Want to grow your art business but feel something invisible is holding you back? It might not be your skills or strategy—it could be your mindset. Many emerging artists unknowingly carry around beliefs that limit their potential. Whether you’ve struggled to call yourself an artist or feel weighed down by the myth of the "starving artist," you’re not alone. These mental blocks can keep you stuck, stop you from showing up confidently, and make building a sustainable creative business feel impossible.

In this post, we’re uncovering two common mindset myths that could be keeping you from stepping into the full potential of your art career. We’re also sharing practical ways to reframe your thinking and take empowered steps forward, no matter where you are in your journey. These are shifts I’ve guided countless artists through—and they’ve made all the difference.

Want to dive deeper? Watch the full video episode here: Mindset Myths and Overcoming the Fear of Success

Myth 1: “I’m not a real artist unless…”

Do you feel like you can't call yourself an artist unless someone else does first? Maybe you think you need a fine arts degree, gallery representation, or public recognition to be taken seriously.

This belief is incredibly common—and incredibly limiting. The truth? You are an artist because you make art. That’s the definition. No external validation needed.

Letting go of this myth opens up a world of possibility. You begin to show up, share your work, and sell your art with more confidence. For example, Cassie Holmes, one of the members of my Art for the Heart program, once struggled with this exact mindset. But once she began calling herself an artist, everything shifted. She started showing up online more courageously—and galleries started noticing her.

Quick mindset shift:
Say this out loud right now: I am an artist.

Practical action:
Write three sentences that start with “I am an artist because…” to reinforce your belief.

Myth 2: “You have to suffer for your art.”

There’s a romanticised idea that artists must struggle to be legitimate. The “starving artist” narrative is outdated—and honestly, unhelpful.

It’s not only possible to make a living from your art, but it’s also absolutely OK to want that. You can pursue your passion and build a sustainable business at the same time.

In fact, small creative businesses are perfectly placed to thrive. You get to set the boundaries, choose how you work, and create income on your own terms.

Quick income shift:
Set a micro goal—just $100 from your art in the next week. That small step helps you see your art as more than a hobby. It’s a business in the making.

Your mindset shapes your actions, and your actions shape your outcomes. Shift the stories you’re telling yourself and see what becomes possible.

Final Thought

Mindset work isn’t just fluffy self-help—it’s the foundation of a thriving art business. The way you think about yourself, your art, and your potential directly influences the actions you take and the results you see. If you’ve been feeling stuck or discouraged, start by looking inward. Challenge the old stories, try on new beliefs, and take small steps that align with the creative life you actually want. You don’t have to wait to be chosen or suffer to be successful. You just need to start showing up as the artist you already are.