Fears And Doubts That Hold Artists Back - Erica Wernick

[@OlgaKuznetsova]

I always have to remind myself that done is better than perfect!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

yes! Absolutely.

[@kevinmacwalters1274]

Done well, maybe? That's what I'm trying for.

[@chrisjfox8715]

@@kevinmacwalters1274 sometimes you just have to get ideas out on the page (or what have you). At worst, its ineffectiveness is self-exploratory and becomes a part of your development.

[@briannalee1998]

True!

[@antoinemclaurin6771]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@russellpatrickbrown]

It's so helpful hearing about how unoriginal self-doubt and perfectionism are. They feel so personal, private and even shameful. Turns out they are very common.

[@kacykrummel1348]

This comment is everything

[@firstlast9933]

hahahaha. this is so funny!

[@emilyshephardmusic]

The perfectionism bit is super relatable!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you Emily!! 💖

[@margueritebaca3921]

Saying no to the old level stood out. The old level is a sort of comfort zone that I've outgrown and now I need to say yes to investing my energy into my next level.

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

I really like her energy and positive outlook. I definitely need to examine and work on my self-doubts and fears...

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you! I appreciate your kind words. And you've got this! Check out my book if you want specific ways to work on your self doubts at meantforthisbook.com 😍

[@Birds_and_art]

I’m a painter not a writer but all of this was so relevant and so very well said. Thankyou

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

oh I'm so glad it resonated!

[@maryeastham]

I love Erica. I was coming off a place of a lot of personal losses and found her on the Internet. I've taken all her short classes and it has for sure enhanced my writing goals. In December 2019 I went down to LA to her class at one of the big studios. Always a movie lover, it was a night of enchantment. Last year, all of the stories I submitted either won an award or I was told to follow up with each place because they loved what I sent them. I also had a third book published. So, Erica is the real deal, what I needed to burn forward and what all of you with dreams must have in your life...xox

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

MARY!!! Thank you so much for this!! This really made my day.

[@maryeastham]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach It came from my heart!!! xox

[@aprotista]

« Perfectionism holds us back. » That... struck a chord. Thank you Erica.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

You're welcome!

[@radu921000]

The part about perfectionism hit me hard. That and the part (maybe it was in the other video) that whatever we believe we end up having. I've been focusing on real world politics, as it is one of my themes, to the extent that I pay a lot more attention to events and news, than to honing my craft, I've been doing this for a while, and I've been aware of and frustrated that I am doing this. This is a great reminder of what really matters to me. Yes the world needs fixing, and I as well as anyone else would be better suited to fix it from a position of success and accomplishment. Not detachment, not from an ivory tower, just having contributed with something.

[@blackstonepros]

Well put, my friend

[@cureilona]

Beautifully said. Very insightful. Thank you. I feel like that too.

[@dr.natsukashii9658]

I just wanna cure my depression through Art. And hoping other people do to. Arthur Schopenhauer- In order to survive the absurdity of life you must lean on to Art and Philosophy.

[@indigo4740]

Wow I've never heard that quote before. I really like art and philosophy and also have depression for years now. Growing up i never knew that that was what it was it was my normal state it feels like. That's interesting that art and philosophy correlates. I will do more research on why that is now

[@Ruylopez778]

'Writing Excuses' podcast exercise: list all the reasons you want to write (as many silly, shallow, honest and profound as possible) just for yourself to read and not to share. It can be inspiring when you can connect with your deepest, most earnest hopes and dreams of writing. For negative and limiting beliefs, Marisa Peer and Brene Brown also have great advice. And to quote Murakami, "One day at a time."

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Love Brene Brown! Marisa Peer has done some great work, as well. ✨

[@yasmeenaaviles8506]

Where's Erica's full interview? Love her already!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you!! I was nervous for this, so your comment means so much.

[@ThatCologneGuy]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach Here because of Brad Rushing's compliments on your book. Great interview!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

@@ThatCologneGuy oh that's awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch!

[@jonasktew6857]

she's so cool!

[@PierceThaBeast]

I felt like quitting music a number of times this year. I’ve been doing it 10 plus years so I definitely feel it’s normal to feel like that. I think you should quit it like a video game and come back to it if you feel drained.

[@forthepasserby7204]

I am a self taught illustrator. I always visualize my life giving a sort of a never ending interview. In that interview I ask myself questions... Then I answer my own questions depicting the person I want to be. The artist I am going to be. Often multiple futures come up. Different thought processes. As life continues, my interviews to myself becomes more and more profound and i am sometimes awe-struck by how inspirational i sound. I am trying to level up as an artist. going to study it formally. MA starting this september. Wish me luck!!!

[@fatoomgierdien2181]

Absolutely Brilliant. Thank you MUCH.

[@larkmacallan4257]

Guys Erica is a sincere and awesome person and I highly recommend her!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you so much! 💖

[@bond12]

Self Confidence..... Seeing Yourself Succeeding!!!

[@johntuohy1867]

When does confidence and belief turn into arrogance and tyranny? They all seem the same in some " artists". Bluster and ego masquerading as talent shallow and sad under the mask.

[@danbee998]

*The Psychology of Failure and Stress* .... 6:11 - 6:20 (and 6:48 - 8:29) Fake it till you make it. 9:25 - 10:03 There are more than one door to get into Hollywood.

[@Leprutz]

I am under the tutelage of a coach. And this is totally what i am learning. Believe you can do it and you will do it.

[@valerialopeztorres1685]

The idea of success being inevitable is a powerful statement that stood out for me. Makes me question how many times I've approached life with a mindset that failure is more common than success... and what that does with my own ideas about achieving success as a big IF.

[@dhritimankakati]

We need the whole interview soon!! ❤️

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Ahh thank you! That's the best compliment! I can't wait for the other videos to come out!! 💖

[@ivansosa3218]

At this moment of my writing project, I have more doubts than before, and I also get fearful more often than before. So, yes. I can totally relate to the video.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Ivan, you've got this! Keep going. 💖

[@ivansosa3218]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach THANK YOU!!! INSPIRATIONAL! ✨

[@getrichordye]

Incredible information 🙏

[@rob_wade]

I really enjoyed this, especially the suggested exercise of identifying the dream, listing out the doubts, and then flipping them to affirmation in order to discover a better belief system. I wasn't sure if the book is more intended for the Hollywood bound or not, but it seems like it would be good for this musician to read.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Hey Rob, thank you for watching! I'm so glad you liked this! The book is for ALL artists, not just Hollywood. Actually, it's for anyone who has a dream. I just use some Hollywood examples and stories to help illustrate the concepts. If you check out meantforthisbook.com you'll see a table of contents breakdown of the chapters.

[@rob_wade]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach Thanks, Erica! Already purchased my copy. All the best with the release!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

@@rob_wade oh amazing! If you email me your receipt, I'll send you a bonus chapter that comes with audio! [e-mail]

[@kartikrajah937]

Flip the doubts and fear into affirmation.....💕💕💕

[@KarlaOjedaChannel]

so good!! best coach in hollywood 🔥

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Karla!! I miss you! Thank you so much for watching! 💖

[@trediaz4012]

What a great question/scenario and great answer

[@filmcourage]

Thanks Tré, another fun one with Erica coming tomorrow at 5pm PST.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you! Film Courage asked GREAT questions the whole way through. I'm excited for the other videos to release!

[@trediaz4012]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach So excited. I am in the exact position as her. Multiple scripts, no loud noises in the competitions, and feeling like I must be underwhelming. This helped me. Thanks!

[@trediaz4012]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach So excited. I am in the exact position as her. Multiple scripts, no loud noises in the competitions, and feeling like I must be underwhelming. This helped me. Thanks!

[@NATJANOFF22]

Absolutely great !!! Cant wait to see more.

[@filmcourage]

Great to see you finding value here Nat. Excited to share more of our interview with Erica in the coming weeks / months.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you Nat!!

[@fernandorendon8618]

That part about sending 5 emails instead of 250 because of self doubt really hit home

[@KelvinWKiger]

Inspiring

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

So glad it resonated Kelvin!

[@meg-k-waldren]

I love her. She said be-all-end-all. Trust that 99% of people you meet say end-all-be-all (which is incorrect) - a pet peeve of mine. So euphonic to hear it right for a change.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

haha I didn't realize people say it the other way!

[@LernerMara]

Congrats to Erica for getting interviewed on Film Courage! I’ve followed Erica and bought some of her digital products and listen to her podcasts for many years and she’s great! I adore her and her positive energy 😁

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Mara thank you so much!! 💖

[@breakthroughs7144]

I felt that way today , I was practicing Italian!.. a desire I have for a long time ...to learn proficient Italian!. But in the moment of focus ... Doubt comes and tries to pull you back!. So the more frustration or AKA resistance , the more you are in the perfect place!. The more resistance the more close you are !

[@natural91LC]

Buona fortuna dall'Italia. You can do it :)

[@breakthroughs7144]

@@natural91LC grazzie !, Molto amore y bendiciones!

[@KayFlowidity]

8:30 Truth!

[@howardkoor2796]

Sensational interview

[@kalebarancelovic]

I needed to hear this today. My short film hasn't been selected by any film festivals yet. This video is a reminder that I'm not the only one in the industry with doubts and self worth issues due to lack of success. You just got to be stubbourn and not listen to that voice in your head that is telling you that this industry is not for you. Changing your idea of what success is will help you keep hanging in there. Thank you film courage

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

I'm so glad this made you feel less alone! I promise you, MOST ARTISTS feel the way you're describing! It's totally normal. You will find your path if you keep going. You've got this! And check out my book if you want more specific steps to take :) meantforthisbook.com

[@filmcourage]

We are glad this video found you Kaleb!

[@kalebarancelovic]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach thanks Erica! Yeah, it's a very mentally draining industry where we're constantly competing with our inner demons. It doesn't matter what stage of a project you're in, you're going to be mentally exhausted. I get great comfort knowing I'm not alone. Thanks so much for the interview you gave film courage!

[@i.k5143]

You don't need festivals approval to exihbit your films anymore. Put it online if no one else will show it! Would love to see your film.

[@BradRushing]

Kaleb, follow your heart. I don't know how many short films you have made, but no matter you will always get better and better as you do more work. Don't let one disappointment stop you, especially if it is your first short - or one of your first. Remember learning to ride a bicycle? How did your first few attempts go? You have got this!

[@coulorfully]

This content is amazingly helpful for those working and wanting to work in film….. OR Anything really!

[@blundy1]

Great stuff, Erica. Some fantastic advice.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you!

[@joaquinhernandez6940]

I have submitted my script to 6 screenwriting contests. So far, 2 of them did not select it but I have hopes for the other 4.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

That's great! And just remember, even if this script doesn't get into one of the 6, there are still many more avenues to try. Festivals and screenwriting contests will not break your career.

[@geriburrito]

Good luck, but remember that expectation is the thief of joy.

[@DerkMiester]

Nice to see Erica on here! I think one of the biggest challenges when it comes to specific dreams/goals (at least in my case) I don't know all the options and paths that are potentially before me. Sure I want to be a working screenwriter, but specific details? That's a tough one.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Derek, nooo! I wrote a reply and it disappeared, so here I am again. It's so good to see you on here! Did you read my book? I mention 7 or 8 different paths for screenwriters in there. Also, do what I wrote in the book! The Rule of 10! If you don't know something, ASK! Cold email screenwriters and ask them what the paths are. 💖

[@DerkMiester]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach I have just finished chapter one! Taking my time a being serious about it. I look forward to learning more! Already wrote out what I want, but it feels lacking...

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

@@DerkMiester oh amazing! Well I list the screenwriter options in Chapter 10. Keep reading and maybe your dream list will expand 😍

[@DerkMiester]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach I look forward to it! Thanks for all that you share.

[@sunlightpictures8367]

Very interesting video. Thanks!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Glad you liked it!

[@tonyfoggia5086]

Wonderful. Life doesn't happen to me. Life happens for me.

[@theodorebookeriv6917]

This was great and right on time! Thanks for sharing this!

[@filmcourage]

Love to hear it Theodore! Our best to you.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

So glad to hear that Theodore!

[@cavalrycome]

Rather than just trying to believe in yourself without any evidence of your own potential, I think it's important to get honest feedback from knowledgeable people about your work, especially objective outsiders. If they think you're good, you have some justification for believing in yourself, and struggling on. When it comes to writers who aren't particularly good, I don't think the solution should be just "believe in yourself". Those people need critical feedback of the sort that enables them to realize their shortcomings so they can either improve their skills to the point that they can write something better, or come to terms with not being cut out for the profession.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! I actually disagree with this. The only evidence you need is internal. Looking for outside validation to confirm your talents will delay your pursuit, and stop many people from pursuing the dream at all. Your talent or craft is subjective and something that can get better with time and practice. Take all the classes, get constructive criticism. Learn to be the best you can be. But it all begins with belief in yourself that is 100% internal. In one of the other upcoming videos, I share a story about how Steven Spielberg did this. He didn't wait until he had validation from the world to take risks and put himself out there in a really bold way. He was even rejected from USC film school TWICE -- which, you could argue, says that the outside validation wasn't there. But he didn't let that stop him. He believed in himself, and the bold risks he took led him to the career he has today. 💖

[@queenswannie]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach I'm so happy to hear you say this! How much talent has been wasted because they stopped at the first rejections? How many small minded people have crushed another's dream (even unwittingly)? Good advice here!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

@@queenswannie glad to hear it! and yes! 💖

[@starchiron7775]

Changing negative thoughts patterns to positive affirmations.... Spell work Very witchy

[@starchiron7775]

Levels of Instinsic worth revolving around validation codependency and your fukin journey

[@filmcourage]

Which part of this conversation hits home for you?

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

@@JeremyCannonJSC so glad to hear this!

[@dreamscometrue246]

All of it is relatable. We'll never know how many people didn't make it because they quit and thoughts usually guide actions

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

@@dreamscometrue246 YES! Exactly! You nailed it.

[@royaltysanchez8738]

Home.

[@henriettaszentes5342]

I like that you change the fears and doubt to the opposite 😊

[@HollyHargreaves]

I got a lot your of this. Thanks!

[@filmcourage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Ahh I'm so glad!! Thank you so much for sharing. 💖

[@aishawf]

Powerful stuff! Thank you!

[@jakies751]

Offf thank you

[@Handlename735]

Thank you very much.

[@filmcourage]

Cheers Yousef!

[@blackstonepros]

There’s a distinction that must be made between perfectionism and doing our personal best. One is unattainable. The other is an absolute necessity within a concrete deadline. What that deadline is without having a supervisor of some sort is nearly impossible to see. So we must become our own experts of artificial deadlines. Deadlines that we must somehow respect even if we know they’re not true ones.

[@ClarkeIllmatical]

Thanks for sharing

[@takingitonedayatatime7851]

Thank you for the video.❤❤❤

[@filmcourage]

Cheers!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch!

[@takingitonedayatatime7851]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach of course. I'm a college student and I need all the help I can get. I appreciate you taking time out to educate me.👏

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

@@takingitonedayatatime7851 I love that you're open to educating yourself! That is such a good quality, you will do great! If you're interested in more, check out my book, it is really perfect for college students! It's called Meant For This and you can get it on Amazon or other online retailers :)

[@houstonyoungfilmmakersgrou4061]

@@takingitonedayatatime7851 "Meant For This" is a magnificent book. It can literally change your life. You owe it to yourself and your dreams.

[@jenniferluiza8583]

This is so good!! Thank you 💖

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Jennifer, I'm so glad you liked it! More to come :)

[@gailfraser9617]

This is so insightful and relevant! Thanks for sharing. Reminded me of Jon Acuff's book Finish that gives practical understanding of how Perfectionists vary and how to tweak our thinking so that success is achieved too.

[@plutonis6562]

Really love her perspective on this. Fantastic advice!

[@filmcourage]

Thanks! New video with Erica going up tonight at 5pm PST

[@plutonis6562]

@@filmcourage Wonderful, and you're welcome! :)

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@plutonis6562]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach You're very welcome! :)

[@dreamscometrue246]

This was really good!

[@filmcourage]

Thank you! We had a great interview with Erica. Excited to share more in the coming weeks and months.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you!! So glad you liked it!

[@brianaweaver1708]

So powerful! ✨

[@colintoews7458]

What if someone doesn’t run in any creative circles and has zero artistic connections ? I come from a working class background in a very working class city. Sometimes I feel like I’m kidding myself trying to become an artist.

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Hey Colin! I totally understand what you mean. Before I moved to LA, I lived in the suburbs outside of Philly and I didn't have ANY connections. I knew ZERO people working in Hollywood. So I started cold emailing people and that's how I made my first connections. Eventually one or two people offered to help me. Just because you don't run in creative circles now, doesn't mean you never will. Start! Look for Facebook groups online related to what you do, or Meetup groups in your city. Cold email. You can do this!

[@thewatcher8573]

good stuff

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrEarnbud]

This sounds similar to myself. I never want to give up my dreams of being a filmmaker. In my mid 20s I started writing, buy with my niavity I figured it would work out, but took me forever to actually film something and even then I got burned by a director which put my back in the fear circle. I tell myself I'm not good enough, give up and get a real job. I know some of my insecurities come from my dad saying get a career and stability. Im now 36. I try to keep the dream alive, but never accomplished anything. I tell myself I should have done more at my age. So now I'm torn between getting a trucking job or just move to Georgia and hope it works out. Im in FL currently.

[@blackstonepros]

Or get whatever job then make a movie about it. “Clerks” etc.

[@blackstonepros]

Just make it exciting and fun art. We will watch it

[@mashburnofficial]

Fantastic.

[@filmcourage]

Cheers! Keep an eye out for our next video with Erica this Monday at 5pm PST.

[@mashburnofficial]

@@filmcourage You guys put out great stuff!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching.

[@hauntedhose]

Just found this channel ....subbed!

[@filmcourage]

Love to hear it! We are publishing our next video with Erica this Monday at 5pm PST.

[@larkmacallan4257]

Holy shit I know her!!!! Wow small world!!!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

haha yay!! 😍

[@Neomatrixology]

Where can we find that list of 250 producers/managers?

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Great question! My clients get most of their information from IMDb Pro. You can also find some on the DGA public directory.

[@Neomatrixology]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach Great intel! I didn't know that was a thing lol thank you!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

@@Neomatrixology you're welcome!

[@tomscade]

Its really cool, one thing i am afraid now its the cancel culture in hollywood today and I don't know how to deal with that. its just frightening for creativity

[@sergiobarbosa3192]

damn im crystal

[@filmcourage]

Hope this video helps Sergio!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

haha well I hope this was helpful then, Sergio!

[@toytantrumretroandvintaget7756]

Ive achieved amazing results in my industry yet I can’t land bigger gigs or interest from the higher ups. Thoughts?

[@insanejughead]

Whoa boy... I had to slow the video down so I could comprehend what she meant by all that she said.

[@insanejughead]

Good stuff, absolutely wonderful and insightful she is!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

@@insanejughead Thank you! 💖

[@ilsamalsi5267]

she looks so much like an Olsen sister to me. cute. (great content, goes without saying)

[@613pics]

I was justtttt thinking that!

[@hnttakata713]

What if you have one great story, and you only want to write one amazing script?

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Do you think you truly only have one great story to tell? I bet you have many more stories in you! You can certainly pursue one single script, but I think it will benefit a screenwriter to have multiple ideas and not put all their eggs in one basket.

[@EmilynWood]

Harper Lee only wrote and released To Kill a Mockingbird (the other book doesn't count since it's an early draft of TKaM). It's completely valid if you only want to write one story. Then if you get more ideas later, you can write those stories too. But it's up to you what you want to do.

[@namanshah8354]

My dream is becoming a Hollywood screenwriter, but I really don't know if my vision does deserve someone's money. I mean I may find it absolutely beautiful but maybe it's absolutely flawed.

[@Angelshavemanyeyes]

no such thing as a bad idea just execute it properly

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Only YOU can decide if it's worthy of production. That confidence and belief is what you want to bring to pitch meetings.

[@namanshah8354]

@@Angelshavemanyeyes oh well if I had a story of a pig making out with an alien from Mars hmm sounds interesting. You know what I mean.

[@namanshah8354]

@@hollywoodsuccesscoach sometimes there's confusion between narcissism and confidence lol

[@nathanericschwabenland88888]

I guess my path to film creation could wait for I want to be a creative writer these days

[@nathanericschwabenland88888]

Trust me I have did the math carry the two and show me the money

[@nathanericschwabenland88888]

I can’t believe I am saying this but it’s easier to write than to produce due to history issues

[@nathanericschwabenland88888]

I was into Pokémon at age 8 that is true

[@nathanericschwabenland88888]

I can enjoy a horror book more than a horror film

[@nathanericschwabenland88888]

I think that don’t hug me I am scared stole my idea

[@SuperKagey1]

ironically - this philosophy is perfect for creating a fictional character. when you can unlock your character's belief system and the fears & doubts that hold them back... then you've got a real character that's 3-dimensional who's got room to grow throughout the story.

[@BarrettBiggers]

Damn I am Krystal lol

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

haha hope it was helpful!

[@mirouu13]

Interestingg

[@jag5798]

Perhaps, Crystal is writing what Hollywood doesn’t want because it doesn’t match their political views? Submit your script to different parts of the U.S. & Internationally - you’ll get diverse feedback. It may not be you, it may be the readers political point of view.

[@ppirate2637]

6.30 I think someones read The artists way...

[@kamilbanks8895]

fuck that perfectionist part really got me chocking up

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

💖💖💖

[@ravf458]

Fear and doubt don't hold artists back, not knowing someone in the industry holds artists back

[@filmcourage]

Possibly...but fear and doubt might hold you back from attending an event, taking a class, etc. that would eventually lead you to meeting people who might help your career. Just a thought. Thank you for watching!

[@hollywoodsuccesscoach]

Hey RA VF! Thank you for watching! While relationships can really help you succeed in the industry, it all starts with your belief about that very thing. Do you believe you can make connections? Do you believe you are worthy of those connections? Do you believe you will never make the right connections? Your ability to make connections 100% rides on your belief about what's possible. When I moved to LA, I knew zero people. Literally, zero connections. I cold emailed 150 people until 1 person helped me and that led to my first TV show booking. Anyone can make the connections they need if they believe they can and they're willing to do the work. 💖

[@Ruylopez778]

That's quite a big generalisation, you're making there. Not all artists have work that is ready. And often they tell themselves their work isn't ready either. Fear and doubt can prevent them from even finishing projects. And rejection or criticism can reinforce their fears. Though we would all agree that peers can support and advise, it sounds like you are only thinking in terms of contacts as a solution

[@clairelouise355]

At uni I had to do a short placement in industry. It was a Theatre Design degree and like most people there, I didn't know anyone in the industry. There was a show I watched around that time and I liked the design of it, it was fun, unsual and theatrical and so I looked on the credits, googled the production designer and asked if I could come and do a placement with him. Luckily he came back to me with a positive response and I worked with him for about 6 to 8 weeks on a TV show. I worked with a lot of people I could have networked with (something I didn't use to its full advantage at the time). After uni I didn't follow up on this experience because I was heading in a different direction (something I wish I'd done differently now if I'm honest) but basically, don't let your lack of contacts stop you, if you find someone you admire, try reaching out to them.

[@Bachconcertos]

Very true.

[@ViliousTorch]

v

[@ftnsco]

I see you asking some dumb questions there...