The Go it Alone Myth: A threat to Artists

At some point during almost every adult art class I have taught for years, one student will admit aloud “I only can do art when I’m in your class.” This statement is always said apologetically, often with overtones of shame, and it’s usually accompanied by a giggle -which feels like an awkward admission of guilt blurted out loud confessionally to me (which they know is silly).My response is always the same - my heart sinks and I feel fierce defensiveness for them as their teacher and champion. I am always struck with the same fundamental question - why do so many of my adult students feel guilty about needing to take art classes to practice and grow their creativity?

Every time a student blurts this out (and again, this is often) I try lovingly to reassure them without looking self promotional.

Why do we adult creatives need to defend the need to take classes to thrive as artists?

Why is it a sign of weakness that we need a teacher, facilitator, or a mentor who inspires us?

It’s a strength to realize we need a joyful supportive community with interesting activities and projects to release and learn as emerging artists.

Why is spending money on a regular art class and committing to a weekly time something to feel guilty about? Ironically, my art classes, like many others, are very affordable (non-profits) and offer scholarships. These days eating lunch out costs the same as an art class session!

After years of these giggly confessional events occurring, I think its time to address the guilt and expunge it!

Where does the “GO IT ALONE” myth come from? Why do my students feel weak and guilty that they can’t learn the skills, practice at home and evolve into an independent art maker?

I believe Rugged Individualism is deeply entrenched in our American cultural identity mythology. I think it is inextricably tied to my students who feel guilty for needing to take classes repetitively to stay creatively engaged.

Rugged individualism asserts that individuals need to lead lives brimming with personal responsibility, hard work, initiative and not rely on external support. These beliefs are so deeply mythologized in American culture that many of us have internalized them as unquestioned values. They often impact what we do and how we feel. Conjure up images of the Great American Frontier -Western Cowboys, Marie Curie, Hemingway and other American heroes who learned how to “go it alone” and make their own destiny. Capitalism is also inextricably tied to Rugged Individualism as is the Puritan work ethic which continues to motivate much of our American culture.

The “go it alone” messaging is often unconscious but it derails and hurts so many of the creative adult students I work with. Many students find they thrive and have so much fun in class, but they can start to feel badly and “dependent” on the class structure when they conclude that they are lacking the “discipline” to create and feel inspired alone. Many of my students feel most motivated within the container of a class -and they see this as a personal failing.

But the exact opposite is true! I believe that needing structure, inspiration, community, and accountability is exactly how many of us, especially women, are wired. We need community, support and structure.

What if this is our deepest human strength and creative superpower?

“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.”
— Brené Brown, Rising Strong

This quote by Brene Brown captures the core of what I know deep in my Teacher/Artist core- that creativity, growth, and resilience are not solitary endeavors. The pressure to succeed alone can be isolating and creatively stifling.

Choosing to take classes regularly are not admissions of weakness—they are powerful acts honoring our beautiful need for community, inspiration, and shared structure. Classes are spiritual and uplifting spaces offering so much more than instruction; connection, encouragement, and the kind of accountability that fosters artistic momentum. As Brown reminds us, reaching out for support is not a failure of independence, but a return to the way we are meant to create: together.

This is not a flaw- it is a human feature!

Keep showing up.

Keep taking every and all classes that fill your creative spirit!

Honor your artistry—not in isolation, but in connection.

Some books I have read that enthusiastically support these ideas:

(SUGGEST OTHER book ideas?)

• The Creative Habit – Twyla Tharp (on structure and ritual)

• Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert (on creative permission and consistency)

• The Art of Gathering – Priya Parker (on why intentional spaces matter)

• Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott (especially on writing in community and keeping going)