C O N F I D E N C E

Alright, fam...today I wanna talk about confidence.

Ever since social media has become such an ingrained part of our society, that lil joy-thief called comparison has been a thorn in my side. If you’ve been around for a while, you might remember that my work background is in retail. If you asked me to talk about my work experience, I would be able to very confidently describe to you my abilities and accomplishments as it relates to retail.

...but, if you asked me about my art experience?

I would probably get a bit anxious and downplay what I do because I didn’t feel as though I have any “official” cred.

Earlier today, as I was filling out an exhibition application, it asked questions about my experience and knowledge in my field. I started writing out my answers and all of a sudden it clicked with me...I *DO* know what the fuck I’m talking about!

I DO have experience showing and speaking about my work.
I DO have a thorough understanding of my materials & techniques and can confidently explain them.

So, why was I feeling so shy when asked to speak about my role as an artist?

Personally, I think that it’s in part because our society has been designed to make us feel uncomfortable taking up space— as if talking ourselves up & being confident in ourselves is something to be ashamed of.
So often, people with confidence (and a lot of times, women in particular) are made out to be villains...How many times have you heard a successful person being described as having an inflated ego or accused of being bitchy? And all because they have the “audacity” to speak confidently about themselves?

All of this has made me realize that I have wasted so much time minimizing myself and my accomplishments for fear of making someone else uncomfortable. Going forward, I want to set the following intentions:

I will not downplay the depth of my knowledge and experience.

I will not be afraid to speak confidently about myself, my accomplishments and my aspirations.

Does any of this resonate with you, sweet friends? Have you found yourself scared to go for something big because you aren’t sure you’re ready or worthy? If so, I hope you’ll join me in trying to break down the expectations that our culture has put on us to shrink down into something more “digestable”.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be a part of a world in which people can shout their accomplishments from the rooftops and hear applause instead of criticism…

…and that change starts with us.

So, let’s hear it:

What is your strength? Your superpower? That extra-special thing that only you have?

Shout it from the rooftops.

We’re all waiting to cheer you on.

xoxo,

britt