The act of creating is a vulnerable thing — you feel like you are expressing a part of yourself and wearing your heart on your sleeve for the world to judge. We all experience self-doubt at times in all areas of life, and this is no different throughout the creative process. The good news is, you don’t have to battle with your doubts — in fact, learning to work with them will help you to make the best art possible.
How to Feel The Fear, and Make it Anyway
Jul 13, 2026
Don’t judge an idea before you try it
We are all guilty of this — you have a moment of inspiration, only to be put off by your self-doubts before you’ve even attempted to bring it to life.
You lose nothing by trying, and everything by doubting.
The truth is, every piece of art that is now admired and respected once went through that all-too-familiar ‘imperfect’ phase. It is an inevitable part of the process, and writers, painters and musicians alike all experience it. What separates the most respected artists from their contemporaries is that they were brave enough to feel the fear and create it anyway.
“Create an environment where you are free to express what you are afraid to express”
Quote by Rick Rubin via his book The Creative Act: A Way of Being (2023)
You can’t control how people respond to your work, but you can control your environment to make the creative process as enjoyable as possible.
Before you start working on your new idea ask yourself, what is it that makes you nervous about starting? Don’t fight against your doubts — it might even be a good idea to write them down. But, most importantly, leave those doubts at the door before you enter your creative space.
Treat your creative space as a sanctuary – keep it free of judgement and be open to every idea.
In a way, self-doubt is a positive thing. It shows that you care about making what you create the best it can be — but there is a fine line between hearing your doubts and listening to them. Giving into your doubts can stop your idea from truly coming to life, so don’t pay them too much attention.
Accept that art is imperfect
In a time where artificial intelligence is invading creative fields, you should embrace the imperfections in your work now more than ever. The spelling mistakes, painting outside of the lines — each mistake made along the way is what makes your art relatable, and undeniably human.
So, embrace the imperfections and don’t listen to the doubts. The creative process is messy and challenging, but if the result means something to you, then it was all worth it. The only way to know is to try.
Written by Raheem Briggs
