How to Start as a New Artist

How to Start as a New Artist

Hi again, my lovely creatives,

If you're here, chances are you’re navigating the exciting (and often nerve-wracking!) journey of becoming an artist. I hear from so many of you about how daunting it can feel to share your work with the world, or to call yourself an artist for the first time. Trust me, I’ve been there too! Building confidence takes time, but it is absolutely possible.

When I first began sharing my art, I was terrified. I kept comparing myself to other artists and wondering if my work was good enough. What helped me get over this hurdle was simply creating a lot of art. The more I made, the more I improved—and the less I worried about perfection. If you’re wondering how to start as a new artist, the answer is simple: just start. Begin by giving yourself permission to experiment without pressure. Don’t worry about making perfect pieces—just create. Try different mediums, styles, and techniques to find what excites you. It’s okay if your work doesn’t look like you imagined at first. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Surround yourself with inspiration, whether it’s other artists or nature, and most importantly, trust that progress comes with time. The more you create, the more confident you’ll become in your unique style.

Remember: You DO NOT NEED TO MAKE MONEY FROM YOUR ART TO BE AN ARTIST!

I put this in capitals as I hear this said so often and and you can claim the tile artist for yourself wether you sell your art or not.

This is just a short post about how to start as an artist, and of course, there are many more tips and insights you’ll discover as you go along. These few pointers are simply meant to give you a starting point and help you overcome that initial hurdle of self-doubt. Every artist’s journey is unique, and as you continue to create, you’ll find what works best for you. The important thing is to keep going and embrace the process, knowing that every step—whether it feels like a success or a setback—is a valuable part of your growth as an artist.

In this blog post, I’ll share:

• How I overcame self-doubt and started embracing my identity as an artist

• Small, practical steps you can take to feel more confident about your art

• Encouragement to keep going, even when imposter syndrome sneaks in

• I will also list a long list of recourses that you can use to share ánd sell your art, íf that is something you want to do.

If you’ve stumbled across this post, welcome! I’m Irene, a self-taught artist, educator, and illustrator based in Cambridge (UK). My work focuses on creating mindful art experiences and exploring themes like belonging, nature, and identity. I left my corporate job in 2019 to follow my creative passion full-time and now teach online and in-person art classes, illustrate books, and collaborate with organisations worldwide.

You can find my work and classes on my website, makingsandmusings.com.

Starting Out: It’s Okay to Feel Unsure

When I first began sharing my art, I was terrified. I had this constant fear that my work wouldn’t be “good enough.” Every time I looked at someone else’s art, I felt like I wasn’t measuring up. I’d compare their polished, finished pieces with my rough sketches and unfinished thoughts. It was easy to get caught in that trap of self-doubt.

But over time, I learned something important: the act of creation itself is what truly matters. The more I made, the more I learned, and the more I found my voice as an artist. What helped me break free from the paralyzing fear of imperfection was embracing the process—accepting that my art didn’t need to be perfect from the start. In fact, the messier, the better. It meant I was trying, experimenting, and growing.

So, if you’re feeling unsure, know that you’re not alone. Every artist, no matter how experienced, started somewhere. They felt that same doubt. They questioned their abilities. But what made the difference was simply continuing to create. Every piece, even the ones you don’t think are your best, will teach you something valuable.

Give yourself permission to explore, make mistakes, and learn. You don't need to have everything figured out in the beginning—just keep going. It’s all part of the journey.

Practical Tips to Boost Confidence

Here are a few things I recommend:

1. Share Your Art Regularly Even if it feels scary, share your work with friends, family, or on social media. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Start small—a quick sketch, a work-in-progress, or a piece you’re proud of. Seeing positive feedback (and yes, even constructive critique) can help you grow and feel braver.

2. Take Baby Steps You don’t have to jump straight into selling your work or exhibiting in a gallery. Focus on simple wins, like finishing a new piece or trying a new technique. Small successes build momentum and self-assurance.

3. Keep a Sketchbook A sketchbook is your private space to experiment and explore. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and no one needs to see it unless you want them to. The act of creating freely can help you build confidence without pressure.

4. Celebrate Small Wins Recognise and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Finished a painting? Tried a new medium? Managed to draw every day this week? Acknowledge your progress and feel good about it.

5. Learn From Others Take a class, join an art group, or follow other artists online. Seeing how others approach their work can inspire you and remind you that everyone has their own unique style and journey.

6. Focus on Process, Not Perfection Remind yourself that art is about the process, not the final outcome. Each piece you create teaches you something new, whether it’s a technique, a lesson in patience, or a burst of creativity.

7. Create a Positive Space Surround yourself with things that inspire you—beautiful materials, an organised workspace, or uplifting quotes. A positive environment can do wonders for your mood and confidence.

8. Set Manageable Goals Break your goals into bite-sized pieces. Instead of saying, “I want to be a professional artist,” try “I will complete one painting this month” or “I’ll sketch for 15 minutes a day.” Achieving smaller goals boosts self-belief.

9. Revisit Your Old Work Look back at where you started to see how far you’ve come. It’s easy to forget how much you’ve improved, but comparing your older work with your current pieces can be incredibly encouraging.

10. Be Kind to Yourself Everyone has off days or pieces that don’t turn out as planned. Instead of being critical, remind yourself that mistakes are part of the learning process. Treat yourself with patience and kindness, just as you would a friend.

    
    

Global Platforms

1. Etsy – Handmade goods and art (www.etsy.com)

2. Redbubble – Print-on-demand for designs (www.redbubble.com)

3. Society6 – Art on products (www.society6.com)

4. Fiverr – Freelance art commissions (www.fiverr.com)

5. Upwork – Freelance gigs (www.upwork.com)

6. Saatchi Art – Online art gallery (www.saatchiart.com)

7. Artfinder – Online art marketplace (www.artfinder.com)

8. Behance – Portfolio and networking (www.behance.net)

9. Dribbble – Showcase work and find clients (www.dribbble.com)

10. Instagram – Direct promotion (www.instagram.com)

11. Facebook Marketplace – Sell locally (www.facebook.com)

12. DeviantArt – Community for artists (www.deviantart.com)

13. ArtStation – Portfolio and job listings (www.artstation.com)

14. Zazzle – Print-on-demand (www.zazzle.com)

15. Creative Market – Digital design assets (www.creativemarket.com)

16. Big Cartel – Build your own art shop (www.bigcartel.com)

17. Ko-fi – Sell commissions and tips (www.ko-fi.com)

18. Patreon – Subscription-based support (www.patreon.com)

19. Threadless – Print-on-demand (www.threadless.com)

20. Displate – Metal poster art (www.displate.com)

21. TeePublic – Sell art on clothing (www.teepublic.com)

North America

22. Fine Art America – Sell prints and designs (www.fineartamerica.com)

23. Creative Circle – Job listings (www.creativecircle.com)

24. Doodle Addicts – Freelance opportunities (www.doodleaddicts.com)

25. Artspan – Create a personal art website (www.artspan.com)

26. Craftsy – Tutorials and selling art (www.craftsy.com)

27. Etsy Wholesale – Sell wholesale art (www.etsy.com/wholesale)

Europe

28. ArtGallery.co.uk – UK art marketplace (www.artgallery.co.uk)

29. Folksy – UK handmade marketplace (www.folksy.com)

30. Singulart – European art sales (www.singulart.com)

31. The Artling – European art sales (www.theartling.com)

32. Artists Info – UK art directory (www.artistsinfo.co.uk)

33. Art Majeur – European art sales (www.artmajeur.com)

34. Original Art Under 100 – UK low-budget art sales (www.originalartunder100.co.uk)

Asia

35. Art Mo – Asian art market (www.artmo.com)

36. Tictail – Sell handmade items in Asia (www.tictail.com)

37. Pixiv – Japanese art community (www.pixiv.net)

38. MediBang – Japanese manga and illustration (www.medibang.com)

Australia

39. Bluethumb – Australian art marketplace (www.bluethumb.com.au)

40. Madeit – Handmade marketplace in Australia (www.madeit.com.au)

Specialised Markets

41. CommissionIt – Custom art commissions (www.commissionit.co.uk)

42. Illustration Age – Illustration-specific jobs (www.illustrationage.com)

43. Storybird – Illustrators for books (www.storybird.com)

44. Children’s Illustrators – Children's book illustration (www.childrensillustrators.com)

45. ConceptArt.org – Concept art community (www.conceptart.org)

46. WeLoveFine – Fan art on products (www.welovefine.com)

Emerging Opportunities

47. OpenSea – NFT art sales (www.opensea.io)

48. Foundation – NFT marketplace (www.foundation.app)

49. Rarible – Another NFT platform (www.rarible.com)

50. Mintable – Sell NFT artwork (www.mintable.app)