This week on Thriving Women Artists, Ping, Sarah, and Dorien share their own experience with their inner critic and how they overcome it. Listen in to find useful tips and advice for artists of all levels looking to gain confidence and drowning out that little voice that tells you your work is not good enough.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sarah believes that if you don’t pay attention to your inner critic then it can’t grow. She also has a mantra translating to ‘I can do this and I want to do this’ which she repeats to herself in her head.
Dorien has remembered a quote she learned at a yoga retreat, ‘hello thoughts, thank you and goodbye’. This helps her acknowledge and let go of the things her inner critic says.
Ping adds an element of logic to her inner critic. She looks at what actions she can take to improve certain things, but doesn’t exaggerate what her inner critic says. She is in control, not the negative voice. She has also stopped comparing herself with established artists.
Tips for overcoming your inner critic. Go for a walk to clear your head. Draw a caricature of your inner critic, make it seem silly and small. Let other creativity take over, like playing an instrument.
Ask yourself if the things your inner critic says are even valid. If you’ve only just started out then you can’t be expected to make a masterpiece. Manage expectations.
Do what the Thriving Women Artists is all about, surround yourself with other creatives who you can share your experience with. Gain support and confidence through others.

 
BEST MOMENTS
 
‘I have a small inner critic, but she’s not allowed in my studio’
‘You cannot make masterpieces all the time, it’s about growth and the process’
‘When I was young the inner critic took up a lot of space’
‘If you gave the inner critic her own way, it would overtake you’
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST
 
A serious and fun podcast for female creatives hosted by Ping, Dorien and Sarah, three happy artists from Amsterdam.  This podcast will inspire you to make a living out of your art. We welcome you to be part of this community of like-minded people.
www.thrivingwomenartists.com
www.instagram.com/twapodcast
 
 ABOUT THE HOSTS
 
Ping He
Ping is a watercolor artist. Her work is inspired by nature and her motherhood experience. She develops her greeting cards brand and teachers Botanical Illustration courses online and offline.
www.pinghe.art
info@pinghe.art
www.instagram.com/pinghe.art
 
Sarah van Dongen
Sarah is a children’s book illustrator and visual artist. She takes her sketchbooks and art supplies everywhere, which results in illustrations based on observation and daily life.
www.sarahvandongen.com
sarahvandongenillustration@gmail.com
www.instagram.com/sarahvandongenillustrations
 
Dorien Bellaar:
Dorien is an illustration artist. Her work is mainly focused on illustration for children, editorial/food illustration, hand lettering, and she likes to combine those into both traditional and digital art.
www.dorienbellaar.nl
hello@dorienbellaar.nl
www.instagram.com/dorienbellaar

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