Have you ever sat down to draw something, looked at your reference photo and thought, “There’s absolutely no way I can do that!”

Or finished a drawing and, instead of seeing everything you’ve achieved, all you can see are the little bits you’d do differently?

Oh, I know that feeling!

Self-doubt has a funny way of creeping in, doesn’t it? Sometimes it can stop us from even picking up our pencils.

But here’s something I’ve been thinking about lately.

What if building confidence as an artist isn’t about getting rid of self-doubt, but learning how to move forward despite it?

And there’s one simple question that I think can make a real difference.

“What would my best self do?”

It might sound simple, but changing the way we think about ourselves can completely change the way we approach our drawing.

Why do artists struggle with self-doubt?

your artwork to someone else’s or focus on everything you think you’ve done wrong.

And when we’re so busy worrying about the finished result, we can forget to enjoy the process!

I see this particularly with coloured pencil drawings because they take time, patience and lots of layering. There are moments when a drawing looks absolutely nothing like the finished picture we’re imagining, which is why learning to get through the ugly stage of a drawing is such an important part of trusting the process.

Just because something doesn’t look right halfway through doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong!

What’s the difference between your authentic self and your best self?

It’s an interesting way of looking at confidence, because there’s a difference between understanding who you are and choosing how you respond to challenges.

Your authentic self is about understanding who you really are. Your values, passions, strengths and even the things you find difficult.

Your best self is about how you choose to act, using those strengths to take little steps towards the things that matter to you.

And the lovely thing is, your best self isn’t a completely different person. It’s still you!

For example, your authentic self might love drawing but feel nervous about trying something new.

Your best self recognises that nervousness and decides to have a go anyway.

It’s not about ignoring how you feel. It’s about not letting those feelings make every decision for you.

How can you become a more confident artist?

The next time you find yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough to draw that,” try asking:

“What would my most confident artistic self do right now?”

Perhaps you’d:

• ✏️ Pick up your pencils and give it a go anyway.
• ✏️ Take it one section at a time, rather than worrying about the finished picture.
• ✏️ Look back at an old drawing and realise just how far you’ve already come.

None of these things requires you to suddenly become an expert.

They simply encourage you to take that next little step.

And if you’re just beginning your coloured pencil journey, building confidence often starts with getting comfortable with the basics, which is exactly what I cover in my five top tips for beginners.

How can recognising your strengths help build self-belief?

We’re often very good at spotting our weaknesses, aren’t we?

But when was the last time you stopped to recognise what you’re actually doing well?

Here’s a little exercise I’d love you to try.

Think back to a drawing you’re really proud of.

It doesn’t have to be your most technically brilliant piece. Perhaps it’s something you found challenging, a new technique you tried or simply a drawing you really enjoyed.

Ask yourself:

• What did I do well?
• What did I learn along the way?
• What helped me keep going when things got tricky?

And most importantly, what does that tell me about the artist I’m becoming?

You might discover you’re more patient, determined or willing to experiment than you realised.

Those are all strengths worth celebrating!

Does being a confident artist mean being perfect?

Absolutely not!

In fact, one of the most important things to remember is that being your best self doesn’t mean being perfect.

We all want to improve our drawings, but there’s a difference between wanting to get better and believing we’re not good enough until we do.

And that’s why learning to feel confident as an artist without waiting to be good enough is so important.

You can be proud of the artist you are today while still being excited about everything you’ve yet to learn.

How can you start building artistic confidence today?

I’d love you to try one final little exercise.

Grab a notebook or a spare piece of paper and finish this sentence:

“I’m at my best as an artist when…”

Perhaps your answer is:

“I’m at my best as an artist when I’m curious, patient and willing to experiment.”

Or perhaps it’s:

“I’m at my best as an artist when I stop comparing myself to others and simply enjoy drawing.”

Choose something that feels right for you.

Then, the next time self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself of those words and ask what your best artistic self would do.

You don’t need to create perfect drawings or have everything figured out.

Just keep learning, experimenting and giving yourself permission to have a go.

And remember, confidence doesn’t always arrive before you start. Quite often, it grows because you started.