Permission to Create

Tell me, have you ever thought, "I wonder what kind of designer I would be if I took that interior design class?" or "What if I had the courage to try painting in the style of the Impressionists?" or "Would I be making money off my social media if I had started posting something two years ago?"

I hate to admit it, but I have regrets too—things I sometimes dwell on, even though they won't change anything. For instance, back in 2015-2017, for a very long time, I didn’t post any of my sketches or drawings. With every drawing, I thought, “Just one more, and I’ll reach the perfect level of skill,” or “But what will people from my university think of me?” It’s embarrassing to admit, but that’s how I felt. 

I kept drawing and hiding my art in a drawer. End of story. I knew I had a story to share, skills to show, and a unique outlook on life, but that tiny, insecure voice told me to forget about it, work hard, and maybe, just maybe, I could become a Picasso one day.

You know when I broke through that barrier? It wasn’t because I finally gave myself permission to do so.

It was because life hit me like a Mack truck and said, “If not now, you’ll lose everything—your work permit, visa, and you’ll have to go back to your parents' home.” That time was early 2020 when my design job offer at a well-known interior design studio was canceled because of the pandemic. I had just graduated with a degree in interior design, and I was so proud of securing such an amazing job, even though many of my peers couldn’t say the same.

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That’s when life told me, “Either now or never.” And that’s when I woke up. How many years later? Five? Wow.



Why am I telling you this? It might seem easy and inspiring to see someone working on amazing projects, being ultra-successful, and you might feel like you’re the only one left who hasn’t figured it all out. But you never know when that person gave themselves permission to follow their dreams and goals, no matter what.

Today, I got a DM on Instagram from someone who admired my courage to follow my dreams and said they wished they had my confidence. Another recent comment said that my profile looks so perfect that it’s difficult to relate to. Well, now you know the story behind it. And I openly admit that I still regret wasting so many years waiting for permission from some imaginary someone to tell me, “NOW, you’re ready.”

‼️ You ARE ready. The most important thing is not to be a genius but… to just start. This is one of the reasons I do what I do—founding my 3D Drawing Academy, hosting webinars, and filming YouTube videos.

I’m doing it for that insecure Anna who wanted so much from life but couldn’t break through her inner barriers and was waiting for permission. I’m doing it for her, and for many others who are going through similar struggles.

🌟 This is your permission to take the first step and show all those naysayers that YOU ARE WORTHY OF THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE. I’m also sending you the link to the recording of my recent workshop, where I talk about the importance of being bold and brave in life and how it can help you break through your own barriers too!

Lots of love,
Anna at @andshedrawsbig