Why are blank pages so scary?

If you are someone who is afraid of a blank page, reluctant to make a mark for fear of not liking what you see, judging yourself or feeling disconnected, then you sound like every artist I know.

So often we imagine other people’s lives and assume they find what they do easy. We imagine the artist eager to get into the studio, always in a state of flow, creating perfect works of art one after another. I know I did, but the reality is somewhat different.

I have heard so many visual artists and creative writers talk of their fear of the blank page – the empty sketchbook or the blinking cursor. That state of unknown, which we so easily fill with our expectations of perfection and the stories of our failure.

We, as people, are always negotiating with our inner critic. And while they really do want the best for us, they live in a state of fear for the future. So, when faced with a blank page, or even a blank face it is the inner critic that fills in the gaps. A neutral space is devoid of comforting feedback that tells us we are ok. It lacks a reassuring smile and warm eyes to nudge us forward with kindness.

In truth, there are so many times in life we will be left with that blank space, and it will always be up to us to fill it. The only way forward is with awareness and kindness to yourself, and you can practice this with a pencil in your hand.

Next time you have that blank page feeling, remind yourself that this is what you and most artists feel at the beginning of something new. Here, your inner critic is scared and you can reassure them by telling them that it’s ok to try something new, and yes, you do tend to judge yourself harshly, but that it is possible for both of you to put pencil or paintbrush to paper and just play. Learn what you enjoy making. Notice how you feel when making things and step into a new, exciting venture of creativity, self-belief, joy and kindness.