Watch & Listen to this podcast Episode.
This week on the Arts to Hearts Podcast, we are hosting Nicholas Wilton who is the founder of the Art2Life Creativity workshops and classes. In this episode, Nicholas talks about finding joy in his work, the limiting beliefs artists have, and the vulnerable moment in his life that pushed him toward becoming the creative visionary he is today!
Nicholas has always been an artist, and as he gained experience from his own journey, he decided to help others achieve that as well. He started with small destination workshops and taught online. With the assistance of his team, he helps people find who they are as artists. In the meantime, Nicholas has not forgotten his passion and continues to make art in his own studio.
Something Nicholas has learned over the years is that artists have little faith in themselves, and that is something that can really hinder their growth. Nicholas is challenging the misconception that some artists are more gifted than others. He argues that each individual has their own set of skills and is as capable as anyone else. Realizing this is the first small step you can take to build that self-confidence in yourself.
Another mistake that artists often make is that they compare themselves to others and worry whether they will be able to sell art. Comparison is the thief of joy, and Nicholas thinks that it can truly shatter your self-esteem. Instead of looking at other people’s art, it’s important that you focus on your work and be authentic, and only then you can begin to take control of your narrative!
In this podcast, Nicholas shares many more insightful tips on how you can connect with your inner artist and do what you love, so tune in and listen to the entire episode!
| Timestamp | Summary |
| 00:00.00 | Introduction and background of Nicholas Wilton |
| 02:18.40 | Overview of the Creative Visionary program |
| 03:40.57 | The struggle with talent and building confidence |
| 05:21.14 | Importance of enthusiasm and energy in promoting artwork |
| 08:25.85 | Overcoming mindset blocks and finding creative confidence |
| 10:14.11 | The power of art in difficult times |
| 13:02.14 | Finding joy in art-making and letting go of external pressures |
| 14:18.39 | The importance of being present and playful in art |
| 15:35.94 | Overcoming self-judgment and imposter syndrome |
| 16:46.22 | The impact of social media on artists and the misconception of success |
| 19:10.61 | Embracing authenticity and being true to oneself |
| 20:30.32 | Building confidence and momentum through art-making |
| 21:22.40 | Sharing the journey and being vulnerable |
| 22:02.37 | Recognizing the power of starting out as an artist |
| 24:00.47 | Creative Visionary Program. |
[TRANSCRIPT]
**** – (): 00:00.00
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Welcome to the podcast Nicholas how are you doing.
**** – (): 00:03.89
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Doing very well thank you. It’s ah lovely to be here and and meet you.
**** – (): 00:09.17
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Same year. Thank you so much for being here with us and I’m very excited because I’d really love the work that you’re doing I I remember you you know being the person on these reels and videoss because a lot of your reels have been on Instagram. And you know you’ve been teaching art but before we go there. How about you introduce yourself for people who are listening to us right now.
**** – (): 00:34.82
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Well, um, I’m an artist I’ve always been an artist. Um, that’s predominantly what I’ve done in my life but along the way I started to learn how to. How to become an artist and and how to find my way and and I started teaching this when I started to unlock some ideas and different processes and I began to share it and it just grew from there I started with small destination workshops. I brought my approach which it is an approach that I worked for me and I started teaching this online and and and that’s when it really took Off. Um. So I’m I’m basically you know I help people find their find who they are and and what they’re doing here and and they use art to do that. So um, that’s that’s sort of what I’m very involved in that now and and I’m making art at the same time. So it’s. They go together really well everything I’m learning I am learning from the process of of making my R Um, So yeah I have a we have ah teams of coaches and we do online programming.
**** – (): 01:49.74
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah.
**** – (): 01:55.48
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Are.
**** – (): 01:59.82
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): And we we teach thousands of people all over the world and we still do those destination workshops where we meet up in different parts of in Europe and different different locations. Um and do smaller workshops but I would say the biggest reach we have is. The creative visionary program which we’re in the process of launching right now and we teach thousands of people in this program twelve week program
**** – (): 02:18.40
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Are okay.
**** – (): 02:28.56
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Okay, tell me something Nico is what I find interesting about your journey is that um I think I’m always intrigued by people who have a very lower journey and how they’ve tried up their hands and and experience so many different ways. Um from what I know. Ah, you know you have had your own fair share of experiments in life being a creative be from being lost to trying so many things being at business products. Um, you know all of those things and now finally coming here. Can you look back and this is a question that I think and the joial lot of our state I’ve been there. Um. What has been your experience in learnings from you know, finding yourself through these experiences of being a creative and then coming here. Okay.
**** – (): 03:13.49
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Well, there has been the struggles I mean I I wanted to make art I wanted to become an artist and you know I resonate with your story so much Aruka I was really I just wanted that dream. And what’s challenging with that dream when you begin is that you can’t always see the kind of art that you can imagine you don’t know how to make it yet. You don’t you so you don’t have evidence but you still have this desire right? and and and that’s difficult.
**** – (): 03:40.57
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, right? Yeah right? yeah.
**** – (): 03:51.25
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): And so there’s a certain degree of faith you need in order to Continue. So I was very focused on me to understand how to make art how to do it in a way that ah that was sustainable and how to make art that I Loved. And I I came up with an approach that when I started sharing it with people mostly because I I spent so much time by myself in my studio I started teaching and just to be around other artists and I taught them my approach and what I saw that what happened was.
**** – (): 04:22.67
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Okay, right? yeah.
**** – (): 04:30.23
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): People could progress so quickly what took me 10 years people could figure out in a week or so and I was so impressed and it had to do with the information and the way I was sharing it and the sequence and the and the hierarchy of this information so I kind of.
**** – (): 04:32.11
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Um, yeah.
**** – (): 04:37.31
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah.
**** – (): 04:49.84
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): I learned wrote and that’s what I teach it’s ah it’s a completely different way of being and there’s fundamental principles. We can use but it’s all about finding who you are and and the kind of work you want to make um in this in this lifetime and when and when we get clear on that. The art gets so good and it and it has impact and it and it sells and it spreads and so I really help people find that in themselves.
**** – (): 05:21.14
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): So tell me something what do you think is the biggest badio the biggest biggest mindset block um artists have in the beginning of the years that you think once they get opened when once they get through that. Um, they’re really able to move the needle alert.
**** – (): 05:37.00
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): I Mean there’s There’s a few um I think there’s a big limiting belief around talent that people think that some are ordained with talent more than the others or that they’re We’re not eligible and. And you know one of my company art to life the primary one of its core Beliefs. Um, and it’s what I teach and what I know from many decades of teaching is that this is nothing to do with talent creativity is. Given to everyone an equal measure. It’s just if you’re interested and you’re passionate and I know you you know this? but I get it I mean people we we don’t Um, we don’t necessarily believe in ourselves and it takes time to develop the confidence to to see the results to.
**** – (): 06:12.71
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): So absolutely. Yeah.
**** – (): 06:25.36
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah, right.
**** – (): 06:31.10
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Start that? um that Upward cycle of of of momentum and enthusiasm. Um, but it it’s an unlocking. It’s an unfolding of who we are and and who we’re becoming.
**** – (): 06:46.50
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): I Absolutely tell me something. Um, you’ve also spoken I Also read about it like you know how how you thought like the ah the idea of starving art is that you have to spend most of your time in the studio worse is how to market how to market your work with. Confidence how to have that faith. What are your suggestions for artists who are struggling with building that confidence and putting the work out there. So.
**** – (): 07:13.51
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Yes, well and my approach um you can go and learn some business tactics. You can post more on Instagram but none of that matters unless you are a thousand percent excited about what you’re doing. You have to be involved with something at least in in art in fine art in something that brings you alive and before anything else can happen. we have to look at your work and we have to feel your enthusiasm and your energy. And and that’s an inside job you you get to do this on your own that doesn’t cost anything this is this is the work that we’re doing in the creative visionary program. We’re helping people find their way to what really lights them up and and once that happens it. There’s energy. With it. There’s a frequency with it and others are attracted to that. There’s a certainty that your work can show the world and and that’s incredibly magnetic people come for that and and so. Yes, we need to learn how to promote our work but the confidence ah the the artifact of who we are and who we’re becoming and getting that going. That’s what drives. Ah the career. It really does.
**** – (): 08:25.85
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Um, yeah.
**** – (): 08:31.40
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah, yeah, that’s true and Nicoles what has been in your own journey. What do you think has been a turning point where you felt like you found you finally found that that creative. That you are um and can you specify an experience or let’s say a moment in your own life. You feel like you feel like you’ve arrived home because I know that you’ve also spoken about doing several different things feeling lost and then coming back but there are so many different like how how has that felt like what it. Can you share a few experiences from your own life.
**** – (): 09:12.71
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Um, yeah I would say that um I I think the the moment for me that I became um. that I that I really realized that I was on a path that that there was some that what I’m sharing today actually is true is came out of a time in my life. Ah, where I had a lot of misfortune a lot of I lost all my income. My. My marriage fell apart I had um, just a lot of hardship and and the only thing and and I lost my confidence I mean I lost everything I lost my self- eseem I lost my self-respect I like you know I really was in a dark place.
**** – (): 10:00.20
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Um, yeah, um, that yeah yeah.
**** – (): 10:04.75
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): But it was the art that I had always and I’d always made art but it it was the art that I started to make that kind of brought me back to the surface of things and and and this is the power of art when you can see who you are through something that you’re making.
**** – (): 10:14.11
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Now.
**** – (): 10:21.75
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): That is true.
**** – (): 10:22.60
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): I mean this is so important for us to make something outside through my whole life can be in disarray but I made that and that isn’t so something’s going on here and that that brought me out um, lifted me up. And gave me energy and kind of gave me life and it it qualified me to teach I feel because I know what it’s like you know to have no confidence to to really question everything but I know thousand percent that
**** – (): 10:46.66
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Ah, yeah.
**** – (): 10:54.66
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Right.
**** – (): 10:59.60
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): This is available and and I you know I set off on a mission to to do this for myself which I did and and now I help others do it and I’ve just it’s I’ve seen it a thousand times now and it really is possible and it really comes from. Small steps and but moving towards what brings you alive and letting things go that no longer serve you and all the all the games we play with um you know stories that people tell us about ourselves the art teachersasers that didn’t think this isn’t this isn’t this.
**** – (): 11:23.96
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): A.
**** – (): 11:32.10
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah, we were good enough. Yeah.
**** – (): 11:37.88
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): And involved back involved with becoming who we’re here to become and I really believe that that’s a that’s a ah sort of ah ah, a gift that we all get to have in this lifetime that we get to unfold.
**** – (): 11:41.57
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Oh.
**** – (): 11:51.46
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah, and that you also speak a lot about finding joy finding joy in the studio a lot of times you know I think something that comes as a common pattern is um when artist a young you know.
**** – (): 12:08.96
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Think the nascent stage The passion is so fresh and untouched. But um as you start to take it Seriously, you know a lot of times trying to make it we push ourselves so hard so heart so hard that the only thing that we love so much.
**** – (): 12:16.15
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): And.
**** – (): 12:26.24
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): That starts to become. You know there comes resistance and you start to feeling like you’re not good enough and a lot of time it. It takes the joy of V and you feel like okay now I have to do another. It becomes more like a job than it was something that you were doing from from your heart and soul in a lot of and that really I don’t know it may be controversial but I also see.
**** – (): 12:33.90
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Um, yes.
**** – (): 12:46.40
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Feel that in the beginning when we’re trying to let’s say monetize our art and a lot of times when people don’t know how to do that and they feel lost that that comes as a grad and as an outcome can you share your thoughts on what do you mean by finding joy.
**** – (): 13:02.14
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Um, yes, yes so what tends to happen or what can happen is that the the we still have a lot of thoughts about our art. We.
**** – (): 13:02.97
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Again and being in the studio and why that matters so much to you.
**** – (): 13:21.99
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Didn’t sell any or somebody said something about it or the others are so much further ahead we scroll on Instagram and we see people that are much better and what are we doing and and I’m not selling anything and all the thinking and all the swirling around it.
**** – (): 13:22.22
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah.
**** – (): 13:41.77
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): But What’s really really critical for for you know for your listeners to to realize is that is that is not art that has nothing to do with it that actually isn’t that isn’t the thing that art is art is when you have that brush or whatever the thing is and you. You go and you start making that mark on the paper and you drop in to what is happening in front of you and you become in the present and it’s miraculous Really, it’s It’s a wonder it’s it can be more playful just the feeling of doing the thing.
**** – (): 14:18.39
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah.
**** – (): 14:19.58
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): And reconnecting to that just postpone worrying about it but let the activity bring you um sustenance it is so beautiful to be able to use colors and play and learn and that’s what we were doing when we were young with crayons on paper how we have.
**** – (): 14:30.59
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah, um.
**** – (): 14:35.20
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Younger And yeah.
**** – (): 14:40.45
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): It’s selling art and and being famous and like you’ll get all that maybe but but you will certainly won’t get it if you’re not enjoying this. We need to think of our art making as a vacation from our life. We have to think of our art making.
**** – (): 14:51.34
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Pm.
**** – (): 14:56.87
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): As a little chance in the day when we’re absolutely utterly 1000% free when we’re free when we get to be who we want to be and there’s no one looking over our shoulder and we can do whatever we want then our soul can come in and our soul can. Can express ourselves. We can become more self-expressed because everything’s fine and it’s okay to be that and that’s the kind of work that that sells that’s the kind of work that has a unique signature. That’s the kind of work that is the art of your life that is personal work. That’s a business plan right? there and I know we’re not talking about business. But if you want to get a business plan. That’s it drop in and I don’t care if you’re you know 2030 years into your career if it’s not if it’s not just like feeling good to you? A lot of the time.
**** – (): 15:35.94
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): A yeah.
**** – (): 15:52.18
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): You get to rearrange this. You’ve got to find that again. Yeah.
**** – (): 15:53.78
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah, yeah, what? How do you say How do we remove ourselves from these judgments I think that there’s a lot of this the imposster syndrome. Then there’s this inner critic and there’s such I think a lot of times. There’s a lot of self criticismticism and I think. Social media has a lot to do with how artists are right now and you know there is so much constant comparison on the facade like you know I’ve seen 2 kinds of people and we all know that there are there are artists who have millions of followers and very little income and then there are artists. On social media who wouldn’t probably necessarily have that kind of followship but they do make an income from their ad now I think what? what is confusing a lot of times is we correlate followers with success and it could be if if that is something that you’re choosing.
**** – (): 16:46.22
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Ah.
**** – (): 16:50.50
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): But you know this self comparison. What looks like what on the frontend versus what is on the Backend. We’re always seeing a half picture. We’re never seeing the full picture and looking at that half picture. We’re ah making ah assumptions about ourselves not about someone else. But not thinking about how good this person is but doing how bad how insufficient I am how I am not good enough. How I am not doing this or um I recently spoke to an artist and she was like you know I don’t think I can make it because I can’t make videos and what’s so heartbreaking is it is. It’s it is just not that one person there’s so many so many? Um, so many people who think that way because that’s how things have started to look like now what is your advice on dealing with such situations.
**** – (): 17:39.52
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Well wow um I would say that and the confidence that the the the the rise of confidence and feeling good comes from your art. Comes from getting more connected to what brings you alive and yes you get to take steps. Maybe if you haven’t ah posted on Instagram before. It’s a real big step to post something but you get to challenge yourself. You get to just go out a little bit over time but your confidence and your forward momentum. Um, it’s just going to come out if you get more on fire with what you’re doing that energy will. Help propel you forward, you know and and and to understand that the journey that you’re on, especially if you’re if it’s scary, especially if you’ve never posted before especially if you’re comparing yourself that know that art it.
**** – (): 18:34.77
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah, um.
**** – (): 18:49.65
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Artists and and people who follow artists and like it is so okay to share your journey, especially if you’re struggling in the beginning That’s really inspiring for people like I have never had a video you guys and I’m just doing it and I’m sure it looks horrible.
**** – (): 19:00.91
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): And yeah.
**** – (): 19:08.29
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): But I’m doing it that is a powerful viral video you have to do not feel you have to be something you’re not you have to make art that feel that you love and you have to be who you are that is the only business game in town. Do not try to be something. Do not think of having a.
**** – (): 19:10.61
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Um, yeah, yeah.
**** – (): 19:27.56
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): A front facade or a back facade Be authentic. Authenticity is is unlocks everything in art especially but also was that.
**** – (): 19:30.87
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah, and how do we do that? What’s your advice. How do we do that? How what is your advice on taking that first step for people trying to get you know, get through themselves dig deeper. Find out who they truly are.
**** – (): 19:50.51
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Right? Well you you you reach out you you connect with people who believe in you and support you we know who those people are right? We know who kind of supports us you hang Around. You look at you listen to podcasts like this. That give you some ideas about some different ways of being being an artist is a completely different way of being than the rest of the people on this Earth. We’re incredibly sensitive and we’re driven to make something we’re driven to express ourselves and. It doesn’t go away the Tug doesn’t go away our soul wants this for everybody. Everyone’s got this inside of them and we just we need to listen to this and we listen when we’re making art and start producing it put make work and I made this and then I made this and I made this.
**** – (): 20:30.32
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): No, ah yeah.
**** – (): 20:43.90
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): And the artwork can help give you momentum look at what you’ve made look at where it’s taking you talk to people about it share what you’re going what you’re going through um and and it’s small steps you just need to move towards what it is you want If if you’ve never.
**** – (): 20:50.62
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Um, yeah, right.
**** – (): 21:01.41
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Um, no.
**** – (): 21:01.88
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): You know if you want to get more followers. Try you know, sharing something that’s real right? Tell the world little bit start with a start with your mom and her friends and 30 people and send an email out once every six weeks telling people what’s going on I made.
**** – (): 21:07.61
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Um, yeah.
**** – (): 21:19.68
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): I made 7 things I didn’t like any of them. But I like this one check it out I’m telling you. That’s how you build this, you have to talk to people who who support you and they’ll they’ll they’ll come to you. They’ll they’ll show up if you’re honest, you have to be vulnerable. You have to share what you’re doing.
**** – (): 21:22.40
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Yeah.
**** – (): 21:30.71
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Um, yeah.
**** – (): 21:37.82
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): It is inspiring at any stage especially in the beginning people who are in the beginning They don’t realize like they are sitting there. They have a ah really powerful message.
**** – (): 21:38.67
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): I Love that.
**** – (): 21:50.97
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Because they’re going from 1 thing to another they’re they’re trying to change and it’s it’s radical to go from somebody who doesn’t do a lot of art and they’re trying to do this more. That’s amazing and so many people in the world would love to do this and most won’t so tell the story tell the story of how you’re doing that.
**** – (): 22:02.37
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Um, yeah.
**** – (): 22:10.26
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): And show them the proof show them. They are and get excited when you make something that is better than you’ve made before it’s okay, we all start out. It’s not very good make art. That’s not very good but when you make something that’s good tell us because it’s It’s a pretty great day.
**** – (): 22:24.66
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): That is true. Thank you so much Nicole. Thank you so much for your wonderful advice. What is your last any last piece of advice for anyone who’s listening to this episode right now.
**** – (): 22:38.13
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): I would say that um the answer is within you. It doesn’t come from Marketing. It doesn’t everything you seek is sitting right? below the surface of yourself. It’s sitting there. It’s been there your whole life. We This Conversation. We’re just reminding you of something that already exists and you just have to listen and let this emerge and start moving this out. So The rest of the world can experience it. It’s a tremendous gift. What’s within you and and we want you.
**** – (): 22:57.67
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): No.
**** – (): 23:13.96
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): To let the world hear this and see this.
**** – (): 23:18.18
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Wonderful. Thank you so much nicoles. Thank you so much for your time. Um, can you share a little bit about the upcoming workshop dot to live platform and how people can take.
**** – (): 23:26.71
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Yes, yes, so I you know I shared this process that we and that we walk people through it’s called the creative visionary program and this is a twelve week um program it’s us you know right now I think when this podcast comes podcast comes out. We’re in in the enrollment stage. So um, I’m just making sure that I have it the the website for this is art life cvp like cat. Um well cvp. That’s the creative visionary program.
**** – (): 24:00.47
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Okay, visionary plaque.
**** – (): 24:03.90
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): And and it’s it’s ah it’s a framework and we move people through this so they can start to uncover what it is that they can get excited about this is the only way and we have thousands of people that have gone through this program and um, they they’ve created careers and their their work’s blown up and it’s just.
**** – (): 24:17.98
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Ah.
**** – (): 24:20.00
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): We are amazing.
**** – (): 24:22.96
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): It’s a really amazing process. So um, definitely check it out and watch watch some of those videos that we’ll be sharing this week we’re doing a whole kind of outreach. So if you go to that website and um, you can learn all about it.
**** – (): 24:36.40
**** – (): charukaarora
**** – (): Perfect. Thank you so much nicoles and we hope people find some amazing learnings from this episode and make sure you check out the creative visionary program and we list all the details in the showers. Thank you so much.
**** – (): 24:51.20
**** – (): Nicholas Wilton
**** – (): Absolutely thank. You is an honor.
About the Guest(s):
Nicholas Wilton is an artist and teacher who helps people find their creative vision and express themselves through art. He has been teaching art for many years and has developed a unique approach that allows artists to unlock their potential and create meaningful work. Nicholas started teaching art after realizing the impact his approach had on other artists, and he now teaches thousands of people all over the world through his online programs and destination workshops. He believes that everyone has the ability to be creative and that art can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Nicholas Wilton discusses his journey as an artist and teacher, and how he helps others find their creative vision. He shares his own experiences of struggling with confidence and finding his way as an artist, and how he overcame these challenges. Nicholas emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the creative process and being authentic in your art. He also addresses common mindset blocks that artists face, such as the belief in talent and the fear of putting their work out there. Nicholas provides practical advice on building confidence, promoting your work, and staying true to yourself as an artist.
Key Takeaways:
- Creativity is not limited to a select few with innate talent; it is available to everyone in equal measure. Confidence and enthusiasm for your work are more important than external validation.
- Finding joy in the creative process is crucial for artistic growth and success. Art making should be seen as a vacation from life, a chance to be free and self-expressed.
- Comparing yourself to others and seeking external validation can hinder your artistic journey. Focus on your own progress, share your story, and be vulnerable in your art.
- Building confidence and promoting your work starts with being excited about what you’re creating. Authenticity and genuine enthusiasm are magnetic and attract others to your art.
- The answer to unlocking your creative potential lies within you. Trust yourself, listen to your inner voice, and let your unique vision emerge.
Notable Quotes:
- “Creativity is given to everyone in equal measure. It’s just if you’re interested and passionate.” – Nicholas Wilton
- “Art making is a chance to be 1000% free, to be who you want to be, and to let your soul come through.” – Nicholas Wilton
- “Authenticity unlocks everything in art. Be who you are, and don’t try to be something you’re not.” – Nicholas Wilton
- “The journey of an artist is inspiring, especially in the beginning. Share your story and let others see your progress.” – Nicholas Wilton
- “Everything you seek is sitting right below the surface of yourself. Trust and listen to your inner voice.” – Nicholas Wilton
Charuka Arora is the founder of the Arts to Hearts Project and Host of the Arts to Hearts Podcast. She is also an acclaimed Indian artist known for her contemporary embellished paintings. Her unique blend of gouache, collage, embroidery, painting, and drawing explores the intersection of art, culture, heritage, and womanhood. Through her work, she tells stories of female strength and encapsulates them in pieces that can be treasured for generations.
Charuka’s work draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, recognizing women as vessels of Shakti, the cosmic energy. She beautifully portrays powerful goddesses like Durga Maa riding a tiger or lion, symbolizing their unlimited power to protect virtue and combat evil.
Through her art, Charuka invites us into the world of women, showcasing their beauty, strength, and resilience. Her creations not only exhibit exceptional talent but also serve as an inspiration and a symbol of hope for those challenging societal norms.
Arts to Hearts Podcast is a show delving into the lives and passions of renowned artists. From running creative businesses and studio art practices to cultivating a successful mindset, Charuka Arora engages in heartfelt conversations with her guests. Experience your personal happy hour with your favorite artists, right in your studio.
Through candid discussions, Charuka and her guests reveal the joys and challenges of a vibrant creative life, both within and beyond our studios. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as you tune in.
Nicholas Wilton
Nicholas Wilton was born in San Francisco, California and spent his youth exploring the wilderness areas of Marin County. As a teenager he studied design with the German contemporary glass artist Ludwig Schaffrath, who catalyzed his ongoing passion for art making. Nicholas studied art at the College of Creative Studies in Santa Barbara and then went on to receive his BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. In addition to gallery exhibitions and the inclusion in numerous private and corporate collections in both the United States and Europe, Wilton’s paintings have been used on the covers of the national bestseller “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, and Brene Brown’s “The Gift of Imperfection”. Recently, the US Postal Service issued a stamp featuring Wilton’s artwork.
Nicholas is the founder of the Art2Life Creativity workshops and classes. This highly effective system of teaching returns authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process. Nicholas also has established the Creative Visionary Mentoring Program, which offers artistic, business and creative coaching to artists. He speaks and writes extensively on the subject of creativity, purpose and inspiration.
Nicholas wanted to become an artist, so he did not waste any time pursuing his dream. The biggest challenge he faced in this journey was the fact that wanting to create art was not enough, you have to figure out how to do it.
Without anyone to guide you, the only thing that can get you through this process is faith. Once Nicholas was able to figure out how to make art that he loved, he decided to share his approach and learning with other artists who were in similar circumstances. Just because Nicholas had to navigate this creative journey on his own did not mean that other young and amateur artists had to do the same. So, he interacted with the artists around him and started his teaching journey.
For Nicholas, it was amazing to see how his own learning experiences were helping other artists. What these people could have done in ten years, now they were able to figure it out in a week, and that made Nicholas realize how invaluable his venture was.
It’s all about finding who you are and the kind of work you want to make in this lifetime.
Nicholas Wilton – Arts to Hearts podcast s04e09
The biggest mindset block artists have
Nicholas has been around so many artists, especially the ones who have just started their creative journey, and something that he has noticed is that all these artists have one major creative block that limits them. Most artists believe that some people are more creative than others, and often it is this core belief that hinders an artist’s potential.
This has nothing to do with talent, creativity is given to everyone in an equal measure.
Nicholas Wilton – Arts to Hearts podcast s04e09
Nicholas believes that there is no such thing as ‘someone being more eligible than the other’. Most people generally do not believe in themselves, and to see the desired results, you as a creative need to build self-confidence. This is also one of the things that Nicholas’ teaching courses target, to help artists understand who they are and how they can unlock their potential without any self-doubt.
How artists can build confidence
Nicholas thinks that learning about business tactics and posting more on Instagram cannot help you unless you are excited about what you do. It is the intrinsic motivation and the love for art that ultimately makes all the difference.
The love and enthusiasm an artist feels toward his/her work is translated into whatever s/he creates, and that energy is immediately picked up by the audience. Nicholas’ courses also teach this basic component to artists so they can figure out what lights them up or makes them happy, and this is as important (if not more) than promoting your work. In the end, it is the confidence that drives you forward!
The turning point for Nicholas
Nicholas does not hold back when it comes to sharing the most important stage in his life. Nicholas shares how vulnerable he felt at one point when he lost his income, had his marriage fall apart, and lost his self-esteem and confidence. This was a time when Nicholas was at his lowest, and yet it was also something that brought him back to life.
Despite being in a dark place, Nicholas was able to create art. The fact that he could make something so beautiful while being at his lowest brought things back into perspective. He rose from the ashes like a Phoenix, and that experience is something that makes him more than qualified to help other artists who are also going through something difficult. What we can learn from Nicholas’ experience is that it’s important that you continue to move towards what brings you alive and let things go that no longer serve you!
How artists can find joy in their work
Talking about being an artist and how they can find joy in their work, Nicholas holds a strong belief that we need to stop looking over our shoulder. It’s the constant comparison of our work with other people that ultimately takes out the joy from our work. It does not help to scroll on Instagram and wonder how other people are better than you because you are your own person, and nobody can take that away from you.
Nicholas’ advice for artists who want to feel joy and a sustainable business plan is to start expressing themselves in their work without any fear or hesitation. It’s when we stop thinking about others, and start thinking about what we feel, is when we find our way back to who we are as a creative or an artist. Even if you are someone who has been doing this for 20 or 30 years, if you do not feel excited about working, then you need to rearrange that and find yourself again.
As an artist, you will eventually sell art, and you will become famous. But none of that will happen if you do not submit to what’s in front of you in your studio. To make art and drop into what is happening in front of you is how the entire process can become joyful.
How to feel confident
Feeling confident in yourself is tremendously important as an artist, and the only way you can do that is by being authentic. Getting rid of any façade is the first step towards embracing your individuality and staying true to your work. Nicholas thinks that to achieve this, you as an artist must stop being afraid and take that leap of faith. Do that thing that you are scared of as it will get you out of your comfort zone.
Nicholas thinks that artists need to start connecting with people. You must reach out to those who love and support you, and listen to podcasts and other artists to find inspiration. Sharing your story and being vulnerable with other people is not something to be looked down upon, rather this is one of the few things that will help you build that connection with your audience.
We’re incredibly sensitive and we’re driven to make something, we’re driven to express ourselves.
Nicholas Wilton – Arts to Hearts podcast s04e09
Artists must learn to use this sensitivity and uniqueness to their benefit. Instead of looking to others, it’s crucial that you celebrate your individuality and share your journey with others, even if it means sending out emails to just your mom and her friends. Baby steps can lead to bigger things, and eventually, you will learn how to beat your fears!
The answer is within you!
Nicholas Wilton – Arts to Hearts podcast s04e09
Nicholas is in the process of launching a twelve-week creative visionary program that teaches thousands of people. Right now, it’s in the enrollment stage, so you can get more information on Nicholas’ website. You can also reach out to Nicholas on his Instagram page.
To read up more about Arts to Hearts Podcast and its episodes, click here.
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