I only started my artistic journey in my late 20s. Before this, I was all about science and no craft. I’d never taken a formal art class, never studied at an art school, and honestly had no idea what I was doing—I just knew I wanted to paint.
Since then, I’ve slowly built a creative practice that brings me so much peace. I’ve had my work exhibited, created prints for collectors, and connected with other artists around the world. And while I still have moments of doubt (don’t we all?), I’ve learned a lot about what it means to show up for your art—even when you feel like you don’t know enough. Building confidence as a self-taught artist is something I’m constantly working on. So, let’s dive into it!
Even artists with degrees and gallery shows feel uncertain sometimes. There’s no magical point where you “arrive” and never question yourself again.
💡 The truth? Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from action.
The more you paint, the more you grow. You learn by doing. You’ll never feel totally ready, and that’s okay.
Being self-taught means you’re figuring it out as you go. That’s brave. That’s creative. And that’s valid.
🎨 Let your early work be messy, weird, or clunky. It’s not proof you’re failing—it’s proof you’re learning.
🫶🏽 Keep showing up, even when it feels awkward. That’s where growth lives.
🕰️ Be patient with yourself – learning these skills take time! and a whole lot of practice
Not every painting has to be your best. In fact, most of them won’t be. And that’s completely normal.
🖌 Make ugly art. Try things that don’t work. Take the pressure off each piece needing to be perfect.
📓 Keep a sketchbook just for play—no expectations, no judgement. I have a whole article on the benefits of keeping a sketchbook, you should check it out if your interested!
💡 Confidence grows when you give yourself permission to explore, experiment, and not get it right the first time.
Confidence doesn’t have to come from big milestones. Look for the little things:
🤍 You finished a painting.
🤍 You tried a new colour palette.
🤍 You painted even when you weren’t feeling motivated.
Celebrate those wins. They matter.
Not everyone needs to “get” your art—but it helps to find people who support your process.
👩🏽🎨 Follow artists who share honestly, not just highlight reels.
🫶🏽 Join creative communities where feedback is kind, not crushing.
📣 Share your art, even when it feels scary. Every post builds courage.
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something your brain builds over time.
In psychology, this is linked to self-efficacy—the belief in your ability to achieve a goal (Bandura, 1997).
🧠 Every time you try something new, your brain is literally building new neural pathways. That’s neuroplasticity at work (Doidge, 2007).
💪🏽 The more consistent you are, the stronger those pathways get—and the more confident you become.
Some of the most well-known artists in history were self-taught. Being self-taught doesn’t mean you’re missing something—it means you’re forging your own path. It takes guts, resilience, and a deep love for learning.
Your work is valid. Your journey is valuable. And you’re not behind—you’re just exactly where you need to be.
If you’re feeling a little unsure, here are some gentle next steps:
🤍 Keep a sketchbook just for practice—not perfection. Check out my article on the benefits of daily sketching!
🤍 Try something new, even if it’s a bit scary.
🤍 Remind yourself that growth takes time, and you’re allowed to be learning.
And hey—if you’ve read this far, you’re already doing the most important thing: you’re showing up. That’s where confidence begins. ✨
if you’re in the mood to keep reading, check out this article on discovering your own artistic style. If that doesn’t interest you, you can browse through all my other articles for more artsy goodness 👩🏽🎨😌✨
☼ Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.
☼ Doidge, N. (2007). The brain that changes itself: Stories of personal triumph from the frontiers of brain science. Viking.
☼ Winner, E. (2006). Development in the arts: Learning, creativity, and talent. In K.A. Renninger & I.E. Sigel (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology (Vol. 4, pp. 999–1024). Wiley.
☼ How do I build confidence as a self-taught artist?
☼ What if I feel like I’m not good enough?
☼ How can I stop being so hard on myself when I make mistakes?
☼ Can I still grow without formal training?
☼ What does psychology say about building creative confidence?
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hi, i’m sarah, an australian artist head-over-heels for watercolour & creative practice- it truely is good for your soul.
& this ↑, is my girl alys.
i am completely self-taught in all the mediums i use & i am here to share everything i know with you!
i write about all things creativity, watercolour, gouache, hand-made ceramics, collecting art, & my own artistic process. I have degrees in human psychology & veterinary medicine- so you might find some sporadic related facts in my writing.
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