5 Things I Wish I Had Known Earlier as an Artist

I often look back a few years and wonder why certain things felt so difficult at the time, especially when it comes to creative processes that mostly happen in your head.

Here is a small list of things I wish I had known earlier.

1. Your style comes from repetition, not overthinking

Before getting lost in your thoughts and planning everything in your head, it is better to focus on simply making work. A style develops through doing, not through overthinking. While it is natural to look at others for inspiration and think about what you could change, this often becomes counterproductive. The focus should stay on your own work and process.

2. Inspiration often comes while working, not before

As with the first point, inspiration usually appears once you are already engaged in the work. Nothing is less inspiring than negative thoughts and overthinking goals that can only be reached through consistent effort and time spent working.

3. The artists you admire also doubt their work

It is a misconception that successful artists spend their days effortlessly creating perfect work. They have likely gone through many low points as well. The difference may simply be that they are further along and have learned to deal with those challenges more effectively.

4. The fear of mistakes prevents more art than mistakes themselves

This is often the result of too much overthinking. Everyone makes mistakes and they happen often. But the more you create, the more positive results you will also get. In the end, it is the volume of work that helps you improve. Mistakes are always part of the process.

5. What looks like an overnight breakthrough is often years of consistent work

This is likely influenced by how we consume social media. Almost every so called overnight success is the result of many years of hard work. Even if it appears sudden or comes from a completely new field, it is still built on skills developed over time.