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How Amie McNee Overcame Self-Doubt and Built a Creative Life She Loves

Amie McNee is an author, educator, and a passionate supporter of artists and creatives. Through her books, courses, workshops, and the creative community she runs with her partner, James, she helps artists break free from self-doubt and embrace their creative path with confidence.

Her mission is simple but powerful: to challenge the belief that being an artist isn’t a “real” career and to show creatives that their work matters. Amie knows firsthand how scary it can be to fully step into your artistic identity, but she also believes it’s one of the most generous and courageous things you can do.

When she’s not writing her books, you’ll find her speaking, teaching, and sharing words of encouragement online for artists of all backgrounds. Her message? Your art is needed, no matter who you are or how you choose to create.

Breaking Free from Doubt and Fear

Amie McNee has inspired thousands on social media, but her journey wasn’t always easy. She struggled with deep self-doubt and even felt ashamed of wanting to pursue a creative life.

“I felt so embarrassed that I wanted this,” she admits. “I thought it meant I hadn’t grown up properly.”

Like many artists, Amie grew up hearing that art wasn’t a “real job”—that it was unrealistic, unstable, and not something to take seriously. Those messages made her question herself. Was she making a mistake? Would she ever be able to support herself through creativity?

For years, these doubts held her back. But at a certain point, she decided she was done letting fear call the shots. She started rewriting the story she told herself. “I’d witness those negative thoughts, and then I’d rewrite them,” she says. “I’d tell myself, ‘You were made to make art. You’re on the right path.’”

Amie’s story is a reminder that self-doubt is normal, but it doesn’t have to control you. The key is recognizing where those fears come from and deciding, little by little, to believe in yourself anyway.

How Journaling Helped Amie Transform

Amie didn’t just wake up one day brimming with confidence—she had to build it. And for her, journaling was the tool that made all the difference.

“I decided to start journaling because I had nothing else to do,” she says. “I’ve journaled every single day since.”

At first, it was just a way to process her thoughts. But over time, it became much more—it became a way to shift her mindset.

“I’d write things like, ‘You’re doing way better than you think. You were made to make art,’” she recalls.

This daily practice helped her replace self-doubt with self-trust. It gave her a space to work through fears, frustrations, and creative roadblocks. And most importantly, it reminded her why she started in the first place.

If you struggle with doubt or feel stuck in your creative journey, Amie encourages you to try journaling. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just get your thoughts onto paper. You might be surprised by how much lighter and clearer you feel afterward.

If I want you to read my book, I have to be its champion. And so for me, it’s like an act of It’s an act of service to myself. It is my job as the author to get behind this baby and to promote it in any way I can.

Amie McNee- Arts to Hearts podcast s04e54

Think Like an Athlete and Show Up for Your Art Every Day

One of the biggest lessons Amie shares is about preparing for success. “No one’s getting ready for their inevitable success,” she says. “We’re all just bracing for the failures.”

That’s when it hit her—artists should treat their craft the way athletes treat their training. Athletes don’t just hope they’ll get better; they train, recover, and show up every day, no matter how they feel. Amie realized that if she wanted a creative life, she had to treat it with that same level of commitment.

For her, that meant protecting her writing time. “Mornings are for my art. It’s sacred,” she says.

She also encourages artists to define success on their terms. Instead of chasing external validation, she asks, What does success look like for you? How do you want to feel in your creative life?

By setting her definition of success, she built a life that truly fulfills her—one that prioritizes creativity, joy, and purpose over perfection and outside approval.

I refuse to live a life of mediocrity. I want to live a creative life and I’m going to live a creative life.

Amie McNee- Arts to Hearts podcast s04e54

Living a Creative Life on Your Terms

Amie McNee’s journey—from battling self-doubt to becoming a voice of encouragement for artists—is proof that embracing creativity takes courage, but it’s worth it.

She reminds us that the world needs artists. That making art isn’t just a hobby—it’s an important, valuable contribution. And that believing in yourself isn’t about ignoring doubt but choosing, again and again, to create anyway.

Her advice?
🌿 Challenge the stories you’ve been told about art and success.
🌿 Try journaling to shift your mindset and build self-trust.
🌿 Treat your creativity seriously—show up for it like an athlete would.
🌿 Define success on your terms, not by society’s standards.

You were made to make art. And your art is needed.

You can contact Amie McNee on her Instagram handle or visit her website for more details about her work.

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