I began to seriously call myself an artist after I submitted my final portfolio review to my professor at UCSC. I found that moment intriguing. I had worked 9 years to get to that point and yet I couldn’t introduce myself as an artist or even address myself as such. It would be, “Oh yes, I do art,” not, “I’m an artist!”

There was hesitation in giving myself that title and there was also fear. What made me pause? What caused me to feel such opposing feelings? I wondered. I loved and love art. There was a fear and doubt that I wasn’t good enough that maybe I didn’t have ideas, the ability to push the boundaries and explore. It kept me from claiming myself as an artist. I had to keep learning, always be the student and not the master. I didn’t realize that accepting the title “and artist” didn’t change the fact that I’d keep learning but it gave me confidence. And confidence allows you to be brave; brave enough to explore, to make mistakes and to try new things. Because that is how we grow after all.

I believe I was waiting for a transformation to occur or perhaps for it all to just click into place. But, it was much simpler than that. I had to make a decision and be decisive. I had to take a step. I had to take a leap of faith.

Can I be brave enough to call myself an artist?

Yes! I realized. Yes. I am already an artist.

What about you? At what point or moment did you realize that you are an artist? A writer? or a creator of something beautiful? What was the turning point? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your story!

Leap of Faith
Digital
2013