I Want to Work with a Brand, but I’m Scared

Why I Hesitate to Contact a Brand

Nov 22, 2024

Hello everyone!

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There comes a point in every artist's journey where reaching out to brands feels like the next step. It's not something that usually happens organically, brands rarely come knocking on your door. If you want their attention, you have to be the one to start the conversation. And really, what could go wrong? They’ll say yes or no, it shouldn’t be that bad, right?

But here’s the truth, it is that bad. It’s terrifying. For someone like me, who has spent a lifetime as the quiet girl in the back of the room, always waiting for her turn, the idea of making noise is daunting. I’ve never been the one to shout out, “Look at me!” or even raise my voice above a whisper (not couting getting angry). Taking that step to reach out, to be seen, is a monumental task.

Even if the response is a simple yes or no, the thought of facing rejection stings. Rejection is not new to me, it's an echo that has followed me for years. I’ve heard "no" in so many forms. No, we can’t get you extra help in school. No, we don’t have the resources to support your needs. No, you can’t do this or that. The word “no” has nestled itself deep into my story, making it unsurprising that I fear hearing it again.

And what if they do look at me? What will they think? Am I good enough in their eyes? I can barely convince myself that my work is worth showing. Sending out my portfolio feels like asking to be judged, and I don’t always have the strength to hear what the world might say.

Being an introvert with ASD brings its own set of challenges. Social interactions can feel like navigating a maze where every turn carries uncertainty. Reaching out to anyone, let alone a brand, feels like standing at the edge of a canyon and shouting, hoping your voice doesn’t fall into the void unheard.

Then there’s the hesitation about authenticity. I don’t want to approach a brand if I haven’t genuinely tried or connected with their products. It feels insincere. Yet, at the same time, maybe there’s magic in trying something for the first time and sharing that experience openly. I’m torn between wanting my work to be recognized and feeling the anxiety of how I might be perceived.

It’s tough knowing that we, the creators, have to make the first move. We have to find the courage to say, “Hey, I’m here. Look at what I can do,” instead of waiting for someone to discover us. But with so many talented people across the world doing similar things, it’s no wonder brands don’t find us all.

It’s not just about wanting to be seen. It’s about overcoming years of “no” and standing up despite the fear. It’s about making a voice, even a small one, in a world that can be overwhelming and crowded. And maybe, just maybe, one day that voice will be enough.

❄️ My Art Journey

A month ago, I decided to try the 1-month free trial of Domestika Plus. At first, I was excited, imagine unlocking thousands of courses for free! But once I started exploring, things got... weird.

Sure, I could browse through the courses and even watch a bit. But everything of real value, downloads, resources, interaction, was locked behind a paywall. It turns out, the subscription doesn’t actually unlock the courses; it just gives you a discount on buying them. And even that discount? It changes over time! Some days it’s lower, other days higher. Honestly, it felt like a confusing sales pitch rather than a subscription.

Then there’s the language issue. Many instructors teach in their native tongue, which is fine, Domestika promises subtitles & audio in English (or other languages). Except, guess what? No audio settings in sight! I’m guessing audio are also part of their “buy this course” model. Oh, and let’s not forget, there’s no option to speed up videos. I’m stuck at regular speed, which drives me nuts.

In the end, it made no sense to me. Why not just buy the courses outright instead of paying monthly for limited access and unpredictable perks? The whole thing felt more frustrating than inspiring.