{"id":6488,"date":"2019-10-08T17:59:10","date_gmt":"2019-10-08T16:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everpress.com\/blog\/?p=6488"},"modified":"2022-09-20T16:15:15","modified_gmt":"2022-09-20T15:15:15","slug":"how-to-keep-going-when-your-confidence-has-been-hit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everpress.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-going-when-your-confidence-has-been-hit\/","title":{"rendered":"How to keep going when your confidence has been hit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Confidence is a tricky thing, even at the best of times. No matter how many big projects you\u2019ve done, or how long your list of commissions gets, your ego can still fail you. Creatives of all kinds are familiar with the impact of imposter syndrome, and the feeling that their work might not be good enough. Add to this critical clients or flat-out rejection, and the demons can come.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Artwork by Alex Jenkins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No-one is confident all the time<\/h4>\n

Illustrator Alex Jenkins says he still struggles with self-assurance, despite working for huge names including Vans, Netflix and Adult Swim. \u201cI feel that confidence can waver day to day,\u201d he explains. \u201cOften confidence issues in my creativity pop up, and I struggle for ideas. But also confidence in my ability and technique.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a similar story for artist Saskia Pomeroy, who told us, \u201cI don\u2019t always think my work is brilliant, and often compare my artistic career with others, and wonder, \u2018what\u2019s wrong with me?\u2019 I feel like my work must be shit because I\u2019m not doing huge, well-paid projects. It\u2019s not really personal like that though, there are reasons why my work isn\u2019t like others, or why you don\u2019t get picked for a job. It\u2019s just business at the end of the day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Just keep trying to be as productive as possible and keep creating<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For Jenkins, being ghosted by art directors or clients can prompt a crisis in confidence, while Pomeroy describes herself as her own worst enemy – tending to worry about things, and let her inner voice bring her down. Their feelings are relatable, and perhaps not surprising considering the nature of the creative industry. Clients are demanding, timelines are short, and budgets often tight. The challenges of freelancing also puts added pressure on many artists.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Original artwork by Saskia Pomeroy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dealing with the crisis<\/h4>\n

So when the crisis inevitably comes, what\u2019s the best way to deal with it? Jenkins says exercise is a good release. For him, a good reset to a day – or a solution to waking up feeling groggy and unmotivated – is to hit the punch bag for a solid 30 minutes. \u201cJust breaking up the routine and getting blood flowing basically, as clich\u00e9d as that sounds,\u201d he told us. He also recommends spending some time stirring up your inspiration. Jenkins says he draws from as many sources as possible, whether that\u2019s going to an exhibition rather than relying on Pinterest, or sketching something out instead of using a stock image site. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Artwork by Alex Jenkins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cJust keep trying to be as productive as possible and keep creating,\u201d he says. \u201cYour mindset will change anyway, so whilst feeling down keep plugging away on what you do. And if you are struggling to think of new things to create, then change up the process of how you get there. Experiment with new mediums or draw things you aren\u2019t always comfortable with doing. Welcome new challenges as getting through these will benefit your mindset down the line.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For Pomeroy, getting some perspective on things can give you the reboot you need. \u201cJust go and have a beer and fuggeddaboutit y\u2019know,\u201d she says. \u201cLife is way too short for feeling down on yourself and losing opportunities because you think you might not be good enough. The more you step out of the door and connect with people, the more you can reap the rewards.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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A post shared by Saskia Pomeroy (@saskia_pomeroy)<\/a> on