Being an Artist: The Creatives’ Failure to Fail as Nobody is Watching

How the fear of failure can impair artistic creativity, highlighting the importance of embracing failure as a vital part of the artistic journey to unlock innovation and self-expression.

In the vibrant world of art and creativity, where the brushstroke dances against the canvas and lyrics resonate with untold stories, there lurks an all-too-familiar adversary: the fear and shame of failure. For many artists (and people in general), this fear isn’t just a nagging thought; it’s a powerful force that drives their creative lives. It’s the voice that whispers, “What if you miss the mark?” or “What if this piece flops?” Ironically, this very fear can become the captain of the ship, steering artists away from authenticity and toward the treacherous shores of perfectionism and self-doubt.

Masai by GENE Jimenez

The Pressure to Succeed

Painters, musicians, or writers, often present their work as an extension of themselves—a delicate window into their innermost thoughts and feelings. Yet, as deeply personal as their creations may be, the pressure to succeed can be suffocating. Society celebrates those who seem to effortlessly achieve greatness, promoting an unrealistic narrative that suggests success is a linear trajectory. This often leads to a pervasive and conscious anxiety that equates failure with unworthiness and all the imagined shame that goes with it, stifling creativity in the process.

Take a moment to reflect on the creative process. How many artists hold back, fearing that their raw ideas or unconventional approaches might be met with criticism? Each misstep—even the smallest one—can feel monumental, ratcheting up stress levels and pushing creative expression into a box labeled “safe.” The irony is glaring: in the quest to protect one’s artistic integrity, many abandon the very heart of creativity, surrendering to a cycle of mediocrity.

The truth is, every great artist has tasted failure. Vincent van Gogh, often hailed as a genius, faced rejection and ridicule during his life. His tumultuous journey was punctuated by self-doubt, yet he persevered, producing iconic works that resonate to this day. Similarly, consider J.K. Rowling, who received multiple rejections before her Harry Potter series became a global phenomenon. Both exemplify the idea that failure can be a pivotal part of the creative process—a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.

Walk to the Edge by GENE Jimenez

The Fear of Failure

Ironically, the fear of failure keeps artists from taking the risks essential for growth. Instead of experimenting with new styles or audacious ideas, many are paralyzed by concern over how their work will be received. This creates a cycle where artists cling to what they know, stifling their potential and limiting their creative voices. Mediocrity becomes the norm when fear dominates the decision-making process.

So, how can artists break free from this self-imposed prison? The first step is to redefine one’s relationship with failure. Instead of viewing it as a negative outcome, it should be embraced as a vital part of the journey. This doesn’t just mean accepting failure but celebrating it as a teacher. Every misstep brings with it valuable insights—lessons that can only be learned through experience.

Sensual Possible by GENE Jimenez

Creating a Supportive Community

Surrounding oneself with fellow creatives who understand the highs and lows of artistic endeavor can forge a safe space for vulnerability. Sharing failures openly allows for collective healing, reminding artists that they’re not alone in their struggles. Personally, I have been a part of several groups of people who I don’t know personally, but can be supportive in being a neutral space for each other’s creative experimentations. Without a personal relationship, there opens a clean space for each other to create without fear of rejection.

Likewise, you may have longtime relationships that you may not immediately recognize as supportive or un-supportive to your creative attempts and experimentations. Longterm relationships such as siblings or childhood friends, while grounding for you as a reminder of where you came from, may not always be the ‘makers-of-space’ for bringing your own, personal expression to life. It’s not either of your faults. They know you as one thing, which works for their lives, and that is comfortable for them. Creating space and time away from them may open up an avenue of expression that neither of you knew existed. 

Furthermore, artists should carve out intentional time for experimentation—time to create without the pressure of perfection. This is a chance to explore themes, styles, and techniques without the weight of expectation. In this realm, art becomes an adventure, rich with possibilities rather than a test of worth.

Legs by GENE Jimenez

Ultimately, the fear of failure should not be the captain of your creative ship.

It shouldn’t dictate your journey or stymie your artistic expression. Instead, let it coexist alongside your passion, curiosity, and tenacity. Allow the unfolding of your artistic identity to be a rich tapestry woven with threads of triumph and defeat.

All of this is predicated on the ironic notion that people don’t want to watch me fail because they are too busy focusing on themselves, trying not to fail. This isn’t something that’s inherently wrong with us; it is simply part of human nature, especially in our Western society. Consider social media and the relentless judgment and shaming that occur when someone fails in life or doesn’t quite live up to expectations. Individuals are cut down, shamed, and berated without mercy. Tragically, some children have even committed suicide due to this overwhelming fear of failure.

In reality, those who shame, criticize, and judge others are just as fearful as everyone else. It’s a fear that controls our destinies—the fear of failing in the eyes of the world. As humans, we have grown and flourished in social structures that can often be self-centered. However, this fear becomes a non-issue for those who can wake up each day and recognize that they can create: paint, write, sing, illustrate, and do whatever they wish. Society isn’t really watching until you actually do something. Then, it will either judge you or celebrate you. Either way, you’ve lived your purpose, pursued your dream, and embraced what brings you joy in the face of fear.

If you do nothing and continue to live in fear of judgment, you will have lived a life marked only by that fear. I’d like to believe that human beings, especially you, are better than that.

Contemplation by GENE Jimenez

I See You

Over the years, both on social media and in person, I have made it a point to acknowledge emerging artists—people who are just getting started, like we all are, as well as seasoned veterans. I always make sure to tell them personally, “I see you.” 

Acknowledgment without judgment is a recognition of someone’s existence, their truth, and their courage to step out of fear and create. We are all human beings, uniquely endowed with the ability to be creative. What we create is our legacy, our destiny. What we do not create will never be remembered, will never make a difference, and will never breathe life into what comes next.

So if you’re reading this and have ever wanted to do something—be it writing, drawing, painting, photographing, or singing—this is me saying “I see you” in advance. Go and create that right now because our time here is brief, and it would be a shame to let fear dictate that fleeting time.

In a world that often celebrates polished outcomes, it can be easy to forget the messy, beautiful process that leads to creation. Yet, it is precisely within that messiness that true artistry thrives. So ask yourself this: What might you create if you let go of the fear of failing? What masterpieces are waiting to be born if you could see failure not as an endpoint but as a part of the adventure? An adventure that YOU personally are navigating? Nobody is watching. Why not?

TAKE ACTION: If you’re interested in mentoring or creative coaching, feel free to contact me at www.artistgene.com. I work with individuals looking to jumpstart, restart and reignite their natural creative abilities and make it a permanent part of their lives. Ready to reignite yours? Sometimes it just takes the first step and having someone in your corner always helps. It’s OK to attempt, it’s OK to fail, and it’s OK to be discouraged. What’s not OK is to never do anything at all and ignore that creative fire that exists in all of us.