leave a Comment / Art, Art Block, artistic style, creativity, emotional vulnerability, self care / admin

Being an artist isn’t all sunshine and creativity, no matter what some might think. If you’ve been on this journey for any length of time, you know it’s filled with unique challenges that test your resolve. Whether you’re new to creating or a seasoned pro, there are struggles that unite us as artists. Let’s talk about some of the hardest challenges for artists and, more importantly, how to navigate through them.

1. That nagging feeling of “Am I good enough?”
Oh, the inner critic. It’s like an uninvited guest who never knows when to leave. Every artist battles self-doubt. “This isn’t good enough,” or “I’ll never be as talented as so-and-so.” Sound familiar? Here’s the truth: perfection doesn’t exist in art. What does exist is growth. Your work isn’t “bad”—it’s just a snapshot of where you are in your journey. Instead of obsessing over flaws, focus on progress. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small.

2. Feeling like a fraud (hello, impostor syndrome!)
So many artists struggle with this and we visited this topic here. You might feel like your success is just luck or that you don’t deserve the title of “artist.” But listen: if you create art, you are an artist. It’s not about degrees, galleries, or how long you’ve been doing this. Own your creativity and the work you put into it. You’ve earned it.

3. The comparison trap
It’s easy to look at another artist’s work and feel like you’re falling short. But here’s the thing: their journey isn’t yours. There’s always going to be someone who’s further along, but guess what? There are also people who look at your work and find it inspiring. Instead of comparing, try learning from others while honing your own unique style. Your voice in art matters just as much as anyone else’s.

self-doubt and Artists 4. Confidence taking a hit
Art isn’t always easy, and it’s definitely not always fun. When things don’t turn out the way you hoped, it’s tempting to throw in the towel. But mistakes are part of the process—they teach us and make us better. Don’t aim for perfect pieces every time. Instead, aim to create a lot. Some of it will be great, some will be… well, not-so-great. That’s okay. Even the bad pieces serve a purpose. Keep going, and watch your confidence grow. We have a blog post that talks about vulnerability here that you might find of interest if your confidence is struggling.

5. Money worries
Ah, the “starving artist” myth. While it’s true that making a living as an artist can be tough, it’s not impossible. Many artists support themselves by selling their work through websites, online marketplaces like Etsy, or even local events. It takes effort, and yes, a little creativity in how you market yourself, but it’s absolutely doable. Money is full of challenges for everyone, not just artists. Be very creative in finding solutions to this particular issue.

6. Running out of inspiration
We’ve all been there: staring at a blank canvas or screen, completely out of ideas. It’s frustrating, especially if you rely on your art for income. When inspiration dries up, step away. Go for a walk, visit a gallery, listen to music, or explore nature—whatever helps you reset. Sometimes, simply living life is the best way to reignite your creativity.

7. Struggling to be seen
Getting your work in front of the right audience can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you’re an introvert. But remember, every artist starts somewhere. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t give up. Whether it’s through social media, local events, or networking with other artists, exposure takes time. Stick with it, and the right people will find you.

Getting Your Art Seen

Being an artist isn’t easy, but the challenges we face are what make the journey so rewarding. The key is to embrace the struggles as part of the process and keep pushing forward. Here is a great site to learn more about art and the struggle of artists today. I hope you find it helpful and interesting, I did. Here is another look at this topic but from a different viewpoint, so check it out and see what you think.

What about you? What’s been the hardest part of your artistic journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share them in the comments below.

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Creating Hesitation?

Leave a Comment / Art, artistic style, creativity, creativity / admin

What Prevents You from Creating Even Though You Want To?

Have you ever sat down with every intention to create something, only to find yourself frozen, staring at your tools or a blank canvas? If so, you’re not alone. Many artists experience this frustrating gap between the desire to create and the ability to begin. Let’s explore some of the reasons why this happens and how you can overcome them.

One common barrier is perfectionism. The fear that what you create won’t live up to your expectations—or worse, someone else’s—can be paralyzing. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “If it can’t be perfect, why bother?” But here’s the truth: perfection is an illusion. The best way to silence that inner critic is to start small and give yourself permission to create something imperfect.

Another culprit is the fear of judgment. You might worry about how others will perceive your work, and that fear can stop you in your tracks. But art is deeply personal, and not everyone will connect with your creations—and that’s okay. Remind yourself that you don’t need anyone’s approval to create. Your art is for you first and foremost.

Time is a challenge for many of us. Between work, family, and other commitments, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. But creating doesn’t require huge chunks of time. Even setting aside 10 minutes to sketch or experiment with colors can make a difference. Small, consistent efforts can build momentum.

Of course, sometimes the issue isn’t external—it’s creative block. When inspiration doesn’t strike, it can feel impossible to create. In these moments, try stepping away from your usual medium. Go for a walk, listen to music, or doodle without a plan. Inspiration often sneaks in when you’re not actively searching for it.

Burnout can also play a big role. If you’ve been pushing yourself too hard or juggling too many responsibilities, your creative energy might be drained. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Give yourself time to recharge, and don’t feel guilty about stepping back. Your creativity will thank you.

Then there’s imposter syndrome—that nagging voice that says you’re not a “real” artist or that you don’t deserve to create. Let me remind you of something important: if you’re creating, you are an artist. Everyone starts somewhere, and every piece you create adds to your story. We have explored this topic before here so you can visit that post to see what I mean.

Lastly, emotional blocks like stress or anxiety can sap your creative energy. Sometimes, these feelings are hard to shake. But your art can be a tool for processing them. Don’t wait for the perfect emotional state to create; instead, let your emotions fuel your work.

If you’ve been struggling to create, know that you’re not alone. Every artist faces these barriers at some point. The key is to recognize them for what they are—temporary hurdles, not permanent roadblocks. Take a deep breath, pick up your tools, and create something today, no matter how small. You might be surprised at what unfolds.

You can visit our YouTube video channel where we have videos about being vulnerable and imposter syndrome.

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Daily Habits to Spark Creativity

Leave a Comment / Art, creativity / admin

Unlocking your inner artist doesn’t have to feel like some mystical journey or a talent you’re just born with. It’s something you can nurture every day, little by little, like planting seeds in a garden. Creativity is already inside you—it just needs a little encouragement to grow. The best part? You don’t need fancy tools, hours of free time, or even a studio. You just need a willingness to start and a commitment to keep going.

I recently started a morning ritual of doing a 10 minute art challenge. In 10 minutes, I paint something, anything. I can paint things I find on YouTube, I can paint abstract, I can try new techniques. The only rule is that I have to sit and paint something in a 10 minute time period. You can imagine that my creations are not great works of art, but that is the exact thing I am teaching myself. I am learning that there always will be creations that are imperfect or incorrectly done and it is okay. I want to abolish my perfectionism so I can let myself go. That will also help me enjoy painting more when I don’t feel any pressure to make a masterpiece. You should try this challenge, too, if perfection is a problem for you.

One of the simplest ways to spark creativity is to start your day with a small creative ritual. Think of it like stretching before a workout. Maybe it’s writing a few sentences in a journal or sketching something that catches your eye. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just something to get your brain out of “autopilot” and into “creative mode.” Even five or ten minutes can set the tone for a more imaginative day.

Another trick that works wonders is giving yourself some boundaries. I know it sounds counterintuitive—creativity is supposed to be freeing, right? But having a few limits, like a specific theme or a short time frame, can actually make your ideas flow faster. It’s like your brain rises to the challenge instead of spinning its wheels with endless possibilities.

And don’t underestimate the inspiration hidden in everyday life. Creativity isn’t just about big, dramatic ideas—it’s about noticing the little things. Look at the patterns in the clouds, the way sunlight filters through your curtains, or even the colors in your grocery store’s produce aisle. These tiny, ordinary moments can spark the most extraordinary ideas if you let them.

Here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: celebrate your small wins. Not every creative effort is going to be a masterpiece, and that’s okay. The act of creating is what matters. Maybe you painted something you’re not thrilled about, but you learned a new brush technique. Or you wrote a poem that didn’t quite land, but it helped you process your emotions. Those small victories are worth celebrating because they mean you’re showing up for yourself and your creativity.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that creativity isn’t something that comes to you—it’s something you meet halfway. You don’t have to wait for inspiration to strike. Start with one small daily practice and let it grow from there. Trust me, the more you nurture it, the more natural it will feel. And before you know it, you’ll be unlocking your inner artist every single day.

So, what’s one creative habit you can start right now? Go ahead—grab that journal, pencil, or whatever’s nearby, and see where it takes you. You might be surprised by what you create. And if you still have doubts about if you are an artist, go here to read our blog post about that.

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Am I an Artist?

Leave a Comment / Art, creativity, emotional vulnerability / admin

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Am I really an artist?” Maybe you feel a spark of creativity but hesitate to call yourself one because you don’t have formal training, a studio, or an audience lining up to buy your work. Let’s clear this up: being an artist isn’t about certifications, accolades, or fame. It’s about something far deeper—your connection to creativity and expression.

One of the biggest roadblocks to becoming an artist is the fear that no one will like your work. You cannot allow others to control your artistic abilities. Your fear is that you will become vulnerable to others, but that is exactly what art is for. It is for you to produce from within yourself and let it go out into the world to find its place. It doesn’t matter who likes or dislikes your art, as long as it speaks to the viewer, you have done your job. We talked about this vulnerability in another post and you can read that here.

So, how do you know if you’re an artist? Here’s the beautiful truth: if you feel the urge to create, you already are one.

It Starts With a Spark

It starts with a spark.Artists are people who feel compelled to bring ideas into existence. That spark might hit when you’re doodling in the margins of your notebook, snapping a photo of a breathtaking sunset, or building a perfectly frosted cake that’s almost too pretty to eat. Creativity takes so many forms, and they’re all valid.

If you’ve ever been struck by a wave of inspiration—or even frustration because you have to express yourself somehow—that’s your inner artist speaking. Listen to it.

Perfection Is Overrated
Let’s bust a big myth: being an artist doesn’t mean creating perfect, museum-worthy masterpieces. It’s about the process, the joy of creating, and the story your work tells.

It’s okay if your sketch isn’t symmetrical or your poem doesn’t rhyme. What matters is that you created something uniquely yours. Mistakes, quirks, and imperfections? They’re part of the magic.

Everyday Artists Are Everywhere

Think about this: The world is full of artists who might not even realize they’re artists. The person who paints rocks to brighten up their garden? An artist. The friend who knits cozy scarves every winter? Artist. Even the kid who builds elaborate castles out of cardboard boxes is expressing their creativity.

If you feel hesitant to call yourself an artist, take a moment to think about how often you create. Maybe it’s baking, journaling, decorating your home, or designing a spreadsheet so perfect it could win an award. Creativity shows up in countless ways.

Embrace the Journey

Being an artist is less about the final product and more about the experience. It’s about finding joy in making something, expressing your emotions, or even just experimenting.

Give yourself permission to explore. Pick up a paintbrush, take a class, or try something new. Don’t let fear hold you back. Remember, every artist started somewhere. That doodle you’re dismissing could be the start of something incredible.

The World Needs Your Art

Here’s a powerful thought: The world needs your unique creativity. No one else can create exactly like you. The way you see the world, the way you interpret emotions and experiences—it’s yours alone, and that’s what makes it special.

When you share your art, whether it’s with one person or a thousand, you’re contributing something valuable to the world.

So, Are You an Artist?
If you’ve ever created something and felt even a tiny flicker of pride or excitement, then yes, you are an artist. There’s no need for permission or validation. The act of creating is enough.

Take a moment to reflect on what you love to do. What inspires you? What makes you lose track of time? Lean into those moments. That’s where your artistry lives.

A Little Encouragement
To all the hesitant artists out there: You don’t have to be the best. You don’t need a fancy title or a gallery exhibit. All you need is the courage to create and the willingness to embrace your unique perspective.

So grab your sketchbook, camera, knitting needles, or whatever sparks your joy, and just start. You are an artist.

And the best part? The world is ready to be inspired by you.

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