There may be a few factors that may leave you thinking, ‘I’m not a good artist’. At some point in our creative lives, every artist has these thoughts. It’s normal, but not so healthy.
I’ve been doing art since I was a very little girl. I grew up in a very creative family. My grandparents loved ceramics and painting, so I naturally picked it up while I was around them.
I started noticing how much people were commenting on my arts and crafts. Maybe it was a mother’s love, or a grandmother trying to build me up. Whatever the case may have been, I started to love art.
So I set out trying a series of popular art, never sticking with more than one or two, when I realized that specific method wasn’t that enjoyable for me. I would equate that thinking to: this is art and if I don’t love it + it’s not that good anyway = I must not be a good artist.
As I got older and matured, (maybe not quite emotionally) I started experiencing my first few patronizing reactions like ~ uhmm… {with the look} and the inevitable, oh that’s nice, bless your heart. This was when the thought occurred to me, that I may not be a good artist.
Unfortunately it could just be that our insecurities take over. So you may believe if that person doesn’t love it, then no one loves it, including ourselves. These persistent ideals can go as far as make you quit in the art world.
If that’s the case for you too, KEEP experimenting. This goes for any type of artists, musician or general creator.
Keep playing with art and find what you like because there are endless methods. Artist will always struggle with this, from time to time. Don’t give into the destructive thoughts that don’t align with your art ideals.
It can be also argued that these thoughts of amateur skills and inexperience can actually make you become a better artist. Knowing that there is room to grow, we can strive to be better artist and hone in on our style of art.
I have an old friend in Virginia, where we used to live, who is an art conservator. When I asked her opinion of my art, she blatantly told me which piece(s) she liked, but that it still needed work.
Besides my middle school art teacher, (the only A’s and awards I’ve ever received in my primary school), I had never had any formal training on fine arts. So her firm criticism, I took as a feedback. Feedback I needed to hear as a untrained artist.
On the other hand, we don’t want to create art just to please people and to prove that we are good artist. So, let’s keep a clear perspective on why we do art.
Really, ask yourself ‘why’ are you wanting to become an artist.
I quit the art world for a long time because of my insecurities and believing I was not a good artist. I got back into to art by trying fluid art.
Remember, when you’re not feeling like a good artist: Not everyone will love your art. You have to believe in your ‘why’ and grow to be a good artist!
