Boosting Confidence as a Female Artist

I recently made a bold decision that, at first glance, may seem unrelated to my life as an artist.

I cut my hair.

It wasn't a spontaneous decision fueled by a sudden burst of courage; it came after months of dealing with postpartum shedding that refused to resolve itself.

I'll admit, the thought of cutting off my locs made me nervous.

But deep down, I knew it was the right step for me.

I was reading an article on Vogue where a woman said she felt more confident after cutting her hair and learned that comfortable does not necessarily mean confident.

That one line made me think about my life as an artist and how comfortable I've gotten with wearing the same clothes and ignoring the signs that my hair needed help.

I thought I was being or appearing confident by turning on the camera and not caring what other people thought about my appearance because hey, I just had a baby, and this is the norm...and I'm an artist, so who cares. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I was avoiding facing parts of myself and using my hair as a security blanket.

And you know what?

Surprisingly, it not only transformed my appearance but also infused me with a newfound sense of confidence.

In hindsight, I wish I had made the decision sooner.

“Becoming”, acrylic on 16x20 canvas, 2024

As a female artist, confidence isn't just something nice to have; it's crucial for our creative journey.

It's about believing strongly in what we can do, having the courage to be ourselves, and being tough enough to handle the ups and downs of being an artist.

But it's not always easy. We might struggle with doubting ourselves, comparing ourselves to others, and being afraid to fail.

However, it's in those tough times that we can build up our confidence the most.

Confidence isn't solely tied to our outward appearance or the things we achieve; it runs deeper, reflecting our sense of self-worth and inner resilience. It's like a strong core that holds us steady, regardless of the challenges we face.

Take the example of cutting my hair—it wasn't just a physical change but a symbolic shedding of insecurities and a willingness to embrace something new. In the same way, as artists, we can initiate a journey of self-discovery and empowerment that goes beyond the mere act of creating art. This journey is a deep exploration of who we are, a quest to understand ourselves better and reveal our true selves.

Just like each snip of the scissors marked a transformative moment for me, every stroke of the brush or pen holds the potential to reveal a new facet of our identity as artists. It's not merely about producing artwork; it's exploring the depths of our creativity and allowing our innermost thoughts and emotions to manifest on canvas or paper. Through art, we can express what words cannot, convey the indescribable, and capture our experiences in vibrant colors and meaningful words.

But beyond the act of creation, this journey is about understanding ourselves better, recognizing our strengths, and overcoming our limitations. As female artists, we have to peel back the layers of self-doubt and insecurity to reveal the core of our being—the essence of our authenticity and uniqueness. As we go deeper into our creative process, we learn to trust our instincts, to listen to the whispers of our intuition, and to follow the guidance of our inner muse.

Here are a few words of wisdom that have guided me on my path to boosting confidence as a female artist:

Accept Change

Change can be uncertain and uncomfortable. It means leaving what feels safe and facing the unknown. As female artists, embracing change is about being ready to grow and change, even when it's scary. It's realizing that we often learn the most when we try new things. When we embrace change, we open ourselves to new ideas, experiences, and ways of seeing things. Whether it's trying a new way of making art or taking creative risks, embracing change helps us grow and find new inspiration.

Cultivate Self-Love

Self-love is like the soil in which confidence grows. It's about understanding and valuing ourselves, no matter what others say. Building self-love means treating ourselves with kindness and accepting who we are, including our strengths and weaknesses. As artists, self-love means taking care of our creative side with gentleness and love. It means being kind to ourselves and believing in our abilities. When we practice self-love, we create a safe space for our creativity to blossom, without worrying about doubts or insecurities.

Find Your Inner Strength

Inner strength is like a hidden source of bravery, toughness, and determination that we all have inside us. It's the quiet voice that keeps us going when things get tough. As artists, finding our inner strength means tapping into our own power and courage. It means remembering times when we've succeeded before, facing challenges head-on, and staying strong even when things are difficult. To grow our inner strength, we need to have a positive attitude and keep going even when things don't go as planned. Setbacks aren't the end of the road; they're just bumps along the way to becoming stronger and more resilient artists.

Connect with Spirituality

Spirituality is like a deep well of inspiration and guidance for our creative spirits. Whether it's through quiet time, prayer, or feeling connected to nature, spirituality helps us tap into our inner selves. It's feeling a connection to something bigger than just us—a divine force that inspires our art. As artists, connecting with spirituality means taking moments to be still and reflect, letting our inner creativity flow. It's about being open to inspiration from something beyond ourselves and letting that guide our artistic expression. When we connect with spirituality, our art becomes richer and more meaningful, touching not just the surface but the hearts and souls of those who experience it.

Surround Yourself with Support

As artists, we thrive when we're surrounded by people who uplift and encourage us. Being part of a supportive community—whether it's made up of fellow artists, mentors, or collaborators—gives us the push we need to keep growing. It's like having a team cheering us on as we navigate our creative journey. Building this support network means making genuine connections based on respect and understanding. We can celebrate each other's successes, offer helpful feedback, and create a safe space where we can be vulnerable and grow. When we surround ourselves with support, our creativity flourishes, our confidence grows, and our artistic vision reaches new heights.

Embrace Your Uniqueness

We all have our own special voice, perspective, and story. Embracing our uniqueness means celebrating what makes us different and staying true to ourselves. As artists, this means expressing our thoughts, feelings, and ideas without holding back. It's about trusting in our own abilities and letting our creativity shine through in our art. When we embrace our uniqueness, we tap into our full creative potential and connect with our audience on a deeper level. Our art becomes a reflection of who we are, leaving a lasting impact on the world around us.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is all about appreciating the good things in our lives. As artists, practicing gratitude helps us stay positive and inspired. It's noticing the beauty in everyday things—the colors of a sunset, the sound of birds singing, or the feel of a paintbrush in our hand. When we're grateful for the creative process itself, we approach our art with joy and enthusiasm. Gratitude fills our hearts with contentment and purpose, nourishing our artistic souls. We in turn can enjoy the journey, cherish the moments, and embrace the abundance of creativity that flows through us.

Remember, boosting confidence as a female artist is not merely a destination but rather an ongoing journey—a journey characterized by growth, self-discovery, and renewal. It's about trusting in yourself, believing wholeheartedly in your vision, and having unwavering faith in the path that lies ahead.

Just as the act of cutting my hair symbolized a shedding of insecurities and a courageous embrace of change, your journey as an artist involves shedding layers of self-doubt and embracing the boundless potential that resides within you.

As you navigate this transformative journey, may you find guidance from the light that shines within you, drawing strength from your unique gifts and finding inspiration in the beauty that surrounds you. Embrace change with open arms, nurture a deep sense of self-love, and recognize the profound impact of your creative expression.

With each brushstroke, each creative endeavor, you're not only affirming your inherent worth but also revealing the limitless possibilities that await you.

Remember, you are more than capable, you are inherently worthy, and you are more than enough.

Tarra Lu