Building Confidence Through Practice: What Do You Want to Master?

I wanted to share a little insight that has helped me immensely in my journey as an artist: the power of practice.

Whatever you want to excel in, whether it's mastering a new art medium, learning a new craft like pottery, or even something outside the realm of art, practice is the key. 

Each time you practice, you get a little more confident. 

That confidence leads to progress, which brings small wins. 

Those small wins build even more confidence, creating a positive momentum that drives you to practice even more.

Here are some steps to help you build confidence through practice:

1. Set Clear Goals: 

Define what you want to achieve.

For instance, if you want to master watercolor techniques, set a goal to complete a series of ten watercolor paintings focusing on different techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry brush, and glazing.

Set Clear Goals

2. Create a Practice Schedule: 

Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to practice.

For example, schedule an hour each morning to work on your painting skills, or dedicate your weekends to experimenting with new pottery techniques.

Create a Practice Schedule

3. Break It Down: 

Start with small, manageable tasks.

If you're learning to draw human figures, begin by practicing individual body parts—like hands or eyes—before attempting full-figure drawings.

Start with small, manageable tasks.

4. Track Your Progress:

 Keep a journal or take photos of your work to see how far you've come.

For example, document each stage of your painting process, from the initial sketch to the final touches, so you can visually track your improvement.

You can also mark the date on the back of each piece or create a record table to track your progress.

Document each stage of your painting process

5 Seek Feedback: 

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or online communities.

Join a local art group or an online forum where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism. This can provide valuable insights and help you improve.

Ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or online communities.

6. Celebrate Small Wins: 

Every step forward is a victory.

For instance, if you finally perfect that tricky perspective technique or achieve the color harmony you were aiming for, take a moment to celebrate. These achievements will motivate you to keep going.

Celebrate Small Wins

Now, I'd love to hear from you. 

What do you want to become more confident in?

Is it a new art medium, a different craft, or something entirely unrelated to art?

Let me know in the comments.

Your journey inspires me, and I'd love to support you in any way I can.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—and a lot of practice along the way!