Anyone who creates anything experiences insecurity.
Whether we paint, photograph, sew, craft, carve, cartoon or write we share the same fears – will others appreciate what we birthed? Are we good enough? Should we quit?
Linus, the famous blanket-carrying genius from the Snoopy cartoon, wore his insecurities quietly alongside his intelligence. You noticed both, but didn’t care about either. You just liked Linus.
Criticism is good. We need to improve. Critiques with valid advice and experience help us grow. It’s accepting the surgeon’s knife.
Criticism is bad. We need to feel confident in our talents, abilities and our calling. Unhealthy criticism with a goal to destroy instead of improve is being stabbed in a back alley.
Insecurity grows when we don’t know how to use Linus’ security blanket. Snuggle into the good criticism to grow in your craft and your confidence. Shield yourself from the bad criticism.
You’re insecure? Get over it!
I found you again! Funny thing is, it was on Pintrest! Glad to have stumbled upon your words of wisdom today.
Mary Mcarthur
I think it’s a good thing to recognize the difference between critique (good criticism) and criticism (negative and usually hurtful). Critique may be tough to hear, but the person delivering the critique has your success at heart. When we learn to recognize the difference, we grow in our craft regardless of what that craft is. No one is exempt from insecurity. Courage is working through it anyway because you focus on the goal. The goal becomes so powerful you can overcome your fear.
LOVE they typewriter idea! You’re so clever!
Thank you, Mindy, for sharing this. I’m very honored.
Angie
http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com
Thanks for stopping by! I love your added insight, it’s the frosting and decoration on the cake.
LOL but you still won’t convince me to drink coffee (or soda for that matter) and now I think I’ll go make some hot chocolate!! Mindy, I always love your posts!!
Thanks, Judith! I always appreciate your encouragement! Give those grandbabies a few extra snuggles for those of us that can only see them online.
Oooh =/ that’s something I’m not so good at. I like easy, helpful criticism but I don’t do so great with the nitty-gritty and sometimes nasty criticism. I’m not great at getting over it.
I heard someone say, “don’t be married to your words.” When we separate our words from our person, it is a lot easier to take critique on our work. I think a person’s motive guides how and what they say, that’s another deciding factor to determine if it is good or bad.
Wow! So much about where I am at right now. fixing to leave for a conference on Ceramics and wondering about my art and why I am doing it. Birthed is the term I have been using about creating pieces of art. Than you so very much.
I never imagined there would be a Ceramics conference, but makes sense. Enjoy the time learning about your craft!