THE NEED FOR A THICK SKIN

So you have decided to be an artist and you are going to give the world the most perfect piece of art work it has ever seen. There is only one problem with that theory, our perception of perfection is very different from one to another. So now you have put your heart and soul into a piece of work that consumed the better part of a month to create and they do not like it. Devastation! How do you deal with this devastation? Grow a thick skin. Learn to take criticism as well as you take praise. Easier said then done right? Of course it is, but if you want to be a successful artist, professional or amateur, you will need to understand that art is no different then anything else in the world, subject to interpretation. What kind of world would it be if we all liked the same things and had the same tastes. So what do you do if someone criticizes your work, how do you deal with it? With a positive attitude, and an open mind. Sometimes it can be hard to really hear what someone else is saying when it is not what you want to hear. Take it with a grain of salt. Remember in certain instances it is not an issue of your work, but an issue of numbers. What I mean is if you apply to a show and you are not accepted it may not be that they do not like your work it could be that there are only a certain number of spaces and they already have several artist’s with a similar style. Their choice is based on numbers, not the artwork at hand. Criticism is a hard fact and factor of any art form. We ride that roller coaster of emotion and bare our hearts on our sleeves for all to see and hope for their acceptance. From time to time we will not get the response we are looking for or desire. The great thing about art is you can always create a new piece and take a shot at that ‘perfect image’ that everyone loves. Stay positive and most of all believe in yourself. You are your best support system. One who believes in him/herself can achieve their most wondrous dreams. He/She that can not see the potential in themselves has already lost. Be a believer!
- Derek C Wicks

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