In this episode, Ceri explains how to recognise when fear is holding you back, particularly fear of what others think or of rejection. If you are constantly telling yourself you are not ready or good enough to take the next step in your creative journey, in all likelihood it is fear that is holding you back.

Ceri shares some simple strategies any artist can use to recognise, face and overcome their fears.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Most of the artists Ceri works with do not lack talent, motivation, skill or ideas, yet they struggle to make progress. Usually, it is fear that is holding them back.
• Being afraid is normal, it´s human, so there is no need to be ashamed of feeling that way.
• If you are avoiding something you need to do to make progress, name it. Say it out loud. Fear thrives in silence.
• Sharing your fears with other artists, especially in person, is incredibly powerful. It demonstrates to you that others feel the exact same fear you do, yet many have conquered it, which means you can too.
• Stop using unproductive tasks as a way to avoid the things you fear doing. Ceri shares a simple strategy you can implement immediately.
• Action beats perfectionism.
• Surround yourself with other artists and share your fears openly with them. They truly understand how you feel so you can draw on their support and experience to take action and conquer those fears.

BEST MOMENTS

“You´re not lazy, you’re not unmotivated, and you certainly are not lacking talent, but you might be afraid.”

“I’ve been avoiding pitching for a public commission I really want. I tell myself I’m not ready. But really—I’m scared they’ll say no, or worse…yes.”

“Turn that big shadowy monster into something small enough to hold…name the thing you´ve been avoiding.”

“Fear loves to dress up as perfectionism.”

“You don’t need a bigger network; you need a braver one.”

“Being in a group of artists who are generous, smart and real, changes how you see yourself.”

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

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