Finding (Self) Love

Being an artist is hard.

Artists tend to be exceptionally hard on themselves. We take the slightest criticism of our art to heart.

You hated my photo? You must hate me!

Rationally, we know this isn’t true. We may feel that our art defines us, that it is an extension of ourselves. In a way, it is, but we are so much more than our art.

We can find self-love and acceptance through our art. We should be creating for ourselves anyway. We create because we have to, not because we want some random internet person to like it. If they do, that’s a bonus. But most of us have these ideas inside of us and need to get them out.

Create. But do it for yourself.

Look at your work. Love it. Appreciate it. Seeing what you have created can help you feel good about yourself. You did that. You made something from nothing, and that is pretty darn amazing.

Keep some of your art just for you. You don’t have to share everything with the world. Create for you. Display these pieces where you can see them daily and smile every time you look at them because your art should always make you happy.

Creating something from idea to completion can boost your confidence. You didn’t half-ass it. You didn’t abandon it. You had an idea, you worked it out, and now you have completed it. That right, there is impressive. It doesn’t matter if it turned out how you imagined. It matters that you followed through.

For a lot of artists, making art can help ease anxiety or depression. Creating can put you in touch with your feelings and help you work through things. The next time you are feeling a bit down, grab your supplies and create something. Put it all on the paper, so to speak.

Creating can’t cure you, but it can help boost your confidence and self-love, and there is nothing wrong there. We can all use a boost every now and then.

What will you create today? Leave it in the comments and maybe inspire someone else!