List of ways to lean into discomfort with your self while making art

1. Embrace Imperfection: Allow yourself to create without the pressure of perfection. Accept that mistakes are part of the process and can lead to unexpected discoveries.
2. Explore New Mediums: Experiment with materials and techniques that are outside your usual practice. This can challenge your comfort zone and inspire creativity.
3. Set Time Constraints: Give yourself a limited amount of time to complete an artwork. The urgency can push you to make decisions quickly and instinctively.
4. Create with Restrictions: Set specific limitations, such as a restricted color palette or a singular subject matter. Constraints can provoke innovative solutions.
5. Invite Feedback: Share your work with others, especially before it feels “finished.” Constructive criticism can be uncomfortable but ultimately beneficial for growth.
6. Art Journaling: Maintain a journal to document your artistic thoughts and feelings. This practice can expose vulnerabilities and clarify your artistic identity.
7. Participate in Workshops: Attend workshops that focus on techniques or concepts you are unfamiliar with. Being in a learning environment can create discomfort but also promote skill development.
8. Dare to Fail: Intentionally create art that you believe might not work out. Embrace the possibility of failure as a stepping stone toward improvement.
9. Derive Inspiration from Discomfort: Use your struggles or challenges as subject matter for your artwork. Channeling these feelings can lead to deeply personal and resonant pieces.
10. Change Your Environment: Alter your usual workspace by creating art in a different location. A new setting can influence your perspective and creative process.
11. Work in Public Spaces: Create art in cafes, parks, or other public areas. This openness can provoke self-awareness and invite spontaneous interactions.
12. Document Your Process: Take photos or write about your artistic process, focusing on your feelings of discomfort. Reflecting on this documentation can foster growth.
13. Connect with Other Artists: Engage with a community of artists who push each other to step outside their comfort zones. Collaboration and discussion can heighten your awareness of discomfort in creative practice.
14. Reflect on Your Journey: Regularly reflect on your artistic progress, noting moments of discomfort and the lessons learned from them. Journaling or discussing with peers can enhance this reflection.
15. Facilitate Open Discussions: Organize or join critique sessions where vulnerability is encouraged. Talking about your challenges can help normalize discomfort and promote resilience.