Having Confidence in Your Own Artistic Style
I remember years ago when I started creating my own art again after college. I didn’t know where to start or even what to create. I spent five years on a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education degree and I knew I wanted to create art on a smaller scale than what I had been creating.
I started with birds using pen and ink. I made Christmas cards for friends and family with birds on them for a few years. And eventually, I branched out into other creatures and even landscapes. I enjoy acrylic painting on canvas and pen and ink on paper.
It has taken me a while to find my style. I am proud to say I’ve illustrated all eight books I’ve self-published in the last couple of years. From colorful musicians with their instruments in my book, I Am a Gifted Musician: Affirmations for New Players of Music to colorful nature sketches in my Surrounded by God’s Blue Sky series, I enjoy my loose style with pen and flowy paints (usually some kind of ink).
I started a new project recently (no surprise there). I had an idea for a children’s book for a while but all the pieces of the puzzle just weren’t there yet. I patiently waited as my brain held onto the idea. Then, in a weird sequence of events, I suddenly had a story I wanted to write and illustrate.
Illustrating a children’s book seems like a whole new ballgame. I felt a sense of pressure to get things perfect. I wanted to illustrate the book in my sketchy, loose style but would it be “good enough” for a children’s book? Would children be interested in it and admire it? All these questions swirled around in my head for a few days.
It felt easy to compare myself to other illustrators. And now with AI art on the scene, I was feeling a bit insufficient. But I simply had to stop comparing myself with others. I had to tell myself that it was O.K. to gain inspiration from other illustrators without doubting my talents.
I decided to start creating some of the illustrations and just stick with my style. It is unique, and it is my own. And I should be proud of it. Once I started, I enjoyed the process immensely. I have a few of the illustrations completed and it’s exciting to see the book take shape.
I found myself reciting some new affirmations. I have three books of affirmations, so it just comes naturally to make those “I Am” statements.
I am a gifted artist.
I am smart.
I am talented.
I am comfortable with my style.
Yes! There we go! Finally, my confidence is there the more illustrations I create. I am proud of myself for sticking with my style, and not giving up on it. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my book.
Do you have trouble with comparing yourself to other artists (or writers)? How do you overcome negative self-talk? Drop a comment below; I would love to hear from you!
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