Terrified of starting art class!

[Rock]

So tomorrow will be my first day attending an art class. It's just a small group of 10-20 people but I'm still so nervous and I have so much self doubt. I've done art my whole life but the truth is I'm not really very good. There are people there younger than me (13-16) and I'm scared that they'll be amazing compared to me and I'll feel like a failure and just destroy myself from the inside out. I know this is ridiculous but I have some serious social anxiety. I can't hold up a conversation, I'm ugly, and weird, and awkward and not even that skilled! Last night I started cramming art practice as dark came around and I started panicking. I literally haven't talked to any unfamiliar people for years and I don't know how to do it. I'm worried about looking dumb and being the worst in class. I guess I just want some advice on how to calm down. (Or get amazing a drawing within 24 hours. Just kidding! Heh heh...heh... ;-;)

[imosascha]

Everyone thinks that their art isn't as good as everyone else's. Trust me, no one will be looking at you or judging you or your art, they will jut be hoping that no one else is judging theirs. Be confident in yourself and your work and i'm sure it won't be as bad as you think. I also feel really awkward around new people, and my voice sometimes breaks really weirdly when i am nervous but i just try to be casual. I think if someone isn't friendly to you just because your shy or awkward, they aren't worth being friends with.I hope this helped a bit.

[Doolhof]

Hi Rock,

Take a few deep breaths and try to enjoy yourself and relax in the art class.

Remember that everyone has their own skills and abilities. Someone younger than you may be able to produce amazing pictures. That is okay. Try to appreciate their skills and just work on your own way of doing things.

I once saw a group of students colour in a picture of a giraffe. One girl used blue and yellow to colour in the picture. It looked stunning even thogh I have never seen a blue and yellow giraffe.

The point is to listen, to learn and develop your own skills and ability.

Say Hi to your fellow students. Some of them may feel even more nervous that you do.

Hope it goes well!

Cheerio for now from Mrs. Dools

[SourceShield]

Hey Rock,

I hope that your art class went well!

I'm sure you were fine but if things weren't so great, don't forget that we are here to support you, no matter what!

One of the cool thing about art is that its always open to personal interpretation, one persons Monet is another persons mess!!! - Just keep doing your best, if this is something that is important to you than keep working at it, and do your best to let go of all the negative self-judgment and loathing.

Another cool thing about art is that you can let out all your pent up feelings into whatever you're doing, painting, singing, dancing, and also writing...we can express in healthy ways.

Thats art!.

MuchLove