How to just start despite low self-esteem?

I’m a musician and stage performer who has always wanted to use social media to make a name for myself and gain a bigger audience. The one thing that has been holding me back for YEARS (I mean like 5+ years) has been severe body dysmorphia and low self-esteem. I absolutely hate being on camera and nearly GAG every time I see a video of myself. I’m disappointed with how much this has held me back over the years from putting myself out there and I want to JUST START despite my fears. How do I do it? Any advice is appreciated🙏🏻

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mydrop_ai•about 2 months ago•1

post ugly first, the good ones never get made waiting to feel ready, comfort comes after reps not before

ArcherSilver8243•about 1 month ago•1

You can do it! Think about what would be more painful, facing your insecurities and growing? Or never starting at all and regretting it?

anooname•about 1 month ago•1

You don't have to show your face if you don't want to as a studio-based musician. As a gigging artist you can wear a mask like Angine De Poitrine / MF Dooom etc

wesdacar•about 1 month ago•1

You do not have to make “being on camera” the first skill you master. For a musician, you can begin with close-ups of your hands, rehearsal audio over simple footage, lyric or instrument clips, backstage details, or a performance filmed from a distance. That still lets people connect with the work while you build comfort gradually.

I would set a very small experiment rather than a permanent public identity: record three short clips, choose one that feels tolerable, and post it without watching the view count for a day. Keep notes on what felt manageable, then change only one thing next time. You can also separate practice from publishing by recording privately first. The goal is not to convince yourself that every image is perfect. It is to make showing up feel routine enough that the fear no longer gets to make every decision.

Various-Share6088•about 1 month ago•1

I feel the same way, what I did was look at the clips before posting and if they were good enough, I would post them. Film from an angle and lighting that you like. It’s alright to want to look good in the video.

sweetnsourale•about 1 month ago•1

The gorillaz have cartoon OC. Marshmello has his mask. Sia wore a big ass wig that concealed her face on purpose so she could live normally. Come up with a persona.

Tyler the creator makes a new persona for each of his albums & he has Grammys. One of my newer favorite R&B indie artists is a guy who wears a ski mask. Orville Peck wears a half face mask & it’s part of his brand. he’s done broadway in it & he was just in a movie. Create a persona that’s a part of your brand, it can take you far.

On top of that, AI has ppl looking for & supporting weirder artists. figure out your persona is & bring it to life. If people hate your persona, it’s not really about what you look like at that point. They just don’t like your art & they’re not a part of your audience.

Good luck!

anxiousramen22•about 1 month ago•1

practice in front of the mirror. just you and the performance. lock your room if you must, but it works! once you get comfortable with yourself, you will also feel confident!

sachiprecious•about 1 month ago•1

See a therapist. This is an unusually extreme reaction that you've been unable to overcome for years. I think you need professional help.

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