This week I did a talk for a group of artists in the Art Club community on Clubhouse on the topic of being a shadow artist. (Special thanks to founder Shima Star for inviting me into her community!)
Nope – I don’t mean someone that paints or draws shadows but it’s about being a blocked artist that lives and works in the shadows of other artists. This was a concept I first learned about in the book The Artist’s Way – a must read for creatives! I could TOTALLY relate to this and believe I, myself am a recovering shadow artist! 🙂
Many of us had similar journeys – parents telling us we’d never make money in art and instead choosing more mainstream careers, like for me being a computer programmer and systems analyst. Another woman in the group was a physician with a 17 year private practice!
We also shared a common feeling and innate desire to HAVE TO create! Like it’s just part of our DNA.
Can you relate to any of this?
While half of my business is dedicated to supporting creatives through my courses and coaching, I consciously have to remind myself that I’m also a creative! I work on being intentional about my own creative work whether it’s fine art floral photography, drawing patterns, learning hand lettering or anything else that interests me.
If you’re wanting to step out of the shadows and into the light of your own creative practice, try not to be hard on yourself if it’s not happening overnight. You’ve had a lifetime of limiting beliefs around creativity and what’s possible for you. Continually hearing things like… “You’ll never make money as an artist” and “Get a real job!” Maybe you also didn’t have any role models, guidance or evidence that your desire for an artistic career was possible for you. Now with the internet, all of that has changed!
After hearing all of this and you now can identify as a shadow artist – feeling blocked and frustrated about seeing other people who are going after their creative pursuits but you’re still not, I suggest you try the following…
1 – Journal On It!
Whip out your journal and start by working on your mindset. Surprise surprise – mindset is always the first step!! 😄. Write down the stories and beliefs you were told growing up and then take a step back to question if those are YOUR true beliefs or someone else’s. Now write down what you want your new beliefs to be.
2 – Make Creativity A Priority
Start creating!! Painting, photography, drawing, writing, cooking,- whatever it is, just start. Also know your level of work may not be at the level you’re hoping for or expect when just starting out, but by staying consistent and doing something every day, your work will definitely improve.
3 – Look For Evidence
With the internet it’s now much easier than ever to find evidence and role models of successful creatives even if you don’t have anyone in your real life.to look to. Know that if these other people can do it so can you! If excuses come up, go back to step one and journal on it! With the many courses, coaching and mentoring available you’ll also be able to learn how to make it happen!
Let me know in the comments if you feel you’re a shadow artist. Let’s discuss!
Links:
- Listen to the replay of my talk – Are You A Shadow Artist?
- Read The Artist’s Way – available on Amazon and other book stores (affiliate link)
- Join Art Club on Clubhouse
- Follow Shima Star on Instagram
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