Episode 109: Feeling Capable but Scattered in Your Art Business? Here’s Why (and What to Do Next)

27 January 2026 | Paint Rest Repeat Podcast for Artists

TL;DR: You’re no longer a beginner. You’ve sold some art, taken some big steps, and maybe even started to build a creative business. But lately? It all feels a bit... stuck. In Episode 109 of the Paint Rest Repeat podcast, Ros Gervay unpacks why this confusing, scattered stage happens, and what to do if working harder isn’t working anymore. 

Let's dive in!

Here for the links referenced in the episode?

Curious about growing your own art business? Learn more about Ros Gervay’s mastermind program, Thrive, at permissiontopaint.co/thrive

Episode 109: Listen using the player below, or click on your favourite listening platform to subscribe and listen there:

Why Artists Feel Stuck After Early Success

You’ve done the courses. Built the website. Made art sales. Maybe even gone full time as an artist. But now you’re in this weird stage where things should feel easier… and they don’t. Ros Gervay calls this the "capable but scattered" phase - and it’s something so many artists experience when they outgrow beginner mode but haven’t yet found clarity in their next steps. In Episode 109 of the Paint Rest Repeat podcast, Ros shares what makes this phase so uncomfortable, and why it’s often a turning point.

5 Signs You're in the "Capable but Scattered" Stage

• You've made some sales, but they’re inconsistent
• You're learning more but struggling to implement what you know
• You're trying hard but still not seeing traction
• You feel scattered, second-guessing your next steps
• Your audience seems confused, and so do you

If you're nodding along to any of these, you're not broken. You're evolving.

Why This Stage Feels So Uncomfortable for Artists

According to Ros, this phase isn’t about a lack of effort or talent. It’s about a missing sense of direction. Here’s what tends to happen:

• You’re still trying to work harder instead of smarter
• You’re learning without clarity, which creates self-doubt
• You’re sharing your art without a clear thread, which creates confusion
• You’re making decisions alone, which drains your energy and momentum

3 Practical Steps to Move from Stuck to Aligned

Ros shares three simple, transformative exercises you can try today:

1. Visualise or Journal on Your Vision. Ask yourself: What would I be doing if I truly believed this could work? Use that answer to clarify your next right steps.

2. Define Who You Need to Be, Do, and Have. Example: Be courageous. Do the uncomfortable thing. Have systems and support.

3. Anchor Yourself with a Grounding Mantra. Mantras are powerful reminders that keep you aligned. Ros suggests:

• "Courage comes before confidence."
• "Grateful for where I am, excited for where I’m going."

Put your mantra somewhere visible: your studio wall, fridge, or phone lock screen.

The Key Mindset Shift for Growing Artists

This isn’t about hustle. It’s about alignment.

You’re not stuck because you’re not good enough — you’re stuck because you’re ready for a new way of moving forward. That requires direction, not just more effort.

🎧 Listen to Episode 109 of Paint Rest Repeat

Feeling Capable but Scattered? Here’s Why It Feels So Hard (and What to Do About It)

Available now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube or your favourite podcast app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Artists Feeling Stuck in Their Art Business

What should I do if I feel capable but scattered in my art business?

Start by reconnecting with your vision through journaling or visualisation. Clarify who you need to be, what actions you need to take, and create a mantra to stay grounded in your direction.

Why do artists feel stuck even after making sales?

Because early success doesn’t always come with clarity. Without a clear strategy, it’s easy to burn out trying to do everything right while still feeling uncertain.

How do I know if I’m in the "capable but scattered" phase?

You may notice inconsistent sales, low confidence despite effort, decision fatigue, and a sense of confusion about your next steps. This episode helps you identify and navigate this phase.

What is the main takeaway from Episode 109 of Paint Rest Repeat?

The key message is that this stage is not failure — it's growth. You don’t need more hustle. You need direction, focus, and support.

Where can I get support for growing my art business with more clarity?

Explore Ros Gervay’s mentorship program Thrive at permissiontopaint.co/thrive

If you’re ready for more personalised support in building your art business, there are plenty of ways we can work together — from self-paced courses and practical resources to memberships and masterminds. Reach out here.

That’s it for this episode. I’m so glad we could share this time together. Remember — every small step you take brings you closer to the artist you’re becoming.

Ros x