Creating, well, in any form really, then sharing it for the world to see, can feel daunting. It could be anything, really, by the most experienced or inexperienced creatives. Art, any materialistic product, music, dance, writing, research and data, a new perspective, even, the possibilities are quite literally endless.
The Emotional Weight Creatives Carry
In the world of social media and growing resources to share our work, we also feel the pressure of letting people see our work. We often feel vulnerable knowing others might see the thought behind our work, which can make us feel exposed. As we prepare to share, multiple worries and anxieties creep in, like fearing judgment, missing out, comparing our work with others, or even feeling inferior or superior. All of which might keep creatives from sharing their work.
The Psychological Power of Sharing
However, when creatives share their created work, it is proven to be one of the most psychologically rewarding, motivating and satisfying things to do and experience. This article explores the same in further detail.
The Emotional Freedom in Sharing Your Work
Psychologically, this kind of emotional release is known as ‘catharsis‘, a concept first introduced by Josef Breuer in a therapeutic context. Catharsis is a form of emotional release. Similarly, when we have a good cry after experiencing a range of complex emotions, we feel an emotional release that feels lighter and better, immediately afterwards (MSEd, 2025). This can be applied to creative work as well.
Catharsis is a form of emotional release. After experiencing a range of complex emotions, we feel an emotional release that feels lighter and better.
This idea applies deeply to creative work. Whether through painting, writing, composing, or crafting something meaningful, the act of creating itself can feel cathartic. But even more so, sharing that work—putting a piece of your inner world out into the open—can bring about a profound emotional release.
It’s a way of saying, “Here’s what I feel, here’s what I made,” and that expression can be both healing and empowering.
While there are multiple ways of feeling ‘cathartic’, among them viewing and sharing the creative work can cause a profound and positive emotional release. A way to quiet down all the anxiety, worry and chaos before one decides to share the work for the world to see or hear. The fun part is that it’s not only felt when the person shares the work but also while creating it. Whether it’s writing, making art, music or any other creative form (MSEd, 2025).
Being ‘In the Zone’ can be a Boomerang Result to Sharing the Created Work
If “being in the zone” could be labelled psychologically, it’d be called being in the ‘flow state’. It means being immersed and completely concentrated in an activity (MSEd, 2025a). It could be created in any form. Art, writing, music, any of it. When one does not care for his or her surroundings due to being so absorbed in the work, that is called being in the flow state. Its relevance in sharing work created by the creative is that it acts like a reinvestment in the work. The more they share, the more they are motivated to get ‘in the flow state’ again. A never-ending loop that’s actually good for mental well-being.
ALSO READ: Healing Through Art: The Power of Creative Expression
Social Comparison Theory- ‘Can I do better? ’
The social comparison theory by Leon Festinger explores how one’s attitudes, self-image and subjective well-being are affected when they compare themselves to others and their performances. There are two kinds of comparisons, Upward social comparison and Downward social comparison (APA Dictionary of Psychology, n.d.-d). When creatives share their work for the public to see and judge, they also compare themselves to others’ work. In the case of both upward social comparison, where one compares their work to those better than them and downward social comparison, where one feels better about their work after comparing it to someone not as good as them, it can cause an alteration in their motivation and creation. Striving to do better in their creation and put out more work or better work in the future.
The Spotlight Effect and Validation
The spotlight effect refers to the phenomenon where one feels that all the attention is focused on them. They overestimate how much others are judging them and focusing on them, often leading to anxiety and worry (Cuncic, 2023b). Although CBT, Medication and therapy can greatly help, what can actually help creatives share more of their work is validation and motivation.
Validation is the process of affirming the truth of something (APA Dictionary of Psychology, n.d.-c). When creatives share their work and receive praise, validation, and acknowledgement, they often feel recognised. This recognition boosts their confidence, self-esteem, and overall happiness. As a result, they feel more motivated to create and share even more.
ALSO READ: Psychology behind Validation: Why Feeling Heard Can Heal
The Michelangelo Phenomenon
Psychologically, the Michelangelo Phenomenon is how interpersonal relationships and community can help a person grow, feel supported and become better (APA Dictionary of Psychology, n.d.-e). To get closer to your ideal self. In the space of creatives, when one feels supported by the community, it can help in personal growth. Like a mutual benefit of sorts, where there is mutual growth and increased support. This means fellow creatives seeing other creative works being put out, and it motivates them to do so. Interacting with fellow creatives to build community and eventually share ideas and get a step closer to one’s ideal-creative-self.
The Looking Glass Theory and A Creative Community
Adding to the above, this theory explains how one grows from learning from others and perceptions and interaction with others (Simply Psychology, 2023). When applied to the creative community and sharing work, interaction based on common creative interest and a will to put out work can aid in self-growth and more work being created and up for the world to enjoy.
Conclusion
All in all, when creatives share their work, it becomes a mutual domain for success. Where one builds the other while also building their creativity, self-image, confidence and overall increased subjective well-being. So if something’s waiting in your drafts or sketchbook, share it. The world might just be waiting to grow with you.
Last but not least, a song suggestion to set the mood! ‘Come Out and Play’ by Billie Eilish.
FAQs
1. How does sharing work to boost confidence?
When a creative shares their work and gets praise, validation and acknowledgement, that feeling of being recognised can boost confidence, self-esteem and overall happiness, leading to more creation.
2. Can a creative community reduce spotlight anxiety?
According to the Looking Glass Theory mentioned above in this article, interaction based on common creative interest (a creative community) can help to put out work and can aid in self-growth and increased support, reducing worry and anxiety too.
3. Why does sharing creative work feel so scary, even if I’m proud of it?
Sharing your creations can feel vulnerable because it often reflects a part of your identity, emotions, or inner world. Psychologically, this taps into the spotlight effect, where we overestimate how much others notice or judge us. There’s also fear of rejection or comparison, especially in an age of curated social media. But remember, most people are focused on their journeys, and many will connect with your authenticity far more than you imagine.
4. What are the psychological benefits of sharing creative work?
Sharing your work, whether it’s writing, art, music, or any other form, can boost self-esteem, provide emotional release (what psychology calls catharsis), and create a sense of purpose. Positive feedback can reinforce your confidence and encourage future creative exploration. More importantly, it helps build meaningful connections with others who resonate with your message, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
References
MSEd, K. C. (2025, February 21). Catharsis in Psychology. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-catharsis-2794968
MSEd, K. C. (2025a, January 29). How to achieve a flow state. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-flow-2794768
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.-c). https://dictionary.apa.org/validation
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.-d). https://dictionary.apa.org/social-comparison-theory
Cuncic, A., MA. (2023b, August 28). The spotlight effect and social anxiety. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-spotlight-effect-3024470
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.-e). https://dictionary.apa.org/michelangelo-phenomenon
Simply Psychology. (2023, September 22). Looking-Glass Self: Theory, Definition & Examples. https://www.simplypsychology.org/charles-cooleys-looking-glass-self.html
