It’s easy to enjoy receiving feedback from others, and in many cases, it provides helpful tips and techniques to help us evolve. There are times, however, where we let other peoples’ opinions dictate how we should be following our passion. Consistently following their advice, no matter what their rank or recognition or how well-meaning they mean to be, can be detrimental to your work.
The title of this blog post could be misinterpreted to mean create a body of work that awes and inspires them, rather than giving them something to critique. Yet I don’t mean that at all. When I say “silence your critics,” I mean let them say whatever they want, but don’t let somebody else’s subjective opinions define how you should express yourself.
You’re working in your way because you have your own voice to share. When someone says that you should follow process A, or make your work look more like Role Model B, then that completely contradicts the entire reason you’re trying to establish yourself in the art world. Every single person has their own unique way of portraying their passion through their work. When you allow others’ feedback to alter that flow of creativity, then you’re stalling on the evolution of your own body of work simply to make one other person happy. It’s ok though. Eventually you’ll learn that you can’t please that one person no matter what you do, and soon enough you’ll learn that there’s no point in pleasing anybody with your work because they’re all going to want you to express yourself the way they wish they could express themselves.
I’m not saying don’t ever take feedback. Sometimes somebody has a tip that might help you evolve in a quicker way than you would have. What I’m saying is just don’t begin creating work to please somebody else. It’s your art and your expression. Every single person is here to express themselves in their own unique way. “So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (-Mark Twain) Do so in the way that feels the best and most appropriate to you, and you’re much more likely to leave something that lasts for ages.
Well said, Mike.
Thank you, Moira!
Well said, Mike.
Thank you, Moira!
Good words to live by, Mike. It’s something I have to remind myself of every day.
Good words to live by, Mike. It’s something I have to remind myself of every day.
Thank you very much! The more practice the better.
Mike, very well said my friend. I feel like I’ve read this article before, because I too believe in everything you’ve said, and have passed this knowledge/opinion to others in the past. In fact, I just quoted this article and sent it to a few friends.
Thanks again, Daniel!
Mike, very well said my friend. I feel like I’ve read this article before, because I too believe in everything you’ve said, and have passed this knowledge/opinion to others in the past. In fact, I just quoted this article and sent it to a few friends.
Thanks again, Daniel!
Hi Mike,
Well spoken. Hard to apply sometimes though!
Robert
Thank you, Robert! It certainly can be, but the more it’s practiced the easier it is to stick to.
Hi Mike,
Well spoken. Hard to apply sometimes though!
Robert
Thank you, Robert! It certainly can be, but the more it’s practiced the easier it is to stick to.