Trust me. I’ve been there. I am my own worst critic. Failing is never fun, especially when you have set your hopes so high to succeed. For some reason, I think art can be particularity difficult to work through when you fail. When you first try art, it is VERY difficult to be proud of your work when it does not come out as you hoped. Between Pinterest, Instagram, and Etsy, it is easy to get lost in comparing your work to someone else. I am certainly not the most talented artist out there, and I often struggle to remember that my work and my passion are not measured by others’ opinions. I hardly feel qualified to give advice on something I still struggle with, but here are a few things that I have found to be helpful.

Be Inspired, Not Discouraged
Remind yourself, the beauty others create with their art is not a measuring tool, but a well of inspiration. Revel in other’s success and use the wealth of ideas to trickle into your own work. What elements and techniques are they using that you can combine and shape into your own style? If all else fails, just turn it off. When I am finding it difficult to be content with my work, I often just need to stop filling my time with looking at all the things I am not.

Listen to The Truth that Comes From Love
It is often too easy to brush off encouragement from family and friends. Surely, they are just saying that to make me feel better, I think. This cannot be farther from the truth! Those who truly love you, will tell you the truth. They will also know when you need encouragement. Stop shutting out their praise, and let yourself find joy and hope in it!