Three Common Mistakes Budding Artists Make and How to Avoid Them

Spoiler Alert!!

There Are No Mistakes in Art – Only Learning Opportunities

In art, there’s truly no such thing as a "mistake." The word itself suggests that something has gone wrong or hasn’t been done correctly, but in reality, every twist and turn of the creative process brings new ideas and skills to life. Often, it’s the fear of "getting it wrong" that stops us from starting or continuing a piece. Yet, those unexpected moments are where we find inspiration, uncover creative solutions, and build confidence.

I want to make this clear before diving in: what some might call "mistakes" are actually steps in the journey to becoming a better artist. However, there *are* ways to set yourself up for success from the start. Here are a few common learning curves and how to turn them into opportunities.

Step 1: Understanding Your Materials

One common hurdle is jumping straight into creating without taking the time to understand the materials. This can lead to frustration or discouragement, especially if an artist doesn’t achieve the effect they hoped for. I remember the first time I used oil pastels, expecting them to blend like colored pencils (spoiler: they don’t!). That experience taught me the importance of learning each medium’s unique qualities.

In my classes, we dedicate time to exploring the materials thoroughly so that students can understand their full potential. When we know our tools, we can let our creativity flow without being held back by surprises in technique.

Step 2: Embracing, Not Avoiding, Missteps

One of the most common misconceptions among beginner artists is that every misstep is a failure. This outlook can make it difficult to experiment and take creative risks. A helpful shift in perspective is to view these missteps as a part of the process. I often share a personal story from my own work: I'll call it my tumbleweed moment! but I'll save that for another blog.

In my classes, we practice seeing each "don't rip that out of your sketchbook" moment as a chance to explore something new. Every unexpected change in direction opens up opportunities for creative solutions, ultimately strengthening our skills and expanding our confidence.

Step 3: Creating, Not Copying

Many students start by copying photos or replicating other artists' work, thinking it's the best way to learn. While imitation can help us understand technique, it can also keep us from developing our own voice. I encourage students to seek inspiration without aiming to replicate—each of us has a unique perspective to bring to our art.

In my classes, I make space for personal expression. Building creative confidence starts with finding your own spin, and exploring ideas that are meaningful to you.

At Arts Instruct, I treat each of these learning curves as stepping stones, transforming them into valuable experiences that help every student grow in skill and confidence. With the right support, every artist can learn to embrace the beauty of the unexpected.