Mindset matters. It’s the key to showing up, selling your work, and building a thriving art business. Without it, even the best plans fall flat.

I’ve seen how a mindset shift can transform an artist’s journey—and it can do the same for you. As Wayne Dyer says, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

Mindset is the way we think, our beliefs, attitudes, and perspectives. If we change that, we change everything around us. Belief in yourself as an artist is crucial. Without it, even the best strategies won’t succeed.

Take a moment to check in with yourself: How strong is your mindset on a scale of 1 to 5? Is it rock solid, or a little wobbly? If it’s not at a 5 yet, don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The good news is that you can start building a stronger mindset today by focusing on two key areas.

1. Your Identity as an Artist

Titles can feel daunting. Calling yourself an artist might seem like a leap, especially if you’re just starting out. You might think:

“I’m not good enough.”

“I haven’t sold anything yet.”

“I don’t have formal training.”

Here’s the truth: You are an artist if you like to make art. That’s it. No sales, degrees, or exhibit history required. So, go ahead, say it out loud: “I am an artist.”

Owning your identity is the first step towards building confidence and showing up for your art business.

2. Tackling Unhelpful Mindset Blocks

Big dreams come with big gaps, the space between where you are now and where you want to be. Closing that gap requires two things:

1. Practical skills – The how-to of running an art business.

2. Mindset – The belief that you can actually do it.

Mindset is where many artists get stuck. Fear of failure, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism creep in, making progress feel impossible. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. A recent poll I ran revealed the most common mindset block is, “Do I have what it takes?”

Here’s the reality: Every successful artist has had that doubt at some point. Self-doubt doesn’t mean you’re not capable, it means you’re human.

The trick? Don’t let doubt call the shots. Work on your mindset just enough to take the next step. Then do it again, and again. Success isn’t about giant leaps, it’s a series of small, consistent steps forward. Keep it simple, and keep moving.

One of my clients once told me, “You said my success was inevitable. I didn’t believe you at first, but now I see it. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved!”

Your success is inevitable too, so long as you take that first step. Believe in yourself, keep working on your mindset, and show up consistently. Your art business will grow one step at a time.