Overcoming the Fear of Using the "Wrong" Materials or Techniques

When I first started painting, as an emerging artist without formal art school training, I had a lot of doubts. I was constantly afraid of using the "wrong" materials or techniques, thinking everything had to be perfect from the start. I questioned whether I was even good enough to create art, and this self-doubt was overwhelming for years.

Every time I picked up a brush, I felt the pressure to get everything right. But I learned that this fear of making mistakes was actually holding me back. I was trying so hard to avoid errors that I wasn’t allowing myself to fully explore and learn.

Art is subjective, so there are no rules. Once I realized this, everything started to change. There’s no one “right” way to create—art is about expressing yourself, trusting your instincts, and finding what works for you. It's not about following a strict set of guidelines or using perfect materials, it's about the journey and the emotions you convey through your work.

Through trial and error, I found my own way. I stopped fearing mistakes and started experimenting freely. Over time, I figured out what works for me, and now I’m confident in the techniques I use and the direction of my art. Every mistake, every failed attempt, has led me to where I am today. Now, I trust my instincts, and I’ve developed a process that brings out my best work.

I can now look at my art and see how far I’ve come. The so-called "wrong" choices in the past were often what made my pieces unique and powerful. Mistakes led me to my artistic voice, and I’m proud of where I am now.

If you’re starting out or struggling with self-doubt in any aspect in life, I want to encourage you: embrace the process. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to fail, and to make mistakes. The more you trust yourself and your creativity, the more you’ll discover what works for you.

Now, I’m confident in what I’m doing, and I know that creativity is what truly matters. Trust the process, and let the art come to you.

-With love, Lara.