Do you find your confidence fluctuating all over the place as an artist? Well, that’s normal when learning new skills and let me tell you why!

I’m going to talk you through the four levels of competence, a concept that’s super important for anyone on an artistic journey. Developed by N. Burch in 1970, this model helps us to understand the stages we go through when learning a new skill. Let’s explore how it applies to us as artists!

The Four Levels

Unconscious Incompetence: This is where we start – full of enthusiasm but unaware of what we don’t know. Remember when you first picked up those colour pencils? You were probably excited and eager, unaware of layering techniques or paper types. It’s a beautiful, optimistic stage!

Conscious Incompetence: Reality check time! You start to realise how much you don’t know. You might compare your work to others and feel overwhelmed. It’s challenging, but this awareness is crucial for growth.

Conscious Competence: Now you’re developing real skills, but it takes concentration. You’re making conscious choices about colour selection and techniques. Improvement is happening, but it requires effort.

Unconscious Competence: The goal! Skills become second nature. You instinctively choose the right pencil and create beautiful work without overthinking. It’s where creating becomes truly joyful.

The Cycle of Learning

We cycle through these stages constantly as we tackle new challenges. You might be at stage four with certain techniques, but trying something new could put you back at stage one or two. This is normal and part of growing as an artist!

Quick Tips for Your Journey:

– Keep all your work to track progress.

– Do regular reviews of your old and new pieces.

– Embrace the learning process, even when it’s tough.

– Set realistic expectations – mastery takes time.

– Celebrate small wins along the way.

– Seek support from other artists who get it.

Remember, every great artist has gone through these stages. The key is to persist, keep learning, and enjoy the journey. Your path is unique, and every stage offers valuable lessons.