In Chapter 1, Bayles and Orland discuss the challenges and fears that artists face throughout their creative process. They state that art is filled with uncertainties and that artists should emphasize these uncertainties to overcome their fears and obstacles throughout their creative process. Some common fears that artists face are fear of failure, the unknown, and judgment.
They state that fear is an initial part of the creative process and is necessary for growth and progress. To increase creativity, individuals must go through this cycle of trial and error to achieve self-discovery. According to the authors, the willingness to confront and work through these difficulties is what separates successful artists from those who give up. Additionally, Bayles and Orland touch upon the notion of expectations. When artists set high standards, they tend to receive disappointment in return as well as self-doubt. They encourage artists to focus on the act of creating itself, rather than being fixated on the outcome or recognition.