I can’t emphasize enough that it’s not a compliment to an artist to tell them that their work makes you want to quit drawing or hate your own work. Like shut that down before it even comes out
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As both a fiction writer & an artist, I love to hear that people relate to my work &/or that it inspired them to do more of their own art. I don’t like when they say this ^^ tho. Please appreciate your own art too 🥺
Yeah, I can also say that it's counterproductive. Art is all about identity and finding it, and it takes time but they'll eventually find it if they keep going
I used to do this a lot when I was younger. It’s a very difficult mindset to break out of, especially if either your work isn’t getting noticed or you don’t believe in yourself. Still dealing with it to this day, which is why I refuse to follow a few artists that make me feel this way.
I understand feeling down when your art isn't at the level you want it to be, but it does a disservice to the person you're attempting to compliment, because it implies that they didn't work hard to get there, or that they were never in a similar boat to you. All skills require practice & patience.
I do think it's complicated when ESL is involved. Some phrases don't sound as self deprecating in the native language and might not translate well. Then, of course, there are general culture differences as well.
I deal with this thought so much “I should just quit. I’ll never be this good” but to say/do that would be to actively deny the improvements I’ve made in the last two years since I’ve started drawing again.
To anyone else who has those thoughts, don’t listen to them. You’re improving every time you draw, even if you don’t think you are. Even if it feels like you’ve completely forgotten how to draw eyes or noses. You’re improving with hands or proportions. Keep going. You’re doing great.
truly ! and that goes for other things as well tbh. some people give out compliments not bc they wanna praise you but bc they want sympathy for their insecurities. and that just puts the recipient in an awkward position
Its worse when they start harassing you over numerous pieces of your art like dragging you through the mud to further make their point. More power to just let artists do their thing. Already takes a lot to generate art. Nobody breaks down your door because you didn't make a meal "perfect" each time.
seeing someone you think is better than you at something should never be a reason for you to quite more even more reason to develop your skills even further.
100%. I have a friend who has (more than once) said things like, "when I hear you play (music) it makes me wonder why I bother trying." I've already decided that the next time he says that, I'm going to tell him that if he doesn't knock it off I'm never playing in front of him again.
When people do that I’m gonna be mean back, idc. Cause that’s just mean and uncalled for. You’re not gonna make me feel bad because you are insecure. :(
Yeah, some people are like that. The joy of art is what comes from yourself, and from you're soul. Sure, AI art is faster and easier, but in the end, who's work is it if you used AI? It's just better to look up to someone then doubt yourself on what you can't do in the present
Even when that feeling does creep up in the back of my skull, I always try to just say "your work is so good that it inspires me to try and be even better in my own" which is true when I really am moved by something fantastic.
Absolutely. I had to learn that seeing other, better, artists as a threat was severely stunting my growth in all areas. When I learned to view them with excitement and appreciation, it really helped my mindset.
Played a gig one time and our guitarist caught a wave that night and everything just flowed, and the guitarist from the opening band came up afterwards with a heartfelt “Fuck you!”
Hold up? So they tell people they want to quit doing art because they can't be at the same level?
Pardon me, but that's the point! An artist should never strive to be the same as the artist they look up to, but evolve they own style and artwork to make them proud.
This might be a mean take, but when they say that I couldn't give a single fuck. LOL
That's happened to me a couple times now, it's just kinda pathetic. They need to get a grip and understand that learning a skill takes a lot of time and energy, and none of us artists have these skills overnight.
I made it my mission here on bluesky to tell my favourite artists that their art makes me want to draw more. That seeing things similar to what I planned to do once makes me believe that I should try after all. That maybe my ideas are worthwhile. I hope they get something out of my comments.
Much better to ask them for tips to do better in your art! Focus on improving. :3
Saying it makes you hate your art is just putting responsibility on the artist for your insecurities. It also ignores the effort that artist took to get there and puts out that you'd rather quit than just learn.
That's a feeling I'll try my best to teach, my future students to reject entirely. It only lead to frustration, and I want them to be happy about their art 😊
Also the importance of having inspiration from artists, to learn, to grow and to kick the bad and frustrating thought in the nuts 🤭
when someone's art makes me question the quality of my own work, i comment stuff like "your art inspires me to keep practising and improving, thank you so much for sharing it with all of us"
it's not like they could magically make me better if i devalued myself, it's healthier to compliment them
I always hate the "I can't even draw a stick figure" because it's like saying " I've only been eating mud and never bothered to cook for myself so this food must be good" it's just not a complimenting comparison at all lol like oh gee i'm better than someone who's never practiced thx /s
Man Bluesky really IS better than Twitter. I love it here specifically because of you. It is terrible to see people sharing their disheartenment when that isn't why these artists draw at all.
“God this makes me hate my art oh my god I’m sorry I ever picked up a pencil/pen/paintbrush” or “maybe I should just never draw again” etc., sucks to hear and sucks to say! No one feels good!
But something like, “I love your art it inspired me to improve/try something new”?? Feels good all around!
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“I gave up drawing, I wish I had natural talent like you”
DO I NEED TO WHIP OUT MY 2018 SONIC STICKMAN FANATT???
Damn right we took it as a compliment.
Pardon me, but that's the point! An artist should never strive to be the same as the artist they look up to, but evolve they own style and artwork to make them proud.
Art is so many things in life 🥰
raw, naked envy is the greatest compliment an artist gives another
That's happened to me a couple times now, it's just kinda pathetic. They need to get a grip and understand that learning a skill takes a lot of time and energy, and none of us artists have these skills overnight.
Its not a compliment..ugh
Saying it makes you hate your art is just putting responsibility on the artist for your insecurities. It also ignores the effort that artist took to get there and puts out that you'd rather quit than just learn.
I’m getting a lot of those lately
Also the importance of having inspiration from artists, to learn, to grow and to kick the bad and frustrating thought in the nuts 🤭
/jk
it's not like they could magically make me better if i devalued myself, it's healthier to compliment them
But something like, “I love your art it inspired me to improve/try something new”?? Feels good all around!