Since I was a kid, I’ve had a problem with this.
I was always quite creative. I used to write, co-founded a performance group at one point, and had a brief adventure with music. Eventually, I started taking photos.
The common thing in all my artistic endeavors is that at some point, when I review my archives, I feel like destroying everything so no one will ever see it.
And all of this is because, after some time, when I look at my work, the only thing that comes to mind is a strange sense that it’s all just awful.
I know I’m not alone in this.
When you take a closer look, you realize that this feeling is irrational.
If, after some time, you look back at your work and it no longer excites you the way it once did, but makes you feel ashamed instead, it most likely means:
You’re growing as an artist/maker
Instead of feeling ashamed, you should pop a bottle of champagne.
If what once made you proud now makes you cringe a little - that means you’re in a completely different place. You’ve learned a lot since then, and it shows in your work. Congratulations.
You’re developing as a critic
Maybe back then you looked at your work (and the work of others) differently because you didn’t know as much about your craft as you do now.
In the meantime, you’ve absorbed a lot - read books, seen exhibitions, performances, etc. No wonder your artistic taste has matured. Congratulations.
You’re on the right path to creating even better things than you do now
Your knowledge and experience are like a giant rolling snowball.
If you continue to devote yourself to your craft, and surround yourself with more sophisticated art, it will show in your work. There’s no other way.
You’re being a bit too harsh on yourself
“These photos are terrible. How could I create such crap? This is a mistake. A total failure.”
Would you say these things to a friend? Or to a favorite coworker? Probably not. That would be completely disrespectful and lacking in compassion.
It’s something to think about.
How to kill your inner critic
Instead of beating yourself up, try developing a strategy to deal with that voice in your head - the one that holds you back instead of pushing you forward.
What helps me overcome my inner critic these day is regularly reminding myself not to take the creative process so damn seriously.
If you zoom out, you’ll realize there’s really no reason to treat yourself unkindly in a process that’s supposed to bring you joy.
And that process itself is the most important part. Often, it’s an escape from everyday life, a source of meaning and purpose that keeps you sane.
That’s what you should be focusing on, not just the final result.
The result matters - but because it can always be improved, treat it lightly.
If you fixate on perfecting your work, you’ll never be satisfied with it.
What you’re doing - you’re doing primarily for yourself. Even if your creative work is a source of income, that’s a conscious choice.
Be kind to yourself, because if you’re not, no one else will do it for you.
Be your own supportive friend, not your critic.
Not only should you avoid comparing your work to others, but even when comparing it to your past work, try not to be too harsh on yourself.
Pat yourself on the back sometimes. Collect good reviews, comments from close ones or strangers online.
Let those opinions help you build a more objective view of your work.
Let them be your motivation if you lack your own. And don’t assume the compliments are insincere.
Control your thoughts. The negative ones aren’t the only ones you have.
Continue Reading
→ Why do you dislike your work
→ How to overcome creative rut as a photographer
→ No one cares what you do… and that’s good
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