From Hobbyist to Expert: How to Know You're Ready to Teach
The message popped up on your Instagram again: "Your work is amazing! I wish I knew how to do that." Do you reply with a quick "thank you" and move on.
After all, should you teach others? Maybe you didn’t go to art school. Maybe you don’t have any formal certifications. Maybe you’re just someone who spent countless hours perfecting your digital illustration techniques.
But here’s what I want you to know: expertise isn't just about formal credentials. It's about the journey, the problems you've solved, and the insights you've gained along the way.
Today, I want to help you recognize when you're ready to start teaching your hobby to others, because chances are, you're more prepared than you think.
The Myth of the "Perfect Expert"
Let's address the elephant in the room - that nagging voice that says you're not qualified enough to teach. You know the one. It whispers things like "What if someone more experienced takes my course?" or "There are people who know so much more than me."
Here's the truth: there will always be someone who knows more than you. Even the most renowned experts in any field constantly learn and evolve. Teaching isn't about being the ultimate authority; it's about being a few steps ahead of your students and knowing how to guide them along the path you've already walked.
Think about learning to drive. Your driving instructor wasn't necessarily a Formula 1 racer or automotive engineer. They were someone who had mastered the fundamentals and, crucially, knew how to teach them to others.
The Real Signs You're Ready to Teach
Instead of focusing on what you lack, let's look at the genuine indicators that show you're ready to share your knowledge. These signs are based on real-world experience, not theoretical benchmarks.
You've Made All the Beginner Mistakes (And Learned From Them)
Remember when you first started? Those frustrating moments, the wrong turns, the "why isn't this working?" phases - they're actually golden teaching material. Your struggles make you a better teacher because you can relate to beginners' challenges.
Maybe when you first started digital illustration, you spent months working on the wrong canvas size, making your artwork unsuitable for printing. Now? That's one of the first things you could teach new artists. Your mistakes aren't embarrassing stories - they're valuable lessons that can save others time and frustration.
You Have a Problem-Solving Process
Over time, you've developed a systematic way of approaching challenges in your hobby. Maybe you don't even realize it, but when someone asks you for help, you probably have a mental checklist you go through.
For instance, now when someone shows you their digital artwork and asks why it looks "off," you may have a sequence of questions you ask: Have you checked your layer blending modes? Are you working in the right color space? Did you accidentally merge your layers? This systematic approach to problem-solving is incredibly valuable to beginners who don't know where to start.
People Already Come to You for Advice
If friends, family, or social media followers regularly ask you questions about your hobby, that's a strong indicator you're ready to teach. These informal teaching moments are like mini-internships preparing you for more formal instruction.
Pay attention to the questions you're asked repeatedly - they're telling you exactly what people want to learn.
You Can Explain Complex Concepts Simply
Have you ever found yourself breaking down a complicated technique into simple steps for someone? That's a teaching superpower. If you can take something complex and make it accessible to beginners, you've got one of the most important skills an instructor needs.
You've Developed Your Own Style or Methods
Maybe you've modified traditional techniques to work better for you, or you've combined different approaches to create your own workflow. These personalized methods are incredibly valuable because they show you've moved beyond simply following instructions to truly understanding the principles.
The Experience That Really Counts
Let's talk about what actually matters when it comes to teaching expertise:
Pattern Recognition
After spending significant time in your hobby, you start to see patterns. You can predict where beginners might struggle or what questions they'll ask next. This insight is often more valuable than technical expertise alone.
For example, maybe you know that new digital artists typically struggle with layer management around their third or fourth complex piece. This knowledge will allow you to address the issue proactively in your teaching.
Problem-Solving History
Every hobby has its challenges, and you've probably solved hundreds of them. Each solution is a valuable lesson you can pass on. Think about all the times you've figured out why something wasn't working or found a better way to do something.
Real-World Application
You've likely adapted theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This practical experience is gold for students who want to learn how things work in practice, not just in theory.
Overcoming the Fear of Teaching
Even with all these qualifications, you might still feel hesitant to start teaching. Here's how to address common fears:
"What If Someone Asks Something I Don't Know?"
Great teachers aren't afraid to say "I don't know, but let's figure it out together." Your willingness to learn alongside your students can actually make you more relatable and trustworthy.
"What If I'm Not Good Enough?"
Remember, you don't need to be the world's greatest expert. You just need to be good enough to help beginners take their first steps or intermediate practitioners solve specific problems.
"What If People Judge Me?"
Focus on the value you're providing. Your unique perspective and experience are assets, not liabilities. The way you learned to overcome challenges might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
Starting Small: Your Teaching Journey
The best way to build confidence as a teacher is to start small and grow gradually:
Begin by documenting your process. Take notes or photos as you work on projects.
Share tips and quick tutorials on social media. Pay attention to which posts get the most engagement.
Help people one-on-one before moving to group teaching.
Create small, focused content before developing comprehensive courses.
The Teacher's Mindset
Shifting from hobbyist to teacher requires a slight change in mindset. Start thinking about:
How can you break down complex processes into manageable steps?
What analogies or examples make difficult concepts clearer?
How can you create a supportive learning environment?
What questions should you ask to understand where students are struggling?
Your Teaching Superpower
Every teacher has unique strengths. Maybe you're great at explaining technical concepts simply, or perhaps you excel at encouraging students when they're frustrated. Identify your teaching superpower and lean into it.
Mine is helping students overcome perfectionism - because I struggled with it myself for years. What's yours going to be?
Moving Forward: Your Next Steps
If you've recognized yourself in this post, here's how to take your first steps toward teaching:
Start documenting your knowledge. Write down processes, tips, and solutions you've discovered.
Identify your target student. Who would benefit most from your current level of expertise?
Choose your first teaching format. Will you start with written tutorials, videos, or one-on-one sessions?
Begin creating content, even if you don't share it immediately.
The World Needs Your Knowledge
Remember this: somewhere out there, someone is struggling with exactly what you've already figured out. Your experience, even if it feels ordinary to you, could be the breakthrough someone else needs.
You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to know everything. You just need to be a few steps ahead and willing to help others along their journey.
So, are you ready to start teaching? The answer is probably yes - you just needed someone to help you see it.
Think about what you wish someone had told you when you were starting. That's your first lesson plan right there. The world needs more people willing to share their knowledge, and your perspective is unique and valuable.
What will you teach first?
