Are you an art superhero?
Creative bravery isn’t about being fearless. Let’s be honest—fear never really goes away. It’s about feeling the fear, maybe having a good old-fashioned freakout, and doing the thing anyway. Being creatively brave means embracing your inner mad scientist and experimenting with your art in ways that are thrilling, uncertain, and, yes, sometimes a little messy. Here’s what creative bravery means for mixed media artists like us, and why it’s the most important tool in your art kit:
Willing to Try New Things (Even if it’s Weird or Terrible)
If you’ve ever found yourself holding a hairdryer over a puddle of paint, you already know this: trying new things in your art can be, well, bizarre. But the beauty of mixed media is that anything goes—until it doesn’t. Being brave means giving yourself permission to make something truly awful, because without that risk, there’s no room for greatness. Sometimes, bravery looks like gluing feathers to a canvas. Other times, it’s learning how to unglue them after realizing that was a terrible idea.
Be OK with Being Bad at Something (It’s a Skill, I Promise)
Here’s the thing: you will be bad at new things. And that’s a gift. When you can laugh at your wobbly first attempt at something, you’re already ahead of the game. Creative bravery is being okay with stumbling through your first few—dozen—tries. Your first art journal spread might look like an over-enthusiastic toddler’s finger-painting. So what? You’re learning. Give yourself a pat on the back for showing up, even if the end result looks like it belongs on the refrigerator door rather than in a gallery.
Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome (AKA Enjoy the Chaos)
Let’s admit it: we all want that perfect end product, that showstopper piece that’s going to get all the Instagram likes. But creative bravery means taking a deep breath, tossing out the expectation of perfection, and diving into the process. Paint with your hands. Rip things up. If it ends up looking like a flaming dumpster? Congratulations! You’ve embraced the process. In the end, the journey of creating is what fuels growth. The final result is just a bonus.
Let Go of Limiting Beliefs (They're Boring Anyway)
We’ve all got that voice in our heads that says, "You’re not good enough" or "You can’t pull this off." Newsflash: that voice is a liar. Creative bravery means grabbing those limiting beliefs by the scruff of the neck, shaking them loose, and sending them packing. Tell yourself a different story—one where you are capable, are talented, and totally have what it takes to make something incredible (even if it’s just for you).
Accept Where You Are in Your Creative Cycle (Yes, Even the Weird, Unproductive Parts)
Sometimes, your creative cycle looks like a fireworks display of inspiration. Other times, it’s more of a slow-cooker situation—you’re just simmering in ideas with nothing quite coming to a boil. Creative bravery is about respecting where you are, even if that place is the artistic equivalent of Netflix and pajamas. You’re not a creative machine; you’re an artist. Trust the down times—they’re where your next big idea is brewing.
Letting Go of Something (Because Even Superheroes Need a Break)
Sometimes bravery isn’t about picking up a new technique—it’s about dropping the brush entirely. Letting go of an idea, a project, or even a whole medium that’s just not serving you can be a huge act of creative courage. Maybe you need a break, or maybe you need to break up with something in your practice. Either way, stepping back is often the bravest move you can make. After all, real strength lies in knowing when to rest.
