195: Painting Happiness: Art as a Form of Self-Development with Terry Runyan and Miriam Schulman

Doing the things you don’t feel qualified to do while stepping out of the ordinary, mundane existence to allow yourself the space to show up is more than terrifying. Imposter syndrome is real! If you consider the most creative and amazing people you know, it’s safe to say that their greatness came on the other side of a lot of internal dialogue. 

Terry Runyan is a visual artist and creative encourager that totally understands the inner struggles that take place for artists and creatives. She’s a published author, teacher, YouTuber, and fun artist with licensed work you can see here. 

“It's not that the perfectionism, or the imposter syndrome, or any of that inner critic stuff doesn't come up. I just see it for what it is, and I know who I am.” -Terry Runyan 

Terry’s creative path to uncover an artist’s wisdom: 

• Drawing and painting from a very young age 
• Licensing her artwork
• Overcoming perfectionism
• Struggling with self-worth
• Mindset and mediation practices
• Thoughts are not necessarily true 

“Creativity is just there, whether we feel it or not. If we're not feeling it, it's only because our thinking is going around and telling us we're blocked or that we don't have that talent, but we can ignore that thinking” - Terry Runyan 

Terry’s openness and vulnerability about her journey is a reminder of what lies on the other side of the mental struggles we go through. You have to put in the work and wrestle with thoughts, even when the thoughts feel like a fact, and you’re certain they must be true. 

Growth is a journey, and the path for a creative can get really tough without a strong mindset. 

Don’t forget to check out Terry’s book, Painting Happiness, where she gets into ways to deal with your inner critic, mindfulness, and perfectionism. 

Also, check out Schulman Art’s Mindset Playlist and Miriam’s Favorite Art Supplies for Art Journaling 

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/195

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