The Thief of Joy
"So much time is wasted on trying to be better than others." -Elijah Wood
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Read that again. I'll even make it easier on you...
COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY.
Now, this saying actually isn't entirely true. Comparison can be healthy and show the difference from the start of an artistic journey to the current developmental milestone. But when it comes to the way we often compare ourselves, it's hard to find a truer statement.
You see, when we compare, we tear down. Frequently, we see the best in others and the worst in ourselves. And as we lose those vital pieces of ourselves to toxic comparison, we tend to either conceal or lash out, crumpling in on ourselves or exploding out on others. Either way, it is a form of self-destruction.
That person that rips you a new one and viciously tears you down? They are probably so displeased with their own work that they can't stand to look at yours. And the person that won't look you in the eyes when you give them a compliment? They are already fighting the insults and corrections in their mind as you speak your praise.
The moral of the story is you can't expect to get any better as an artist or, quite frankly, better as a person if you can't learn to build.
Building is a task easier said than done though, and it's going to take more than just you. You need a whole village.
As you grow as an artist, you will learn (sometimes right on time and sometimes too late) who truly cares about your development. It is important to keep striving for those genuine mentorships and friendships.
You need someone who will build you up without blowing smoke or blowing up. And the biggest secret of all?
...they need you too.
Hand-painted in Adobe Photoshop CC using the Wacom Intuos Pro and the Wacom Art Pen.
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