Create your first video as an artist entrepreneur

5 Simple Exercises to Feel More Comfortable on Camera

If you're an artist-entrepreneur who keeps putting off creating video content, this article is for you. I’m sharing simple steps you can start using right away to showcase yourself as an artist on social media, even if you tend to avoid cameras.

Why Is It Important to Put Yourself Forward as an Artist-Entrepreneur?

As an artist, you reveal a part of yourself in what you put on your canvases.

You open up, and it’s important for your audience to feel a connection with you.

The artist is an integral part of every piece, which is why there’s automatically an association between the creation and the person behind it you!

The purpose of social media is to create connections.

The idea isn’t to put on a show. Stay authentic; don’t change who you are.

But by connecting with your audience, people feel your energy, a sense of closeness, and attachment. This is what builds a strong and inspiring personal brand (your own image).

How to Feel More Comfortable in Front of the Camera

If you’ve never gotten used to being in front of the camera (instead of behind it), the first few times can feel really stressful. But trust me, it gets easier fast. Before you know it, you’ll barely think about it before hitting “record.”

Pick an exercise below, get set up, don’t overthink it and GO!

You don’t need expensive gear or professional software. 

All you need is a tiny dose of courage and the desire to share your passion: your art.

5 Simple Exercises to Start Today

Just like everything you achieve, you need to take it step by step.

By adopting one new step at a time, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident.

Don’t wait until next week (you’ll just keep putting it off).

Here are 5 exercises to start right now to get used to creating video content as an artist:

1 : Speak Without Showing Yourself

Goal: Gently get your voice comfortable on screen.

The Challenge:  Create a Reel or Story where you film your workspace, a piece of artwork, or even just your hands as you create. Add a voiceover explaining what you’re doing, how you feel, or sharing a little anecdote.

Variation: If you’re not quite ready to use your voice, start with background music and on-screen text. Then, why not add just a short audio clip at the end? A simple “thanks for being here” is enough to start.

The Idea: Take one small step forward, no pressure. It’s just practice, a chance to hear yourself and slowly feel more present, in your own way.

2. Your Silhouette, Your Reflection

Goal : Get comfortable with your presence on camera without showing your face directly.

Idea : Film yourself from behind while you create, or capture your reflection in a window or mirror (no direct face-on shots).

Variation :  Choose an artistic angle blurred or partial framing. It adds mystery, looks beautiful, and lets you ease into it at your own pace.

3. Three Seconds on Screen

Goal: Make a brief, natural appearance.

Idea: Film yourself walking into your studio, organizing your brushes, or hanging up a piece of art—just a small, everyday gesture.

Tip : Add music and text overlay. It shifts some of the focus and can help you feel more at ease

For the more hesitant: Post your video as a Story (it only lasts 24 hours, and you’ll be proud of taking that first step… the second one will be easier).

Your turn—one small step at a time!

4.   One Sentence, One Truth

Goal : Speak to the camera, but just for a moment.

Idea : Look at the camera and simply say:

• I’m working on something that scares me a little, but I’m going for it.
• Here’s a project I love.
• Today, I gave myself permission to experiment.

What resonates is authenticity natural, not perfect..

5. The 3-2-1 Challenge

Goal: Combine multiple elements in a structured mini Reel.

Structure :

• 3 seconds of your environment (studio, sketchbook, tools)
• 2 ideas in text (about your process, an emotion, or an anecdote)
• 1 quick appearance of you (in the background, moving, or very brief)

You can film everything without speaking and add music with text overlays.

The Idea : Push yourself just a little further—without compromising who you are.  

Edit Your Videos Even If You’re Not Tech-Savvy

➡️ Don’t overcomplicate things with technology—start with simple edits.

Here are some user-friendly apps to try that will make your life easier (without overwhelming you with complex details):

• INSTAGRAM (directly in the Reels app): Easy to use—you can edit your videos right within the platform before posting. You can also save them as drafts for later or use the "Test Reels" feature to try out video concepts and see which ones resonate the most.

• EDIT (an Instagram app): A hybrid between Instagram’s basic editor and more advanced options found in CapCut.

• TIKTOK: You don’t have to publish only on TikTok—you can download your video and use it on your other social media platforms.

• CAPCUT: The free version offers many effective features for basic video editing. However, you’ll need the paid version to activate automated subtitles.

Quick Reminders:

✔️ It’s not all or nothing.

✔️ It’s not a performance.

✔️ It’s a muscle : the more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

✔️ You can progress at your own pace, staying true to yourself.

Pick a topic that speaks to you.

Choisis un sujet qui te parle.

Out of ideas? Check out my article 21 Instagram Video Ideas for Artist-Entrepreneurs and GO! 

Thousands of people (many of whom, let’s be honest, have nothing meaningful to share) do it every day. You can too

Remember your very first drawing—it probably wasn’t as good as what you create today. Trust the process. In 10 videos, it’ll feel so much easier, and you’ll see how far you’ve come. But to get there, you have to start. Now! 🚀

Would you like more tips and support to reach more people, grow your audience, and make a living from your art?

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