Self-Made Is a Myth: Why You Should Accept Help Without Shame

Ceri talks about why many artists feel guilty about receiving support. Whether it’s financial, emotional backing or practical help, many struggle with feelings of guilt after asking for or receiving help. Ceri talks about how to shift from guilt to gratitude and embrace support as a fundamental part of the creative process. She also shares how to use reciprocity in a way that feels good for you and those who support you. Ceri ends the episode with a short exercise to help you reframe your mindset and truly own the support you receive.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Support is not charity, it’s an investment. People believe in your work and its potential to make an impact. Your creative work deserves investment, in the same way businesses would find investors and scientists source funding for research.
• When you feel guilt from accepting help you aren’t allowing yourself and those who believe in you to grow.
• Artists work hard to help others make sense of life. They challenge perceptions and expand our understanding. They improve every aspect of our lives, often asking for nothing or very little in return.
• Another reason artists can feel guilt is because of unspoken expectations, be clear and define any reciprocation or expectations with those who support you.
• Money and creativity have a complicated relationship. Many of us internalise the idea that making money from art taints it or financial support means we’re not independent. But thriving in your creative practice often means finding a healthy relationship with money.
• Write down three instances where you’ve received support. It could be financial help, encouragement, mentorship or a practical hand with something related to your creative work. Then think about why you felt guilty about accepting it, what story you were telling yourself at the time and think of a reframed perspective, that acknowledges why the support was given and why you deserved it.

BEST MOMENTS

“Why do we feel guilty about getting support? So often, it’s because society loves the story of the self-made genius who did it all on their own.”

“Whether it’s financial help, emotional backing, or practical assistance, many of us feel like we’re somehow on the backfoot or even a bit of a scrounger when people step in to help.”

“Artists enrich culture, challenge norms, and hold up a mirror to society, often without the recognition or compensation that matches the profound impact they have. Your creative practice has value, your work is vital and those who support you are investing in something that helps move humanity forward.”

“Often the person offering support isn’t looking for anything extravagant, they just want to feel appreciated and involved.”

“Instead of apologising for being supported, embrace it as part of your creative ecosystem.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

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