Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Artists, It’s Poisonous

This can be a tough one, can’t it? But it’s got to the point where you know that you have to stop comparing yourself to other artists for your own sake. You want to be a part of the artistic community but every time you see another artist’s work you can’t help but compare. Time after time you see these works and it starts to chip away at your confidence until you feel like giving up altogether. It could be that you think their work is better than yours or the fact that they are posting about how busy they are or about that amazing destination wedding they booked. It’s so easy to get caught up in other artist’s perceived accomplishments or work, but it can prove to be very damaging to your creative process, happiness, and overall work ethic. And don’t worry, it happens to all of us, included me, hence why I am writing this article. Below I have laid out some easy steps on how to get out of the dark cycle of comparing yourself to other artists.

My Personal Struggles with Comparison + Imposer Syndrome

Feb 2020 Update: Two and a half years ago I wrote this article after getting myself into a dark place. I was constantly comparing myself to other’s Instagram feeds. I wrapped my self-worth up to followers, likes and how many other people were above me. I got myself out of it by realizing I was completely sabotaging my own success and happiness. I’m here again to tell you it’s always going to be something that follows you around. Know that it follows EVERYONE. You are not alone. Being an artist and a business person is an incredibly challenging yet rewarding path. I still have days that I cry and swear I’m going to quit. I feel like I can’t do it anymore. My mind fills with fictional stories about how everyone has more clients and money then I do. Yet, I have no evidence to support these thoughts, only a curated online presence. If you are passionate you can tough it out. The world wants and needs your talent and love for the craft. No matter where you are on your journey right now you’re exactly where you need to be.

How to Stop the Comparing

Let’s just say it right now. You need to stop comparing yourself to other artists, yesterday. It’s poison and only holds you back. It can also have a massive impact on your mental health. I know it has on mine. A great saying that I once heard was that you can’t compare your chapter one to another person’s chapter twenty. I love it and it really stuck with me. You have no idea the turmoil and time that particular artist might have gone through to make it to where they currently are. Whether you are just starting out or have been in the game for a long time, you can’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.

Stop Following

Social media is very dangerous in that an artist could be really struggling to make ends meet but look insanely busy and successful on their profiles. People only post their happiest days and successes 90% of the time right? Don’t fall for the facade that everything is just peachy, everyone has their struggles. The first thing I did when I realized that I was comparing myself to other artists was to unfollow almost every artist I had on social. The only artists in the same industry as me that I kept following were peers that I knew and wanted to keep in touch with. Other than that there is no reason for me to follow these insanely talented artists because it just leads to comparing to them.

Do Your Own Thing

Focus on you. Create work around themes and topics that you truly love. Don’t create works because it’s what everyone else is doing or because it’s the trendy thing to do. People can smell inauthenticity from a mile away and no one likes being around it, it will only hinder you. Create what you love and what makes you happy. It only makes sense to showcase what lights up your life. This will create a portfolio that truly shows off who you are as an artist. Go totally against the grain if it’s what excites you. You will attract the amazing clients you’ve always dreamed of.

Compare Yourself to Yourself

Compare yourself to your past self, it’s the only person that is worthwhile to compare yourself to. When you compare your current work to the past works you will see how far that you’ve come. For most people, a year of dedication can really show leaps and bounds in your projects. You should be proud of what you’ve achieved and how much you have educated yourself. When I look at old photos it really becomes clear by I don’t nearly do that as much as I should. It’s harder to feel upset or useless after seeing your progress come together in front of your eyes.

Gratitude Journal

Gratitude is a trait that many of the most successful people in the world practice often. A great way to make sure that you are practicing gratitude every day is to keep a journal and jot down at least 3 things that you were grateful for that day. It really brings the spirits up and makes it much harder to get down if you have these things to be thankful for. I highly recommend this little daily ritual because I can speak to its true effectiveness.

Practice Self Care

I find it very easy to get caught up in work and vegetate, exhausted on the couch at the end of the day. It’s important to balance your work and personal time. It’s also very helpful to take breaks even every hour if that helps you stay motivated and fresh. Instead of watching too much TV ask yourself what relaxing things you can do that actually makes you feel happy. I feel guilty after binging TV. However, I feel amazing after meditating, doing yoga, reading a book in the bath, cleaning, etc. Dedicate an hour every day as a treat for your mental wellbeing.

At the End of the Day

You are doing your absolute best in becoming a better artist. You will reach your version of success if you just stick to it and never give up just because “there are too many other artists out there that are better than me.” There will always be other artists out there that are way better than you. There will always be other artists wishing they were on your level. It’s a fact of life. Some people have just been at it longer than you, maybe they just learn faster or maybe they have a ton of money behind them. None the less, everyone travels their own paths at their own pace and everyone’s path is different. Stop comparing yourself to others as it is a waste of your time and thoughts. Get out there and create some fantastic artwork that you love and do your best to reach your version of success and happiness, whatever it may be. Just never, ever quit. You’re too good for that <3

Becoming a master artist is a life long commitment. Nothing worthwhile happens quickly or easily. Your impatient little devil on your shoulder will fuck you over. Tell em where to go!

Love to you,

Chel

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