Starting an Art Piece with Confidence: Overcoming the Fear of Getting Started

If you’ve ever faced a blank canvas or sketchbook page and felt a wave of hesitation or even fear, know that you’re not alone. The “fear of getting started” is something all artists experience, whether they’re just beginning or have years of experience. This hesitation can stem from the desire to create something perfect from the start—but the good news is that it’s possible to move past this fear and begin your art journey with confidence.

Acknowledge and Embrace the Fear

The first step in overcoming the fear of getting started is to simply recognize it as a natural part of the creative process. Every artist, no matter how accomplished, experiences a moment of reverence—or even intimidation—before a blank canvas. This feeling is actually a sign that your art matters to you. By acknowledging that this is normal, you can take a gentler approach to starting your art.

Mindful Preparation: Setting Up with Intention

Sometimes, starting isn’t about diving in right away. Taking a few mindful steps to prepare your space can help you ease into the process. I like to call this a “tea ceremony” with my art materials. Whether it’s setting up your tools in a way that feels inspiring, lighting a candle, or playing music, creating a calm environment can set the stage for creativity.

Spend a moment with your blank page and allow yourself to appreciate it as a space filled with possibilities. Detach from the outcome and remind yourself that the creative process itself is valuable, regardless of the final product.

Try the “Stunt Double” Technique

If you’re still feeling uncertain, consider using a “stunt double” or “wild twin.” This is simply a separate piece of paper where you can test out colors, strokes, or ideas without worrying about perfection. Classical artists often use this approach to explore and experiment, and it can be incredibly freeing to have a space for “practice” before working on your main piece.

Whenever you feel unsure, go to this “wild twin” and play around without pressure. It’s a fantastic way to ease into the process and build confidence.

Art as a Journey, Not Just a Destination

Instead of putting pressure on yourself to create a masterpiece, view each piece of art as part of a journey. Just as in life, the unexpected twists and turns of your creative process make it unique and worthwhile. Embrace each step, each layer, and each mark on the canvas. This mindset shift helps you enjoy the experience of creating, no matter the outcome.

Take Baby Steps and Trust the Process

Art is a practice, and each step is valuable. Don’t worry about making massive leaps; instead, take small, steady steps forward. Trust that each mark you make contributes to your growth as an artist. Even if a piece doesn’t turn out exactly as planned, it’s part of your journey and a stepping stone toward the next piece.

Begin Your Creative Journey

Overcoming the fear of getting started isn’t about eliminating hesitation; it’s about approaching each new project with curiosity and compassion. If you’re interested in diving deeper into the art-making process and exploring more techniques for building confidence, I cover these topics in depth in my Art Soul Living – Creative Academy membership. There, we take these ideas further, turning each new beginning into a joyful, mindful experience.

Happy creations!

Ida