I understand the idea of a beginner seeming unattractive, unreliable, uneducated, un- everything, but being a beginner comes with both challenges and opportunities.
It is most likely the lack of confidence that makes us focus on the negatives and the lack of experience that makes others doubt our strength and ability, but we are all beginners a million times…a billion times in our lifetime. So why focus so hard on it now, like it means something about who we are? Or what we will be?
Lets stop mourning our losses and celebrating our beginnings. I won’t focus on what the negatives are, just examine the positives which is how I like to approach things in my life.
Being a Beginner
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Fresh Perspective
Beginners often see the world and art with unclouded curiosity, leading to unique and innovative ideas. -
Room to Experiment
Without the constraints of rigid expectations, beginners can freely explore different styles and mediums. -
Rapid Growth
Progress is often most noticeable in the early stages, which can be incredibly rewarding and motivating. -
Eagerness to Learn
Beginners are usually enthusiastic and open to learning, making them more adaptable and willing to try new things. -
Community Support
Many people love to support beginners, offering encouragement, advice, and constructive feedback. -
No Bad Habits
Starting fresh means you can develop strong foundational skills without unlearning counterproductive habits. -
Freedom from Expectations
As a beginner, there’s little pressure to produce perfect work. This freedom fosters creativity and experimentation.
Being a beginner is a double-edged sword, it comes with challenges like self-doubt and skill gaps, but it also offers immense freedom, creativity, and the joy of discovery. Everything is new, and the journey of discovering your artistic voice can be thrilling.
This thought came to me when a friend suggested I take off the label on my social media where I call myself a beginner since I am now a more seasoned and practiced artist, but I put that not because I was new. I only just started calling myself an artist, but I was born one and I have been creating works of art for decades. I am a beginner because I am always new, open to new ideas, learning and growing… ever evolving.
A “beginner” can be a mindset rather than a measure of experience. It reflects humility, curiosity, and openness to growth. It’s a reminder that no matter how seasoned we become, there’s always room to evolve, discover, and be surprised by what we learn and create.
It’s a testament to the willingness to stay curious and the dedication to continuous growth.