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I’ve often wondered how things might have been different for me, as a beginning artist, if someone had told me some of the things that I know now about the process of making art. While I don’t have any regrets for how things unfolded for me, what would I tell myself if I could go back 20 years, and offer my struggling self some wisdom and support? In the beginning of our art-making we don’t yet know what we don’t know. Everything is possible and untouched by previous experiences in art-making. We are in a state known as beginner’s mind – a place of openness and learning, unencumbered by beliefs that we’re not good enough or worthy. For the most part, we’re simply excited to be creating and recognize it’s unfair to have any expectations of ourselves at this point. We are there to learn…and begin. There is only promise and possibilities. However, depending on our previous learning experiences, we could certainly be bringing with us beliefs about our ability to learn and perform. So right at the beginning there can be mindset work to do, work that can lay the ground for us to receive, learn, and grow more effectively. Here are some key understandings about art-making that I wish someone shared with me when I began making my art: Don’t expect too much too soon. Give yourself plenty of time to learn the skills you’ll need and to develop your own understanding of the creative process, and the creative mindset. Putting your work out there too soon can be detrimental to your development as an artist. Think of a musician playing a concert before they have fully developed their skills and sensibilities as a player. Artists also need time with their craft to gain experience and make solid work before inviting critique through the judgment of others that are not informed of your history as an artist. What they have to offer may not be valuable for you, and could derail your efforts to get better at what you do.
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