WORKSHOPS
In-person and via Zoom
CREATIVITY WORKSHOP
Grow Fearlessly: Conquer Self-Doubt,
Master Marketing, and Launch Your Dream Career
Overview:
Creativity and insecurity often go hand in hand.
For artists grappling with intense self-doubt, it can feel like every brushstroke, word, or lyric you create is a battleground. Rather than living in the mystical land of “creative flow,” you feel paralyzed by perfectionism, fearing judgment, and constantly questioning if you’re “good enough.”
The truth is that the best marketing strategy in the world won’t work if you fundamentally don’t believe you’re worthy of attention. It doesn’t matter how talented or fantastic your vision is if you’re so crippled by perfectionism and fear of failure, you never finish anything.
When your mindset is stuck, moving forward in your career feels impossible.
In this transformative one-hour workshop, we’ll explore how mindset shapes your creative journey—and how you can shift it to break through limiting beliefs. Through a combination of personal storytelling, research-backed insights, and actionable strategies, we’ll explore the mental hurdles that hold artists, writers, musicians, and other creative professionals back and discuss ways to overcome them.
We’ll start by exploring the mental barriers that hold many artists and creative entrepreneurs back—fear of failure, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism—and uncovering the hidden roots of these challenges. I’ll share key moments from my own career as a musician and entrepreneur when I had to rewire my thinking to move forward. Then, we’ll examine the psychology behind creativity and confidence, breaking down how mindset works and why it’s your most powerful tool.
Finally, we’ll move into action. You’ll leave with simple, actionable techniques to reframe self-doubt, set boundaries that protect your creative time, and align your daily habits with your big-picture goals. Whether you’re an artist, musician, writer, or entrepreneur, this workshop will give you the tools to stop surviving and start thriving in your creative life.
Takeaways:
Understand the research behind mindset and its impact on creativity.
Learn practical tips to reframe self-doubt and build confidence.
Gain tools to protect your mental health while pursuing your creative goals.
Leave inspired and equipped to navigate challenges with clarity and purpose.
Who It’s For:
This workshop is designed for graduating students and creative adults ready to embrace a healthier mindset and grow their confidence, whether you’re just starting or looking to level up in your career.
Why It’s Important:
A positive mindset is essential for maintaining your health while building a creative career. Not only does it help prevent limiting beliefs from holding you back, but it also addresses the strong link between creativity and mental health issues.
Artists and writers are up to 10 times more likely to experience depression than others, and nearly 70% of musicians have struggled with depression, severe anxiety, or panic attacks. They are also four times more likely to have thoughts of suicide.
I’m passionate about helping artists in all fields overcome self-doubt and develop strategies to maintain a healthy mindset throughout their careers.
About the presenter:
Vanessa McGowan is a creativity coach, professional touring musician, and long-time educator dedicated to helping artists conquer self-doubt and unleash their creative potential.
With over twenty years of industry experience, she is currently the Musical Director and bass player for Grammy-Award-winning Nashville artist Brandy Clark and is proud to endorse Fender guitars, Aguilar amps, D’Addario strings, and Fishman electronics.
When not on tour, she coaches and runs two retail businesses with her partner in Wisconsin, where they live in the woods with their two cats.
