Making art is fun?

Being an artist is often romanticized. People see the finished work hanging on a wall—bold, expressive, complete—and imagine the process behind it as inspired and effortless. But the reality of living a creative life is far less polished. It’s a journey filled with doubt, discipline, sacrifice, and, at times, loneliness.

The struggle often starts with the blank canvas. Each new piece demands something different—something I may not know how to give yet. It can feel like starting over every single time. There are days when the paint doesn’t flow, when nothing feels right, when I question why I do this at all. There’s no manual, no guaranteed path. Just me, the work, and the vulnerability of showing up.

Then there's the practical side—the one people don’t always see. Being an artist also means being an entrepreneur, a marketer, a social media manager, a photographer, a writer. It means chasing opportunities, applying for shows, packing and shipping work, maintaining a studio, and navigating the unpredictable ebb and flow of sales. It’s a constant hustle, and it can be exhausting.

There’s also the emotional weight. Art is personal. It’s a reflection of who we are, what we feel, and how we see the world. Putting it out there means opening ourselves up to judgment, rejection, or worse—silence. It can shake your confidence. And when art is your livelihood, the stakes feel even higher.

But for all the struggle, there’s something undeniable that keeps me going.

It’s the spark that happens in the middle of a painting when I lose track of time. It’s the connection I feel when someone stands in front of my work and tells me it moved them. It’s the deep sense of purpose I’ve found after decades of exploration. Art gives me a way to make sense of the world—and of myself. And even on the hard days, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Being an artist is not easy. It requires thick skin and a tender heart. But I believe the struggle is part of the magic. It keeps the work honest. It keeps me honest.

So if you’re an artist wrestling with doubt, know that you’re not alone. The struggle is real—and it's also a sign that you care deeply about what you’re doing. That matters. That’s what makes the work worth it.