ask-voidtale:

This is for all artists who have self doubts and to everyone who has experienced this:
Art is not easy. When you first start it is hard. As you improve you feel good BUT…
Everything changes when you start putting your art online in groups, on forums and social media. You then see other artists who are 10x your skill level. You begin to feel insecure but decide to keep trying. You start to talk to other artists and form a circle of friends and acquaintances. Life is good.
UNTIL:
People start to point out the flaws of your art. Most mean well but there are the trolls and haters. These voices drown out the positive feedback. You begin to feel insecure about your skills once again.
At first you can brush off the hate but it slowly whittles away your self esteem. You begin to notice that people ignore your offer for commissions on posts looking for art. This makes you feel inadequate.

You feel like this more when others look down on you and tell you what you do wrong in a negative way instead of offering friendly tips on how to improve. When you’re told you’re bad you compare yourself to others as a result.

NEVER COMPARE YOURSELF TO AN ARTIST WHO HAS PRACTICED FOR YEARS. (believe me I know it is HARD not to.) 

Keep trying, ignore the hate and PRACTICE. You’ll improve. Keep looking for positive feedback and constructive criticism. The more you know the better you’ll become. If you become frustrated take a break and do something else. If you have art block draw something you like or a character you’re fond of. Or just chat with your artist friends.

Please remember:
ART IS NOT A COMPETITION. It’s not about who’s the best. It’s about making friends, self expression and enjoying what you do.

PREACH IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS, PEOPLE.