Navigating the visibility paradox: How creatives can balance showing up and retreating
By
Tom May
Summary
An advice column response to a creative professional struggling with the paradox of wanting visibility while also feeling the urge to retreat and hide. The article addresses the fear of judgment and criticism that follows putting oneself out there, offering guidance on how to navigate this tension between seeking connection through creative work and protecting oneself from vulnerability.
Source

Key quotes
· 3 pulledI feel constantly torn between wanting to be seen and wanting to disappear.
Whenever I properly show up online, share my opinions or put more of myself into my work, good things happen: people connect, opportunities come in, the work feels more alive. But afterwards, I often want to retreat again.
I think part of me is scared of being judged, criticised.
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