Being an artist is hard. No matter what medium you express yourself through– music, design, painting, sweater-knitting– you’re bound to show your work to someone. And when that happens, someone is bound to say, “meh,” as they shrug their shoulders. It happens to every artist, and it sucks. Maybe they just weren’t into your vibe, maybe they prefer one particular style of this art form over yours, and maybe, just maybe, they’re better or more experienced than you. Either way, one way or another, you’ve shown them a piece of your bright and shining soul, your beautiful essence, and they weren’t impressed.
And you know what? This is the most critical step to becoming the best version of yourself. This is the moment of truth that takes that little spark of natural talent you have and ignites your flame to its true potential This, my fellow artists, is growth.
Of course, haters will always exist… especially if you actually are doing somewhat well. It comes with the lifestyle, so you might as well get used to it. This is why doing something as little as handling criticism is so important.
In the music industry, this means taking a hard look at two areas of your career that are most crucial: your actual art and the way you market yourself. In Nashville Unsigned’s recent interview with the guys from Sik Wit, the guys had some helpful advice in recognizing the difference between criticism from trolls and helpful critique. They go on to explain that if an individual in the music industry likes you, they are often going to want to set you up with others that could further grow your sound. If you don’t accept this help, then you miss out an vital ways to improve your sound. Don’t take everything as offensive, and you might (will) expand your talent.
This stuck out to me because it is absolutely true of my field, graphic and web design, as well. I think back to a drawing teacher I had in college who described what getting a Masters in Fine Art is like.
“The kinds of people that end up in Art School have had some natural talent their whole lives,” he said. “Everyone around you is always telling you how good you are, because from their perspective your amazing. Then you arrive on your first day of class and your teacher, this master of their art, let’s you know that your art is complete trash. You can either accept it or deny it, but if you never see what you are doing wrong you will never correct it.”
People in positions to bring you forward in your career are generally people that see and harness potential. If there is no potential, no good taste or knowledge, then they simply won’t work with you. Otherwise, accept the help that is given, and take criticism as a learning experience.
