Stop Comparing Your Artwork to Other Artists. Unless...

This is easier said than done, especially in moments where we don't feel particularly good about our own artistic abilities. So much of art is a mental game, and that aspect of learning and practicing art is often overlooked, or not really talked about. We make it even harder on ourselves scrolling social media, and seeing so many artists posting incredible works on what seems like a daily basis. So what are we to do to overcome this feeling that comes from constant comparison? Well let's take a closer look at what's actually going on, and determine what might be unhealthy comparison, and what we can consider positive inspiration. 

Why do we compare in the first place?

I think it's in our nature to compare what we're doing to others doing something similar. Even if it's an unconscious thing. But it's important that we're self-aware enough to see it in ourselves so that we maintain the right mindset about our comparisons. We don't want our artwork or artistic journey to suffer because of unhealthy comparison practices.

The "I'll never be that good" syndrome

This is the absolute worst form of comparison, and what we want to avoid. Thinking this way can actually destroy your self-esteem and confidence. Your motivation and enjoyment of your own art will suffer, and we never want that to happen. You have to treat those aspects like fine china. They're breakable and hard to replace!

We have to understand (and always remember) that art is a long game. It's a journey of learning, practice and trial and error. When you see another artists work (especially on social media) you aren't always seeing what has gone into, not just that individual piece, but what the artist has put into learning their craft. 

Most artists don't show you their failed attempts. You're only seeing what they choose to show you. Maybe it took 5 tries to get that one perfect piece. 

It's like watching a movie. We don't see the effort or the 10 takes it took to get that scene right. We only see the one perfect take where everything fell into place in just the right way.

The "look at what's possible" approach

So how can we make a healthy comparison? When you find an artist that you like try to understand what it is that draws you to their work. Maybe even learn something about their process, or how they think. Take these aspects and see if its something that you can apply to your own methods. Use the work of artists that inspire you as motivation to fuel you in your own journey of learning.

By making the focus about your own progress you're shifting your mindset away from "not good enough" because you are no longer measuring your work against someone else, but instead trying to understand and learn from them.

Conclusion

Ultimately there's nothing wrong with comparing your artwork to your artistic peers as long as it's done in a healthy way, and that you keep certain aspects in mind. Approach another's work with an inquisitive mind, and see what you can learn instead of using it to measure your own progress. Let me know in the comments below if you struggle with negative comparisons, and if you think this approach might help!