Artists Unleashed: Conquering the Fear of Selling

Don’t let fear hold you back. It’s time to conquer the fear of selling.

Have you ever had that gnawing fear, that tense feeling of dread creeping in at the thought of selling your art? You are not alone. Many artists grapple with this fear, and it’s time to face it head-on. 

First, pinpoint your fears. 

What keeps you awake at night? 
Worries about no one buying your art?
Concerns that it won’t meet the high standards of others?

Dedicate some time to jot down these fears.

Be as detailed as you can. Dissect your fears. 

Then, ask yourself:

• What’s the worst that could happen?
• If your art doesn’t sell or someone doesn’t like it, what could possibly go wrong?

By outlining the potential negatives, you start to realise they are not as terrifying as they appear. Most fears are just overblown outcomes.

Now, think about the best that could happen.

Picture your art selling like hotcakes, earning praise and gaining recognition.

How would that make you feel?

Allow yourself to really visualise this happening for you. Let this positive image fuel your desire to overcome your fears. 

Reflect on what your art means to you.

• What does it symbolise?
• Is it a form of self-expression, a therapeutic activity, or a way to connect with others?

By grasping the significance of your art, you can strengthen your determination to share it, shifting the focus more on the process than the end result.

Consider your audience.

Who are you creating for? 

Is it yourself? Do you aspire to touch the hearts of others with your art? Who do you want to experience your art?
Knowing your target audience can help you refine your approach to selling your art, thus reducing the fear of judgment.

Find your tribe.
Artists often work in solitude, which can amplify feelings of self doubt, build a support system, and connect with fellow artists. Mentors and communities where you can share your experiences and receive constructive criticism. This can significantly boost your confidence.

Start small if you need to.

Overcoming the fear of selling your art doesn’t mean you must jump in all at once. Take small steps, increase your efforts by 10 or 20%, whether it’s sending more emails or consistent posts. Do a little more than you are currently doing and keep evolving that way.

Reflect on past challenges you’ve overcome.

• What did you learn from those experiences?
• How can that knowledge aid you in overcoming the fear of selling your art?

Past triumphs can be a great source of strength.

It’s a learning process.

Embrace the fact that selling, and making your art are learning processes. Things may not work out every time, you may not make a sale, but remember, just like every art piece that doesn’t turn out leads you somewhere better, every no when you are trying to sell your art can be a stepping stone to a yes.

Lastly, think about the consequences of inaction. If you remain silent, not sharing your work, not selling it – How would that feel?

Which scares you more? The fears you’ve noted down, or the fear of nothing changing and staying stuck? 

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Start today. Take that first small step towards overcoming your fear of selling your art. Your art deserves to be seen, appreciated, and yes, even sold.

So, what are you waiting for?