Have you ever caught yourself thinking that art is not for you because you are the quiet type—someone who observes more than they speak, feeling like your work might get lost in the void? Introverts often wonder whether they should become artists, because their introversion seems to get in their way. However, the truth is that there’s a relation between creativity and introversion. But does that mean that introverts are good at art? Read on to find out!
I’ve already spoken a number of times about the “otherworldly” nature of artists: artists have different brains, artists are eccentric, artists are narcissists, artists are neurodivergent, and some artists are even weird—including myself. (>ᴗ<)
Have you ever felt a little out of sync with the world, too?
If so, it doesn't necessarily mean you fit any of the above labels. You might just be an introvert artist.
How do you know that you’re an introvert artist?
Well, for example, do you find that you’re happier working alone? Do big crowds and social gatherings leave you feeling exhausted and in need of some quiet time to recover?
Would you rather choose staying in and creating art over going out to socialize—and maybe feel a little guilty about it?
If that sounds like you, then this post is for you!
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When I finally understood that my introversion was my strength, it gave me the confidence I’d been missing so long during my artistic journey. I came to see that there was never anything wrong with me—in fact, my quiet nature had many advantages.
This realization gave me a fresh boost of energy in my creative work.
So in this post, I want to encourage all introverts to embrace their quiet side as a source of power—especially if you’re an artist.
Because the truth is, introverts are good at art!
Stick tight to learn more:
What are introverts?
In order to better understand the nature of introverted artists, let’s first take a look at the concepts of “introversion” and “extroversion.”
Interestingly, psychologists brought up these terms only in the early 20th century. Before, introversion and extroversion weren’t really a thing.
It was psychologist Carl Jung who first introduced these ideas in his book Psychological Types. He described introverts as people whose awareness of the external world doesn’t necessarily drive them:
“An introverted consciousness can be well aware of external conditions, but is not motivated by them. The extreme introvert responds primarily to internal impressions.”
Decades later, author Susan Cain expanded on Jung’s insights. Her popular book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking is filled with affirmations that speak straight to the hearts of introverted artists:
“The highly sensitive [introverted] tend to be philosophical or spiritual in their orientation, rather than materialistic or hedonistic. They dislike small talk. They often describe themselves as creative or intuitive. They dream vividly, and can often recall their dreams the next day. They love music, nature, art, physical beauty.”
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Cain goes on by describing an introvert’s emotional perceptions in more detail:
“They feel exceptionally strong emotions—sometimes acute bouts of joy, but also sorrow, melancholy, and fear. Highly sensitive people also process information about their environments—both physical and emotional—unusually deeply. They tend to notice subtleties that others miss—another person’s shift in mood, say, or a lightbulb burning a touch too brightly.”
Do you recognize yourself in that description? Let me know in the comments below. I, for my part, definitely do!
I wonder how many of you feel the same way I do, trying to fit into a world that seems to value extrovert traits—while deep down, you long for calm and solitude to focus on your artwork.
For me, nothing is more joyful and fulfilling than sitting down alone with my drawing tablet and laptop and creating art. Even though this might be hard to understand for an extrovert. (◔_◔)
Art-making for me is like therapy. Everyday worries fade, and time seems to stand still. I so easily get into the flow state in art.
In fact, many introvert qualities seem to be perfect for making art:
- Preference for deep thinking
- Joy in working and spending time on your own
- Ability to focus for long periods of time
- Sensitivity to the world around you
- Patience and persistence
- Self-awareness and introspection
However, it’s important to mention that none of us is completely introvert or extrovert. We are complex human beings and our personalities are shaped by different factors and experiences, often mingling introvert and extrovert traits.
Are introvert artists simply loners?
Introverts love solitude—especially when creating art, that’s for sure. But does that mean that introvert artists are always loners?
Well, if you are an introvert like me, you’ve probably learned that introversion is something bad. Many introverts grow up hearing that they’re too quiet—and that their quietness is wrong.
At school, for example, teachers would tell quiet kids to participate more in class. Quietness is basically being penalized, while outgoing children would be rewarded for their “active contribution.”
At home, parents would urge “their loner” to come out of their room, while the kid would just want to enjoy some calm moments alone with their thoughts.
Over time, introverted children can internalize the idea that their quiet nature is a flaw. They might even feel the need to apologize for being reserved.
That’s why introverts often learn to mimic extroverted behavior. They are taught to believe that extroversion is better, because society rewards outgoing personalities. But it takes them extreme emotional effort and self-distortion to play the extrovert.
Trying to fit into a world that celebrates extroversion is difficult. It’s easy to feel overshadowed by louder, more outgoing people and to question your own worth in comparison.
You may have spent much of your life being told by extroverts what’s “right” or “normal,” resulting in your quietness being mistaken for shyness, uncertainty, or a lack of direction—and making your creative confidence suffer.
But introverts aren’t necessarily loners. They are not against spending time with people—they just value meaningful connections and purposeful interactions—more than the all too frequent small talk.
Being forced to constantly engage with external stimuli can be draining, leading to fatigue and burnout.
That doesn’t mean that introverts are “anti-social.” On the contrary, many introverts enjoy socializing, like myself. It’s just important for them to have enough alone time to recharge their batteries and reflect on their thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
Are artists mostly introverts?
The personality of an artist can be hard to understand for others—and we are known for being weird, eccentric, overly sensitive—and, more often than not, introverted.
But are actually most artists introverts?
Well, above we’ve learned that introverts love to spend time alone—it feels natural to them, rather than isolating. Interestingly, psychologists widely agree that solitude is vital for producing creative work.
German-born British psychologist Hans Jürgen Eysenck, for example, noted a strong connection between creativity and introversion. He attributed that to the fact that solitude allows for deeper concentration, and less social interaction means more energy available for creative endeavors.
In fact, I’m having my best creative ideas when I’m meditating. And also my fellow artists tell me that they often happen to find inspiration during solitary moments—like while driving, showering, or going for a walk.
These quiet, random minutes seem to bring about some of our most profound insights and creative breakthroughs.
And it actually makes sense because allowing the mind to wander without pressure is the essence of creative incubation. You’re not actively working to solve a problem, yet your subconscious is still at work. And then, suddenly, the inspiration arrives. A new idea, song, or visual artwork is born.
Introverted people excel at this inward focus and mental wandering. That’s why introverts are good at art!
Can an introvert become an artist?
Introverts are often drawn to artistic expression—more so than extroverts. This is because they tend to internalize their thoughts and emotions.
Due to their quiet nature, they don’t talk much and may struggle to articulate their feelings through conversation. Expressing themselves through creative ways is usually easier for introverts than verbally.
For many introverts, art is a means of self-expression to convey what they feel and think—without using words.
In fact, many of the greatest artists and inventors in history are said to be introverts, including Paul Cézanne, Georgia O’Keeffe, Michelangelo, Emily Dickinson, Steven Spielberg, and even Albert Einstein.
I’m sure you can think of many more examples. Introversion offers the chance to explore creativity and innovation.
That's why an introvert can become an artist—and introverts are pretty good at art.
So, if you feel a pull toward creative activities like painting, drawing, photographing, pottery, sculpting—go for it. Your introversion has probably endowed you with a unique talent for making art.
Just imagine what a pity it would be if you never used your unique talents and the world missed out on seeing and enjoying your wonderful creations!
Not sure how to go about promoting your art? Check out my 4 Marketing Tips For Introvert Artists.
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I hope this post encouraged you to embrace your introversion and consider it an advantage for your artistic career—which it definitely is.
What are your struggles as an introverted artists? Feel free to share your story in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you! Make sure to sign up for my email list so you don’t miss out on new blog posts and other cool stuff. ♥
