How to silence self-doubt
Have you met Lilla Rogers? She’s worked as an art agent, an illustrator, a speaker, a columnist, the creator of a national jewelry craft line, an educator, an author and more, and she has tons of wisdom to share.
Art agent Lilla’s courses often explore the psychological side of carving out a career as an illustrator. After decades in the industry as an art agent, a mentor, a full-time illustrator and an educator, she has tons of wisdom to share, and works hard to nurture creative people.
With that in mind, we’ve been asking Lilla to answer some of the Big Questions about life as an illustrator. You can check out her previous answers here:
- How can I keep creating with joy in difficult times?
- How can I deal with envy in my work as an illustrator?
- Is making art that sells selling out?
Today we asked Lilla about something else that will be familiar to many artists: self-doubt. We all have it: that little voice in your head that’s always honing in on your flaws, your mistakes, your weak points.
Q: Lilla, I’m my own harshest critic. When I look at someone else’s work, I can appreciate how beautiful it is, but when I look at my own, all I can see is my inadequacies! How do I stop this taking over?
In MATS MBA (Money BadAss), students are asked to write two letters: one from their fear and then their reply. Make Art That Sells student Erica Root said: “The assignment inspired me to create two pieces of these opposing sides to remind me that any time I am faced with a decision, I have a CHOICE – will I choose Fear or Courage to walk with me.”
A: Lilla replies: Creative people have fine minds and heightened sensitivities. You’re able to create something new and original, beautiful and unique. This is the good part.
However, the difficult part is that this same intensity can be turned inward, and can produce a sense of inadequacy. You may feel that your work isn’t good enough, you’re not doing enough for your career, or someone else got a great project and you didn’t.
I would like to suggest that you ask yourself “Am I feeling inadequate?” Take a read on how you’re feeling. Then say to yourself, “Adequate, not inadequate. That’s good enough for now.” Try this throughout the day.
Thanks Lilla. We hope that that helps. And don’t forget, if you’ve got a question for Lilla then get in touch by emailing [email protected].
- Monday, July 8th: Join brilliant children’s book art director and picture book author, Zoë Tucker, and creative director, art agent and smash-hit game creator, Riley Wilkinson, for Bootcamp Special: Character Play and discover how to make winning characters for books, toys, games and more! FUN FACT: This course is just £99 (approx. $126)!
- Next newsletter: Want to know more about how you can use the characters that you create in class? We’re sharing the character that became a game that became a book!
Lots of love
The Make Art That Sells team xxx
