Tricks for Fully Accepting Your Art

Art is a deeply personal and often fragile endeavor. How you perceive your work can significantly impact both your creative process and your overall satisfaction. Learning to fully accept and embrace your art, even when it doesn't meet your initial standards or expectations, can be a transformative journey. Here are some practical tricks to help you navigate this delicate balance.

Make Art You Want to See

The first step in fully embracing your art is to make the work that excites you. This means creating something that resonates with your artistic vision and passion. Whether it's a painting, embroidery, or any other form of art, if you make something that pleases you, you're setting yourself up for a positive and fulfilling experience. The beauty of art lies in its subjective nature, and you should appreciate it for what it is, not just how others might perceive it.

Be Rigorously Honest

While it's important to make art that pleases you, it's equally crucial to be honest with yourself about what you like and what needs improvement. As someone who doesn't have an attachment to their art even if they don't like it later, this approach has proven effective. Don't be afraid to critique your work and make necessary changes. However, rather than discarding your creations, consider revising or repurposing them. Remember, every piece of art is a stepping stone in your creative journey.

View Your Work as a Process

Art is a process, and each piece should be viewed as a stepping stone towards greater mastery. Even if the final result is not perfect, it's valuable to consider it as part of your overall journey. As Donald D'Amicis, a web expert, once expressed, “Look upon your work as a process with an acceptable end result if you are lucky.” If you don’t like a piece later, don’t hesitate to paint over it or make adjustments. The key is to learn from every piece and continually improve.

Tricks for Finding Equilibrium

While there are no magical tricks to fully accepting your art, there are strategies that can help you find a healthy balance between acceptance and self-critique.

1. Checklists for Improvement

Before you start working, create a checklist that highlights the elements you want to focus on. For example, if you admire an artist’s use of contrast, make notes on how you can incorporate this into your own work. If you're stuck, create a simple checklist that prompts you to make progress, such as “make a line, approve of the line, move on.” While these lists may seem silly, the act of creating them can provide a sense of structure and guide you towards your goals.

2. Appreciate Your Work

Once you're done with a piece, take a moment to appreciate your efforts. Recognize the aspects of your work that you have achieved and give yourself credit for them. For instance, if you wanted to include broken lines, take note of how they turned out and be proud of your accomplishment. This positive reinforcement can be a valuable tool in boosting your confidence and encouraging you to continue creating.

3. Comparison to Your Former Self

Comparing your current work to your past creations can be a powerful motivator for improvement. While it’s natural to feel envious when you see work that surpasses your own, limiting your comparisons to your own past accomplishments can provide a sense of progress and help you accept where you are in your artistic journey. Celebrate the growth and improvements you’ve made over time.

4. Thoughtful Feedback

After giving yourself some praise, take a moment to reflect on what you might do differently next time. Choose one or two aspects to focus on and use a supportive, gentle tone to give yourself feedback. Imagine how you would gently guide a child or student towards improvement, and apply that same tone to your own critique. Acceptance and self-reflection go hand in hand, allowing you to evolve as an artist without diminishing your self-worth.

By implementing these tricks into your creative process, you can find a healthier balance between acceptance and self-critique. Remember, the goal is not to create perfection but to continuously grow and improve. Embrace your art, be honest with yourself, and celebrate every step of your journey as an artist.