Embrace Your Inner Art Superhero (Cape Optional, Coffee Essential)

How to Overcome Creative Fear as an Artist

You know what keeps me up at night?

No, it's not wondering if I left the curling iron on (though that happens too). It's the fear that one day, I'll wake up and my creative well will be bone dry. Empty. Zeroed out. Like my bank account after Christmas.

Here's the thing that might surprise you: I've been running my digital art business for almost 9 years now, and that fear? It hasn't gone anywhere.

If you asked me, "Mandy, what part of your job makes you the most nervous?" my answer would probably match yours—whether you're just starting out or you've been at this for a while. It's the fear of running out of ideas. Or running out of anything valuable to share. Or disappointing the amazing people who've chosen to learn from me.

After all I've been through—the ups, the downs, the "why did I think becoming an artist was a good idea" moments—you'd think I wouldn't have these thoughts anymore.

I do, but here's what changed: I now know that my fears are just... pesky thoughts. They're not reality. They're more like that dramatic friend who thinks a mild cold is definitely the plague. Are they real fears? Sure. Accurate predictions of the future? Not so much.

Because here's the beautiful truth that took me way too long to learn: when you show up, time after time—even when you don't feel like it, even when you're convinced you have nothing left to give—you start collecting an undeniable stack of proof that you can overcome these fears.

You end up building a secret creative resume: "Successfully survived creative drought of 2019." "Overcame fear of sharing work on Instagram, 2020." "Created pattern collection despite believing it would be terrible, 2021."

And that? It becomes your best weapon against self-doubt.

5 Things to Keep Your Artistic Mojo Flowing

After some serious introspection (and possibly too much coffee), I've distilled my approach to staying creative and showing up consistently. Think of these as your superpowers—no radioactive spider bite required.

1. Show Up Daily (Even When You'd Rather Not) 

Even if it's just for 15 minutes. Seriously, that's it. Fifteen tiny minutes.

Doodle a wonky cat. Experiment with that new brush you downloaded three months ago and never touched. Let your imagination run wild and redesign the Mona Lisa as a cyborg wearing sunglasses. (Okay, maybe that last one is just me, but you get the idea!)

Here's what daily practice looks like in real life: Some days, I create a full pattern motif. Other days, I literally just play with color combinations for 10 minutes while my coffee brews. Both count. Both matter.

2. Set Realistic Expectations 

 Listen, Rome wasn't built in a day, and your mind-blowing pattern collection won't be either. Sorry to break it to you, but you're not going to master the half-drop repeat, develop your signature style, AND build a thriving business by next Tuesday.

And that's completely okay!

The secret is breaking big, scary projects into bite-sized tasks that don't make you want to hide under your desk. Instead of "Create mind-blowing portfolio that lands me a Target licensing deal," try "Sketch one hero motif for a floral pattern today."

See the difference? One makes you want to take a nap just thinking about it. The other? Totally doable while watching your favorite show.

When I created my Procreate Pattern Collection Masterclass, I didn't sit down and film the entire thing in one weekend. (Though my overachiever brain definitely tried to convince me I should.) I broke it into modules, then sections, then individual videos. Baby steps, my friend. Baby steps.

This approach works for everything: building your portfolio, learning new software, developing your style. Chunk it down until each piece feels manageable, then tackle them one at a time.

3. Remember Your 'Why' (Your Creative North Star)

When doubt creeps in—and trust me, it will—reconnect with why you started this journey.

Was it the thrill of bringing imaginary worlds to life? The joy of seeing your designs on actual products? The dream of working in your pajamas? (No judgment here—elastic waistbands are a gift to humanity.)

For me, it's watching students light up when they create their first professional-looking pattern collection. It's seeing someone who didn’t think pattern design would ever be more than a hobby land a licensing deal.

That's my why. What's yours?

Keep it visible. Write it on a sticky note. Make it your phone wallpaper. Tattoo it on your forehead. (Okay, maybe don't do that last one.) But keep it close, because on the hard days—and there will be hard days—that 'why' is what pulls you through.

4. Embrace the Messy Middle (It's Where the Magic Happens)

Here's a truth bomb: your art journey isn't a straight line from Point A (complete beginner) to Point B (successful artist living your best creative life).

It's chaotic, messy, and somehow beautiful in its own weird way.

You're going to have days where everything you create looks amazing. You'll also have days where you're pretty sure your cat threw up a better pattern on the rug.

I spent years trying to figure it all out. Then I realized: the messy middle is there for us to do just that – work things out. It's where you try things. It’s where you fail. It’s where you learn what you love, and develop your unique creative voice.

If you're in the messy middle right now, working through my Photoshop Patterns Unleashed course, know that every wonky repeat, every color combination that doesn't quite work, every "what was I thinking?" moment is actually progress. You're learning. You're growing. You're becoming the artist you're meant to be.

The mess is part of the process. Embrace it like you embrace chocolate (or your preferred comfort food of choice).

5. Self-Care is Non-Negotiable (You're Not an Art-Making Machine) 

You cannot pour from an empty cup. (I know, I know, it's cliché. But clichés become clichés because they're true!)

Taking breaks isn't being lazy—it's being smart. Your brain needs rest to process information, make creative connections, and come up with those brilliant ideas that make you go, "Wait, did I really think of that?"

Here's my self-care toolkit:

• Hydrate: Your brain is mostly water. Treat it accordingly.
• Stretch those wrists: Especially if you're spending hours in Procreate or Photoshop. Carpal tunnel is not something people want to hear you brag about.
• Take actual breaks: Step away from the screen. Look at something that isn't pixels. Remember what trees look like.
• Get a plant or two: They make your workspace prettier AND they're excellent listeners when you're muttering about perspective issues.
• Sleep: Revolutionary concept, I know.

I've learned to recognize the signs of burn-out. My patterns start looking blah. My enthusiasm drops. I snap at my family over nothing. That's when I know it's time to step back, recharge, and remember that my worth isn't tied to my productivity.

The Bottom Line

Being an artist—especially one running a business—requires you to be part creator, part entrepreneur, part accountant, part marketer, and yes, part superhero.

But here's the secret: superheroes aren't fearless. They're just people who show up despite the fear. They take it one day, one battle, one pattern at a time.

You've got this. And on the days when you don't feel like you've got this? Show up anyway. Create something small. Take one tiny step forward. That's all it takes.

And hey, if you need a community of fellow art superheroes to cheer you on, come join my free weekly Eduletter. We're all in this messy, beautiful creative journey together.

Now go forth and create something wonderful. Or something terrible that teaches you what not to do. Both are equally valuable, I promise.

Your cape is waiting. (Metaphorically speaking. Though if you want to wear an actual cape while you design, I fully support that life choice.)