Something to Read if You Experience Self Doubt

As an artist (and a sentient life-form) I have experienced PLENTY of that yuck.

It's tough to always find value in your abilities when - once you get to a certain point - good/bad art is completely subjective. This is the case for a lot of livelihoods whether artistic or not - everyone has different approaches for everything. "Good" and "bad" aren't even the right words - perhaps more fitting would be "like" verses "dislike," meant for you verses not.

But here's the twist - when you're feeling this way it's important to realize you are simply aware of your weaknesses. That awareness makes you a great artist (or whatever you are) because it shows you have the competency to see where you can grow. It's not a failure, it's an opportunity! A place where you know you can go further.

Just because you need to grow doesn’t mean you’re bad, a lot of people will accept you right where you are. However, our love of the craft spawns from our ever present desire to explore and evolve, and therefore that is where our focus tends to lie. You’re not bad, you’re just hungry for more. Don’t let this make you feel like you aren’t enough, don’t let it hold you back or make you hesitate. Allow yourself to self-perceive not with shame, but with that hunger. See it as your own internal inspiration to move further on the path.

Whether or not you identify as one, you are an artist. You want to create. You want to create the version of yourself you have built in your head for others to perceive. You want to make yourself a new work of art. Your craft will grow and shift as you recreate.

Just remember this: you have always been a work of art.