Mindset is everything for artists and designers.

Art and design are fields that require not just technical skills and creativity, but also a strong mindset. The right attitude and beliefs can be the difference between success and failure, happiness and frustration, and growth and stagnation. In this blog post, I’ll explore why mindset is everything for artists and designers, and what one could do to cultivate a positive and empowering one.

What is Mindset?

Mindset is a set of beliefs, attitudes and values that shape our perception of reality, influence our thoughts and emotions, and determine our behaviour. It can be fixed or growth-oriented, meaning it either limits or expands our potential and opportunities. A fixed mindset assumes that our abilities, traits, and intelligence are innate and unchanging, and therefore we should avoid challenges, risks and criticism. A growth mindset, on the other hand, recognises that we can learn, grow and develop through effort, feedback, and experience, and therefore we should embrace challenges, seek feedback, and persist in the face of setbacks.

Why Mindset Matters for Artists and Designers

Art and design are complex and dynamic fields that demand constant learning, adaptation and experimentation. They involve not just creating works of art and design, but also navigating the business and social aspects of the industry, dealing with rejection and criticism and balancing personal and professional life. The right mindset can help us overcome obstacles, pursue our goals and find fulfilment in our work. Here are some specific ways in which a growth mindset might benefit us as artists and designers:

Encourages creativity and innovation

Art and design require not just technical skills, but also imagination, originality and vision. A growth mindset fosters creativity and innovation by encouraging us to explore new ideas, take risks and challenge the status quo. When we believe we can grow and improve, we’re more likely to experiment, challenge ourselves and push the boundaries of our work. On the other hand, a fixed mindset can stifle creativity and innovation by making us fearful of failure and less likely to take risks.

Builds resilience and persistence

Art and design are not always easy or straightforward. There’ll be times when we face rejection, criticism, or failure. A growth mindset helps us build resilience and persistence by teaching us to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. When we believe we can learn from our mistakes, improve our skills and overcome obstacles, we’re more likely to persist in the face of challenges and keep pursuing our goals. A fixed mindset, on the other hand, can lead to discouragement, frustration and giving up, when faced with difficulties.

Improves collaboration and communication

Art and design often involve working with others, such as clients, stakeholders, or colleagues. A growth mindset helps us improve collaboration and communication by fostering a positive and respectful attitude towards others. When we believe we can learn from others, seek feedback and support each other, we’re more likely to build effective and harmonious relationships with those around us. A fixed mindset, on the other hand, can lead to a defensive or competitive attitude, which can harm our relationships and hinder collaboration and communication.

Enhances personal and professional growth

Art and design are fields that evolve and change constantly, and require continuous learning and development. A growth mindset helps to enhance our personal and professional growth by encouraging us to seek new opportunities, challenge ourselves and strive for excellence. When we believe we can grow and improve, we’re more likely to seek new experiences, explore new fields and advance our skills and knowledge. A fixed mindset, on the other hand, can limit our growth and prevent us from seeking new opportunities and challenges.

Increases happiness and fulfilment

Finally, a growth mindset can increase our happiness and fulfilment as an artist or designer. When we view our work and life as a journey of growth and learning, we’re more likely to find meaning, purpose and satisfaction in what we do. We’ll also be more likely to feel proud of our accomplishments and to appreciate the progress we’ve made, rather than focusing on our shortcomings and limitations.

How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Cultivating a growth mindset is not a one-time process, but a lifelong journey of self-reflection and self-improvement. It requires us to challenge our fixed beliefs and attitudes, and adopt new ones that support our growth and well-being. Here are some steps you can take to develop a growth mindset:

Embrace challenges and failures

One of the hallmarks of a growth mindset is the willingness to embrace challenges and failures. When faced with obstacles, see them as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than signs of our limitations or weaknesses. Recognise that failures are a natural part of the learning and growth process, and that they can teach us valuable lessons and help improve our skills.

Seek feedback and criticism

Another way to cultivate a growth mindset is to seek feedback and criticism, and to view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Ask others for their opinions, suggestions and constructive criticism, and listen to their feedback with an open mind and a positive attitude. Recognise that feedback can help identify our strengths and weaknesses, and that it can help us grow and improve our work.

Focus on effort, not just outcome

In a fixed mindset, the focus is on the outcome, and the result is seen as an indication of our abilities or intelligence. In a growth mindset, the focus is on the effort, and the result is seen as an opportunity for learning and growth. When working on a project, focus on putting in your best effort, and on the process of learning and improving, rather than on the final outcome. Recognise that effort and progress are more important than the final result, and that they are what lead to long-term growth and success.

Surround yourself with positive and supportive people

Finally, we can cultivate a growth mindset by surrounding ourselves with positive and supportive people who believe in our potential and encourage our growth and well-being. Seek out mentors, peers, and friends who inspire and motivate you, and who are committed to their own growth and development. Avoid people who are negative, critical, or toxic and who drag you down and limit your potential.

Conclusion

Mindset is everything for artists and designers. This is exactly what I try to instil in my students and constantly remind myself as well. A growth mindset can help us overcome obstacles, pursue your goals and find fulfilment in our work. It can encourage creativity and innovation, build resilience and persistence, improve collaboration and communication, enhance personal and professional growth, and increase happiness and fulfilment. Cultivate a growth mindset by embracing challenges and failures, seeking feedback and criticism, focusing on effort, not just outcome, and surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people. By adopting a positive and empowering mindset, you can unleash your full potential and achieve success and happiness as an artist or designer.

Jennifer xo

‘Never Stop Dreaming!’