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In the creative industry, how did you overcome the confidence hurdle when you applied for your first gig? #Fall25

I'm an non-traditional student in my freshman year of school at Cleveland Institute of Art, and I'm preparing to major in Animation.

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Kelly’s Answer

Think of the list of worker requirements as the company's wish list for a perfect candidate. But of course, no one is ever perfect. And it's pretty much a given that when you first join the workforce, you won't meet *all* of the desired bullet points for a particular position. The purpose of the entry level is to help new workers learn the skills they'll need to advance further! At this stage it's best to reach out to as many people as possible to make yourself known. So even if you don't have all the desired skills, having some of them will still increase your chances of getting hired. It doesn't hurt to try!
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Stephanie’s Answer

Kim makes some good points. I was never going to be an animator. I didn’t grow up playing video games and being able to work fast is a big plus. We also had guest speakers where I went to school. For example, someone who only does backgrounds came to speak to us at Santa Monica College. That’s a great school, by the way, and I went for free as a poor actor living in California. They have an entire campus dedicated to Interactive Media. When I applied, a portfolio was required, and I was not accepted. The school reached out to those of us who were not and had a meeting to critique our portfolios. Everyone who showed up was then accepted into the Animation program. So, Kim is right, getting feedback from others, especially those you admire is a great way to know you are making every effort to grow. Your own excitement about your choices will be contagious and can be a way to stroke your confidence. Just realize that a lot of rejection is just part of the equation. It doesn’t mean you’re not good, but just that they are looking for something else. I had to learn that as an actor, and after all these years, I understand so much better who I am and what I bring to the table. That helps with confidence. I know sometimes I came very close, or accepted a different role to work on a project and that can build relationships for life! Some of my friends, who get more commercials than I do, have said they have to do fifty auditions to get one! So, don’t look at rejection as a bad thing, you are still meeting people and a gig may come later. I auditioned for the director of Seattle Rep for five years, and never got a show. But, he did hire me a few years later for two National Tours of plays out of Lincoln Center! 🤷🏼‍♀️ You never know 😊
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Miranda
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Miranda,

Great advice from Kim and Stephanie. For me, the confidence hurdle is always there and I don't expect that I'll ever not take rejection personally--at least to some extent.

There are so many reasons that one person gets hired and all the other applicants don't, and there's usually no way to know why you were chosen or not chosen. Sometimes you'll get turned down for something only to be accepted for something else that's way cooler. The trick is to try to be open and keep trying.

Practice helps for sure. Apply for every opportunity for which you'd be a good candidate, give it your best shot by providing a resume tailored to the job description, research the hiring organization, and make sure to have answers to interview questions such as Why do you want this job? (one of my least favorites). The more noes you get, the closer you are to yes--and you only need one.

Also, no matter what else you do, make sure you have something creative in your life that's 100% yours, such as a private drawing or painting practice. Share or don't share as you choose, and work to your own satisfaction without worrying about what others think. Having your own thing puts you in control, and you can more easily keep your sense of self-worth out of the equation. And who knows--maybe that private thing is what your heart desires most of all, and a path to achieve it will present itself to you.

Hope this helps. Just know that all creative people are tender beings--you're far from alone.
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Miranda,

Your question is fantastic and touches on something vital for artists and creatives. As someone who's been an artist for a long time, I understand how tough confidence can be. Going to art school can really boost your confidence in your skills and choices. Experience and practice help build that confidence. The critique process at art school is also a great way to get feedback and grow. I encourage you to join as many art shows as you can while studying and make friends with other artists. Talking about your work with others will help you see your strengths and areas to improve. Regarding paid work, feedback from others will help you understand how your art affects people. Selling more of your work will boost your confidence and belief in yourself.
Thank you comment icon Kim, thank you! Miranda
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