It can be tough being a young creative artist. They may find they are fighting against a negative voice in their head that they are not good enough or an imposter (https://parentingtalent.com/5-ways-for-creative-artists-to-stop-automatic-negative-thoughts/). To quell these thoughts they may find themselves looking for validation from others.
There are certain things all young creative artists need to learn to grow and succeed. Here are 7 important lessons tween and teen artists need to learn.
You Can’t Make Everyone Happy
No matter how hard you try, there will always be people who will never be satisfied with how things are. It’s important to remember that while there are times it may be important to make an effort to meet others’ needs and expectations, it’s also essential to stay true to your own journey. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself or make decisions that are best for you, even if it means making someone else unhappy in the process.
Allow others to express their opinions and beliefs freely and respect those differences, but remain firm in what works for you and who you are. Finding balance in all areas of life is easier when you focus on your happiness and well-being.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that if you are doing your best and being true to yourself, that should be enough. Life is much too short to keep trying to please everyone. Put your needs first, and you will be much happier and successful in the long run.
You Are Not Responsible for How other People Feel
It is important to remember that you cannot control the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors of others. People have their own experiences and interpretations of events in life – especially when it comes to artistic output. You will never be able to predict how others will respond to any situation – and it’s a losing game to try. Especially when it comes to changing something in your creative art in hopes of getting a response you desire.
When someone becomes angry or upset with something you say, do, or produce, it can be easy to take on the blame for their reaction. Recognizing that you are not responsible for the feelings of others will free your creative growth and expression. Remind yourself that everyone responds differently, and that is okay.
Some People Won’t Like You, No Matter How Nice or Good You Are
This can be hard to accept, but it’s important to remember that it’s not about you. No one likes everyone, no one appreciates what everyone brings to the table. Sometimes you will be the person that someone has a negative reaction to, and that’s ok as long as they are respectful towards you.
People have many reasons for not liking someone, which may or may not be logical. These reasons do not have to be “fair” or have anything to do with you. It may be an experience they had, inability to manage their own disappointment, or something else that is related to their own emotional journey. It’s important not to let this negative opinion get you down and to focus on those who like and appreciate you instead.
Don’t allow anyone’s negativity to consume your thoughts or take away from your happiness. You can still be kind even when others don’t show you the same kindness in return. Remember, you don’t need everyone’s approval to be successful or happy in your art. Keep being the best version of yourself, offering up the best you can with your art, and know that some people will never connect with you or your art.
People Aren’t Analyzing Your Every Move
We all have moments where we feel like everyone is watching us and judging us, but the truth is that nobody cares because they are focused on their own lives, experiences and missteps. If you make a mistake or something doesn’t go as planned, it isn’t the end of the world. Everyone makes mistakes when and it’s okay as long as you learn from them.
Focus on yourself and do your best. The only way to grow in your art is to take risks and try new things, even if you fail because it will develop new skills.
When you do make a misstep, if people do notice, they will be looking to you to let them know how to react. If you can laugh at yourself, or acknowledge what you learned when it happened, others will take your cue that it’s not a big deal to you and move on.
People Who Gossip, are Mean, or Unkind are Unhappy and Projecting
It never feels good, but when others are mean or unkind, it is always about them, not you. This behavior is often rooted in their unhappiness and is a sign that they don’t feel good about themselves or their progress in their art. It can help to take a step back and recognize this cycle of negativity. Instead of engaging with it, work to remember that kindness always trumps gossiping or mean spirited feedback. Being kind and compassionate towards others, even if someone deliberately tries to be unkind, can help break the cycle of negativity.
Getting caught up in someone else’s negativity will only hurt you, your progress and your overall happiness in the long run. Find ways to distance yourself from these types of people and look to surround yourself with others who engage in positive connection and support others artistic journey.
Good Communication Skills Will Make Everything in Life Easier
When it comes to your art, your ability to communicate effectively will be a key part of success. Good communication skills will help you express your needs more clearly and request opportunities and feedback in an effective manner. It allows you to show others respect and appreciation, and increases your ability to collaborate successfully
Good communication skills are also fundamental for problem-solving and resolving conflicts, as it allows all parties to express their points of view without judgment or defensiveness. The foundation to good communication skills is active listening. Practice listening openly, completely and without judgment, then form your response based on this information as well as your own interpretation and needs.
Gratitude Keeps You Grounded and Focused on What is Working
Learning to look at your art, your accomplishments, your opportunities and your growth with a sense of gratitude will help keep you grounded and focused on what is working. Gratitude helps you to appreciate the good moments and reframe any negativity. Fostering gratitude helps cultivate a sense of contentment, inspiration, and joy in your art. Whether it’s taking a few moments each day to be grateful for something that is going well or practicing more formal exercises such as keeping a gratitude journal, it is important to make a conscious effort to recognize and express your gratitude.
By learning to stay present, enjoy little moments or successes, you will become more generous and kind to yourself and others. This will ultimately lead you to experience more joy in your art. It is an effective personal growth tool with immense mental and emotional benefits. So take some time each day to find and express gratitude for all the good things happening in your art and in life and watch how it changes your outlook.
Final Thoughts
These 7 things all young creative artists need to learn will help them focus on their craft and help equip them with the skills needed to excel in their art. By creating opportunities for young artists to learn these lessons in a supportive environment will help them thrive in their art, open doors of opportunity and help them develop a healthy relationship with their art.
