Who Told You You Aren't An Artist

Who told you that you weren't an artist? This episode dives deep into that pesky little question and explores how those offhand comments can stick to us like gum on a shoe. We unravel the mystery of why so many of us have let someone else dictate our creativity, and trust me, it's time to take that word "artist" back! We'll chat about the wild journey of reclaiming your artistic identity, including the struggles and triumphs that come with it. So grab your paintbrush, your notebook, or whatever your creative weapon of choice is, and let’s remind ourselves that being an artist is about creating for the joy of it—no sales necessary!At some point, many people stop calling themselves artists — not because they stopped creating, but because someone else told them they weren’t one.In this episode, we explore the quiet moments that cause people to abandon their creative identity and how those messages follow us into adulthood.This episode is for:People who were discouraged from pursuing art early onAdults with careers and families who still feel the pull to createAnyone who’s been told art is impractical, unrealistic, or “not for them”We talk about:The moment creative identity gets taken awayWhy adults feel they need permission to createHow talent myths keep people stuckReclaiming the word artist without needing validation1. The Moment the Word “Artist” Was Taken AwayHow a single comment or experience can outweigh years of creativityWhy these moments often feel small but leave a lasting impactHow silence or indifference can be just as powerful as criticism2. The Stories We Carry Into AdulthoodHow early messages about talent and practicality get internalizedWhy adults stop claiming the word artist even when they still createThe difference between losing interest and losing permission3. Talent Myths and Creative GatekeepingThe belief that artists are “born, not made”How comparison and early labels shut down experimentationWhy skill development is mistaken for proof of worth4. Identity vs. OutputWhy making art doesn’t automatically feel like being an artistHow waiting for validation delays creative identityWhy claiming the identity comes before results, not after5. Quiet ReclamationTaking the word artist back without announcements or pressureLetting art exist privately before it’s shared or judgedChoosing not to argue with the voice that says “you’re not that”Takeaways:At some point, someone told you that you weren't an artist, but let's be real: who are they to decide that for you?The simple act of creating something makes you an artist, regardless of whether or not you sell it.It's crucial to reclaim the title of 'artist' for yourself despite what naysayers might think, so just go for it!</