Every artist I’ve worked with—whether emerging or well-established—has, at some point, faced a creeping sense of doubt. Sometimes it shows up as a quiet hesitation before submitting to a gallery. Other times, it’s a more gnawing fear that whispers, “You’re not ready,” “You’re too old,” “Your style isn’t right,” or “No one will buy this.”
These thoughts feel personal, even unique. But they’re not. They’re part of the creative process, especially when you’re stepping out of the studio and into the business of art.
Why Doubt Shows Up When You’re About to Level Up
Doubt doesn’t usually show up while you’re sketching or painting quietly. It shows up right before you send that email, walk into that gallery, or post that price online. And that timing isn’t a coincidence.
When we’re on the verge of doing something risky—something that puts our work in front of others for judgment—our brains rush in with every reason to back away. It’s a form of self-preservation. If we retreat now, we won’t have to experience the sting of rejection or the discomfort of change.
It’s tempting to believe these concerns are based in objective truth. That your location is a genuine liability. That your style really is too niche. That your age is a disqualifier. But more often than not, those concerns are a convenient place to hang our fear.
And in that way, they become a sort of pre-excuse: “If I fail, at least I know why.”
What You Can—and Should—Focus On
You can’t control your age. You can’t change where you live overnight. But what you can control are the aspects of your art business that truly matter: the quality of your work, your consistency, your presentation, your professionalism, and the effort you put into reaching new collectors or gallery opportunities.
Confidence doesn’t come before the leap. It comes after. It’s built by taking action in spite of fear—not waiting for fear to vanish.
If you’re hesitating to send your portfolio, pick up the phone, or even price a piece of artwork—recognize that hesitation for what it is. And then, act anyway.
Nervous Is Normal
One of the most helpful things you can do is reframe nervousness. It’s not a sign that something is wrong. It’s a sign that you care and that you’re doing something that matters.
The goal isn’t to eliminate fear or doubt. It’s to make them irrelevant by continuing to do the work anyway. You don’t need to feel bulletproof before taking action. You just need to take the next step.
Keep Moving
You don’t need a perfect plan or total clarity. You need movement. Reach out to that gallery. Post the new work. Follow up with that client.
Self-doubt feeds on inertia. It shrinks in the presence of motion.
The business of art is full of uncertainty. But it’s also full of possibility. And the only way to discover what’s waiting for you on the other side of that self-doubt is to move through it.
Thank you Jason. I really needed to hear this today.
The business of art is not for the faint of heart. It requires the creator to move beyond the known and into the unknown where others fear to tread. The insatiable demand to create overcomes these limitations but once created the presentation of the concept or object is subject to the perceptions of society, failure or success, . This is the second part of the creation that artists /creators forget is actually a necessary part of the creation. it is the other half of creativity.
For myself even after 50 years of painting there is hesitation to let it go out into the world. however to fulfill the concept/creation it requires to be presented to the world. Have fun with the process and if you do not then hire another to do that part for you. [they are called agents, galleries, wives, parteners]
Take the leap!
thank you for this advice. I work so hard and love it so very much but sometimes so very afraid to put my work out for sale. I want it, need it and work hard at it everyday.
thank you
Katherine Wilson
Every time I struggle with something in the marketing of my art, it seems a reddotblog pops up on my feed and totally wipes away my fears. This is one of them! I am old. I do fear putting myself out there. Sure, I sell art at our annual shows and people tell me they love my work but I cannot get over the imposter syndrome. Little by little, blog by blog, I am getting over myself. Thank you!
Reflecting on about 50 years’ experience as an award-winning educator, I want to say that Jason’s contention that confidence comes after the leap is one of the most important things anyone could say about human behaviour.. Confidence is a consequence and not a cause of leaping. While building confidence does make leaping easier, we still need to leap. And in the way we are thinking of leaping here, it is always something we have never done before and we can’t be certain of the outcome.
Jason’s article emphasized leaping into the art business, and I take everything he says about that to heart. The same principles apply to making the art in the first place. My commitment to make the best sculptures I can make before I die makes starting to carve each new stone a scary leap of faith. I live in a state of uncertainty about whether I will, as I say to my wife every night for the weeks or months before completion, “get away with it”. Given that commitment to quality, all of the emotions that relate to uncertainty come with the territory of sculpting. I can manage them and learn to keep leaping despite them, but I see no way and no need, even in principle, to overcome them.
You hit the nail on the head again, Jason! I know I feel like that off and on, even now. I just try to ignore the fears and persevere!
This is a wonderful post! And this kind of trepidation is not exclusive to artists – although due to their sensitive natures, they may feel it more, or be more aware of it. Change of any kind is tough. It may be good to remember that the root of the word “Courage” is the French word “Coeur”, meaning “heart”. So when going into new places, whether in creating art or finding its home, “Prend courage” – Take courage, be heart-filled. The first step is always the most difficult. I write from 50 years of making my living in art – all of them difficult, but immeasurably rewarding.
❤️❤️❤️yes ,it is not the easiest way of being in this lifetime,but can’t do otherwise 😊
Nearly everything worth attaining comes with some kind of risk. With art it’s
1 What’s the worst consequence that could happen if I did what I’m afraid to do, which is go out and put effort into selling these paintings?
I’ll have wasted time and money on materials and marketing, people will go “pffh”, I’ll be stuck with them…
But, I can always make more money, I have enough saved to try painting something different, I can always give them away…
2 What’s the likelyhood of them being duds?
I don’t know. People obviously like that subject matter though and maybe they’ll like my style.
This was so helpful to hear – thank you so much for writing about self doubt. It’s so hard to put yourself out there for the world and it’s super helpful to hear that we are not alone.
I’m glad this post resonated. Putting ourselves out there is tough, and you’re right—self-doubt is something every artist shares at some point. Thanks, Amy, for your openness here; it helps build the kind of community where artists can support each other.