Stop Overthinking Your Art—Start Selling It
Dec 18, 2024
Stop Overthinking Your Art—Start Selling It
Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m not ready to sell my art”? Maybe you feel like your work isn’t perfect yet, or you’re waiting for the right moment to start. Here’s the truth: overthinking is holding you back from sharing your art with the world.
In this post, we’ll explore why overthinking happens, how it holds you back, and the actionable steps you can take today to start selling your art confidently—just as it is.
Why Overthinking Happens
Overthinking often stems from fear and self-doubt. As artists, we pour so much of ourselves into our work, making it deeply personal. Naturally, we want it to be perfect before we put it out into the world.
Thoughts like:
- “What if no one likes it?”
- “What if people judge me?”
- “What if it’s not good enough?”
...are common but counterproductive.
The reality is that art doesn’t have to be perfect to resonate with people. It’s the authenticity and story behind your work that connects with buyers, not flawless execution.
How Overthinking Holds You Back
Overthinking can:
- Delay action: You keep waiting for the “perfect moment,” which never comes.
- Create doubt: The more you overthink, the more you convince yourself your work isn’t ready.
- Limit growth: Without putting your art out there, you miss opportunities to learn and grow.
When I started selling my art, I fell into this trap. I tried every medium—mixed media, watercolors, acrylics, alcohol inks—thinking I needed to find the “perfect” thing to sell. But I discovered that people weren’t buying my most perfect work—they were buying the pieces that connected with them emotionally.
How to Stop Overthinking and Start Selling
Ready to overcome overthinking? Here are three simple steps you can take today:
1. Narrow Your Focus
Choose one medium or style that feels authentic to you and stick with it for a while. This focus helps you build a cohesive body of work and gives you the confidence to share it with potential buyers.
When I decided to focus on alcohol ink paintings, it transformed my approach. Narrowing my focus made me feel more connected to my art, which resonated with buyers.
2. Share Your Story
Buyers aren’t just looking for art—they’re looking for connection. Share the inspiration, process, and emotions behind your work. Let people into your creative journey.
For example, I once shared a piece I created during a difficult time. It wasn’t perfect, but the story resonated with my audience, and it became one of my most popular pieces.
3. Start Small
You don’t need a gallery show or a big launch to begin selling your art. Start where you are:
- Post your work on social media.
- Send a piece to a friend as a gift.
- Join a local art market or online platform.
Taking small, consistent steps builds confidence and opens the door to bigger opportunities.
The Benefits of Taking Action
When you stop overthinking and start selling your art, you’ll experience:
- Increased confidence: Selling your first piece, no matter how small, is an incredible feeling.
- Valuable feedback: Buyers’ reactions help you understand what resonates and what doesn’t.
- Genuine connections: Every sale is an opportunity to build relationships with people who appreciate your work.
Your Next Steps
Overthinking your art won’t make it better or more ready to sell. Action will.
Here’s what you can do today:
- Choose one piece to share on social media.
- Write a short caption about why you created it.
- Start building connections with potential buyers, one step at a time.
Need more guidance?
Download my free Creative Connection Blueprint, a guide packed with tips to help you build your art career and grow your audience.
Click here to download the guide and start selling your art confidently today.
