No Checklists, Just Art: Defining Your Own Creative Journey

Ever freeze up when someone casually asks you what you do, like you just spotted a ghost? Yeah, we’ve all been there! Today, we're diving into that pivotal moment when you finally give yourself the green light to call yourself an artist. Spoiler alert: it’s time to mean it! I’m here to chat about breaking down those pesky barriers that keep you from owning that title and embracing your creative self. So, whether you’re painting toenail clippings or sculpting with spaghetti, let’s tackle the fears and societal expectations that make this journey feel like an episode of a reality show gone wrong. Grab your coffee, your paintbrush, or whatever fuels your creative fire, and let’s get this artistic party started! When Do You Get to Call Yourself an Artist?Are you an artist yet — or are you still “just dabbling”? This episode of Create Art Podcast: The New Artist’s Compass dives deep into one of the most common questions new creators face: when do you finally call yourself an artist? Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or any kind of creative, this conversation will help you overcome imposter syndrome, step into your identity, and confidently share your work with the world.We’ll explore what it really means to be an artist, why so many creatives wait too long to claim the title, and how saying “I’m an artist” can transform your confidence, your work, and how others see you.If you’ve ever felt stuck wondering if you’re “good enough” or “ready,” this episode is for you.1. The Power of Naming YourselfSaying “I am an artist” changes how you view your work.Your brain takes identity seriously — claiming it can motivate action.2. Overcoming Imposter SyndromeWhy many creatives wait for external validation before using the word “artist.”Tools to challenge the inner critic and redefine success.3. External Milestones vs. Internal DecisionSelling art, getting published, or winning awards are great — but not prerequisites.Deciding you are an artist is often the first step to reaching those milestones.4. The Social Side of Calling Yourself an ArtistHow sharing your identity invites collaboration and community.Dealing with skepticism from others (and why that’s about them, not you).5. Building Confidence Through ConsistencyDaily or weekly practice as proof to yourself that you are an artist.Why action — not titles — ultimately builds belief.Topics covered in this seriesSharing Your Work Online for the First Time Dealing With Criticism and Rejection Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst Staying Motivated Long-Term Art Challenges & Social Media Trends Mental Health & Creativity Art Challenges & Social Media Trends Setting Up a Creative Workspace Creative Constraints & Prompts Measuring Growth as an Artist Why Do You Create? When to Call Yourself an Artist Lessons From a Year of Creating Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy How do I get such great guests?PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from PodmatchMake Sharing your podcast easierUse Podcast Beacon for the best NFS products to share your podcast while out and about or at conferences. Reach Out To The PodcastTo reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT ChannelIG: @createartpodcastTwitter: @createartpodCreate Art Podcast Newslettertimothybrien.substack.comSpecial MessageIf you have found value in this podcast, please share it with a friend as that is the best way to discover new podcasts. I want this to be a 5-star podcast in your eyes so let me know what you would like to see. Speaking about sharing with a friend, check out my other podcast Find A Podcast About where I help you outsmart the algorithm and find your next binge-worthy podcast. You can find that podcast at findapodcastabout.xyz.For all of my projects check out my portfolio website TKBPodcaststudio.com where I help my clients through quiet professionalism lead through the noise. Special AskLet me know what you think about the podcast by taking a survey. 2024 Listener Survey yes it is 2025, but hey I am late to the game on this. Thank you ahead of time to help me make this more of what you are wanting to hear. Takeaways: Calling yourself an artist is about finding your personal definition, so own it! Don’t let fear of judgment stop you from claiming your artist title; it’s your identity! Everyone has their own concept of what an artist is; your definition matters most, so trust it. It's perfectly okay to make mistakes on your artistic journey; that's how we grow! If you want to be seen as an artist, you’ve got to believe it and say it out loud! Embrace your evolution as an artist; your definition can change and grow over time! Links referenced in this episode:createartpodcast.comfindapodcastaboutxyz.comtkbpodcaststudio.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy