The Courage to Share: A Creator’s Journey beyond self doubt
There's something I've heard over and over from creatives: “What will people think?”This question can be paralyzing. The fear of being criticized, whether it's being called "weird," being ignored, or being written off, keeps many from sharing their work. Trust me, I've experienced this and still overcome the urge to care too much.
When I started Kwame Blue, I was constantly asking myself: Will my ideas be accepted? Will people take my ideas seriously? It was only once I let go of the baggage of other people's opinions that I found the freedom to express my creativity and realized that the only approval I needed was my own. I realized that my hesitation was not only holding me back, it was preventing me from connecting with the people my work is intended to connect with.
Here's what I've learned about moving from fear to freedom as a creator:
1.Your work isn't for everyone, and that's OK
One of the hardest lessons I learned was that not everyone will understand or appreciate your vision, and they don’t need to. Your purpose isn’t to convince the world that your work is valuable. It’s to reach the audience it was made for.
When I first started sharing my photos, I got obsessed with the color grading and skin texture, and worried about whether my images were "cool" enough. Then I realized: You don't need to impress people outside of your target.
Those that resonate will find you, and those that don't? They were never your audience.
Bottom line: Focus your work on those who truly get it. The rest will either catch up or they won’t.
2. Safe Isn’t Memorable
In my opinion, the worst thing a creator can do is to be forgotten. The bravest and most iconic creators didn't get there by playing it safe. In my opinion, if you're worried about being seen as a "weirdo," remember this: What seems weird today is often legendary tomorrow.
Take Prince for example: His music, style, and artistry weren't always understood, but he stayed true to himself. Today, he is an icon.
Similarly, my greatest creative advances came when I stopped striving for perfection and started embracing honesty. My work got better the moment I stopped chasing ‘perfect’ and leaned into what feels real.
Create from your story, not someone else’s expectations.
3.Start Small, Build Big
Overcoming fear and achieving big goals doesn’t happen overnight. Confidence isn’t instant; it grows with every small step you take. This principle isn’t just something I’ve applied to my creative work; it’s a lesson I learned firsthand earlier this year when I set out to run 5 miles for the first time.
It all started with one lap. For six days straight, I committed to running just a single lap each day. My only goal was to show up and complete it. From there, I set micro-goals: two laps, then three, slowly building the skills I needed to push further. Each lap taught me something new: how to manage my breathing, the types of playlists that keep me locked in, and even how to recognize the early signs of cramping.
When I first experienced cramps, it pushed me to research proper warm-ups and preparation techniques for running. Those small adjustments like stretching, hydration, and pacing became the foundation that allowed me to improve. With every lap, I was stacking lessons and resilience little by little.
Eventually, I found myself running 3 miles without stopping. That milestone gave me the confidence to push even further. Before I knew it, I was running over 5 miles, something that once felt completely out of reach.
The Takeaway: Starting small isn’t a weakness - it’s how you build resilience. Whether it’s running, photography, or creating content, the key is to focus on manageable steps, learn as you go, and trust the process. Each “lap” you take is progress, and those small victories will prepare you for the bigger ones ahead.
Your Creativity Deserves to Be Seen
As creators, we often let the fear of judgment hold us back. But here’s the truth: judgment will always be there. The real question is whether you’ll let it stop you.
Not everyone will vibe with your work, and that’s totally fine. What matters is connecting with the people who need it the most. Whether you’re testing ideas with trail reels, stepping into bold authenticity, or embracing the messiness of growth, remember this: Progress always wins over perfection.
Post the work. Share the reel. Host the session. The people who resonate with your vision are waiting.
