The Number One Limiting Belief New Students Have: “Art is Too Hard”

By Will Huntley of Infinite Arts Studio-Wangara Western Australia

Dimity Enjoying the challenge of Life Sculpture

Many new students think art is too hard, and because of that belief, they often don’t even start. They make excuses, fearing failure. And yes, they might fail a few times at first. But what they don’t realize is that failure is a crucial part of the process. With practice, they will improve. Unfortunately, in today’s world, where everyone gets a trophy, there’s a belief that success must come immediately. And when it doesn’t, they quit.

This is where the role of the teacher becomes essential. Now, more than ever, teachers need to stand behind new artists and push them forward. Many students shy away because failure feels embarrassing. But I believe in embracing failure. I intentionally push boundaries and break rules (once I’ve learned them) to explore what’s possible. Progress in art—or any skill—comes from failing, learning, and trying again.

An old friend of mine used to say, “Embrace the Pain!” Personally, I prefer, “Enjoy the Fight.” Both phrases capture the same essence: When faced with challenges, meet them head-on. It might be uncomfortable, but the more you embrace discomfort, the less it bothers you, and the more you can take on. As the saying goes, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” In this context, it’s the fear of discomfort that holds us back. And most of these fears? They’re made up in our minds, often about things that will never happen.

So, how do you overcome this limiting belief? Understand that failure is not the end—it’s just the beginning. Each mistake is a step closer to mastering your craft. The best artists, the most skilled creators, all share one thing in common: they failed, repeatedly, and learned from those failures.

As a teacher, my role is to guide you through these setbacks, to encourage you to keep pushing forward, even when it feels uncomfortable. The sense of pride and accomplishment I see in my students’ faces when they succeed after struggling is unbelievable—it’s what makes the journey worth it. Remember, the discomfort you feel is temporary, but the skills and confidence you gain from persevering are lasting.

Art, like any skill, is a journey. It’s about experimenting, failing, learning, and growing. The more you push through the fear of discomfort, the more you’ll discover your true potential. So, embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and know that every mistake is a valuable lesson in your artistic journey.

At Infinite Arts Studio, we believe in nurturing this mindset. We’re here to support you, challenge you, and celebrate your progress every step of the way. So, the next time you think “Art is too hard,” remember that it’s only hard until you try—and that’s where the magic begins.

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Will Huntley

Will Huntley is a talented artist and a seasoned Artistic Training Consultant (ATC) with over 35 years of practical and professional experience. He offers a comprehensive range of workshops that are aimed at enhancing your knowledge and skills in various areas of the arts, through Perth’s most inspirational space, Infinite Arts Studio, in Wangara, Western Australia.