Folks I have an apology to make… because today is in fact Monday, not Sunday. We’re on a school break at the moment and the days all feel like the same.
So here’s this week’s update, with the benefit of a whole extra day of thought and reflection. ✨
This week’s focus: maybe you’re just a beginner
I’m so in awe of people that are wonderful artists and illustrators. I look at their work and wonder how they managed to make pencil strokes or pixels become something so beautiful.
When I reflect on my own physical art, I can’t imagine ever being able to draw like that. My attempts at sketching with an actual pencil are awkward, clumsy, and disappointing.
I used to think I could never draw and that I was bad at art. See, I loved art in school, but then I got a D in my Art GCSE. And I took that personally as a critique of my inability to be an artist and not a (frankly very honest) criticism of my inability to finish my coursework, hand it in on time, or prepare for my final exam.
In the last year I’ve got over my fear of art a little, and even started selling it. 27 real people have something that I illustrated in their homes. That’s wild.
I still feel like my art is bad sometimes (okay, a lot of the time) — especially traditional art. But what I’m realising now is that maybe I’m not bad at it, maybe I’m just a beginner.
If there’s something you feel the same way about, then maybe this is a useful way to reframe things for you too. You’re just at or near the start of your journey, or it’s a skill or hobby you’re returning to. Of course you’re not going to be incredible at it right away.
So what can you do if you often feel like your work just isn’t as good as other people’s, or that you won’t get there? Try this:
Follow other people at the same stage as you, or one step above — instead of only admiring the work of experts, seek out other newbies to grow alongside
Join a community — online communities are a wonderful place to find support, encouragement, and inspiration
Reframe your thoughts — remember that you’re just getting started, and that your work won’t be at the same level as someone else’s yet
Keep practicing — the best way to improve is to practice regularly, so exercise that muscle and make a little progress every day (or every few days) towards your goal
Record your progress — keep a visual or written diary of your journey and reflect on it every week or month for a surprise on just how far you’ve come already
Let’s say it again together: you’re not bad, you’re just a beginner 💛
Keep reading for my personal update, things I’ve found/bought and loved, and my self care idea for this week 👇