How do I handle the fear and pressure of working on expensive or high-stakes projects?

Start with people who are willing to take a chance on you, even if it’s nerve-wracking. Your first clients often become dear friends because they believed in you when you were learning. When working with expensive materials or high-stakes projects, invest time in testing and preparation. Do small test pieces first to work out the technical challenges before committing to the final work. Collaborate with experts in areas where you lack knowledge—for example, if you’re working with specialized materials, partner with professionals who understand the technical aspects. Be willing to make mistakes on test pieces and learn from them. The confidence comes from preparation and practice, not from the absence of fear.

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Asked by an artist nervous about high-stakes commissions · Answered by Kate Cook · art-marketing-podcast · 2025-03-17