Hi Ella, your words strike a chord, but it helps knowing we're not alone in our fears! There's a TV commercial in the states for an office supply company that has people pressing a big red button with the word "Easy" on it (as in, you'll press the Easy button by shopping with them). Alas, I'm forever envisioning myself pressing the HARD button. Ha. I appreciate your suggestion of asking questions around this, as opposed to compounding these negative feelings with self criticism. Thank you for sharing your creative journey and beautiful illustrations. xx
Lovely post Els. As you know, I relate to so much of this too! Being your own worst critic is exhausting, and it's very useful to have those moments of really understanding how much easier (and more fun) things would be if we were our own best cheerleaders all the time! But also, seeing the gap between where I am and where I want to be is often what has kept me improving in the past - it's finding the balance, isn't it? F*&k all bullies, outer and inner! You're doing SO well Els, and I can't wait to see what you do next!! xxxxx
I write as an appreciative reader and watcher not an active artist ( my brother claimed that role!) I really admire your openness and self reflection ; it builds in your courage to follow your art path . And be assured , your Folio book is a truly beauteous wonder. I will treasure it and look forward to reading it with my enthusiastic grandson Finn(4).
I found this so relatable. I've read it a few times and it's really made my think about my own struggles with fear and critics, both internal and external ones. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you Ella I really needed this today. I think I’ve said before, I find your writing and videos really comforting and encouraging. We are both at very different points in our creative journeys, but your words really resonate with me and help me remember my ‘why’ and what I need to focus on. Down with the inner critic! Down with this sort of thing!
Thank you so much for sharing Ella, is it weird to say that hearing that a published illustrator still has self-doubt is kind of comforting. I think growing up through an ‘assessment’ focused education makes it hard to let go of the idea that someone is ‘marking’ your work. Also, I’m super happy you included a cross-section in your book, my favourite type of illustration as a kid and now still. Cat x
I think Byron Katie’s book Loving What Is is a must-read. Like, we should be given it when we turn 13! I am forever asking myself “is it true?”. 99% of the time it isn’t. It’s just a thought. Move along! Two other books that changed my way of thinking when things are hard are “Zen and the Art of Happiness” and the “Tao of Pooh”. Long stories short, everything that happens is for our complete benefit (whether we realize it at the time or not), and go with the flow (you drown fighting against the current; let the current guide you to shore). Anyway, thanks for being so open and sharing your story!
I relate to this so much Ella! To be honest I think most artists have a harsh inner critic and it’s so normal to compare you’re work to others, especially when you first start out! I do remember the transition for me too, when I let that go and actually accepted what my work ‘looks like’. The funny thing is that you can’t get away from it (your natural hand) and working through that acceptance is, like you say, where you find your ‘style’. That spread is GORGEOUS, you’re just going to have to start listening when people tell you. 🙂🧡
Thank you for sharing this, Ella. It's a beautiful exploration of what I think is quite a common affliction amongst artists (I can certainly relate!). I'll be looking into those resources you suggest too ❤️
Just what I needed, thank you for articulating these feelings so well Ella. I'm going to come back to this at lunch time to properly mull it over and take in the wisdom! x
Lovely Ella, thank you 💞
Hi Ella, your words strike a chord, but it helps knowing we're not alone in our fears! There's a TV commercial in the states for an office supply company that has people pressing a big red button with the word "Easy" on it (as in, you'll press the Easy button by shopping with them). Alas, I'm forever envisioning myself pressing the HARD button. Ha. I appreciate your suggestion of asking questions around this, as opposed to compounding these negative feelings with self criticism. Thank you for sharing your creative journey and beautiful illustrations. xx
Lovely post Els. As you know, I relate to so much of this too! Being your own worst critic is exhausting, and it's very useful to have those moments of really understanding how much easier (and more fun) things would be if we were our own best cheerleaders all the time! But also, seeing the gap between where I am and where I want to be is often what has kept me improving in the past - it's finding the balance, isn't it? F*&k all bullies, outer and inner! You're doing SO well Els, and I can't wait to see what you do next!! xxxxx
I write as an appreciative reader and watcher not an active artist ( my brother claimed that role!) I really admire your openness and self reflection ; it builds in your courage to follow your art path . And be assured , your Folio book is a truly beauteous wonder. I will treasure it and look forward to reading it with my enthusiastic grandson Finn(4).
Pen ( known as Penma by the grandcherubs)
I found this so relatable. I've read it a few times and it's really made my think about my own struggles with fear and critics, both internal and external ones. Thank you for sharing this.
I think artists often feel this way Ella, and that is what you are. You are on a journey and you must push on, because what you're creating is lovely!
Thank you Ella I really needed this today. I think I’ve said before, I find your writing and videos really comforting and encouraging. We are both at very different points in our creative journeys, but your words really resonate with me and help me remember my ‘why’ and what I need to focus on. Down with the inner critic! Down with this sort of thing!
Thank you Ella for sharing. I really relate to this. I often think of your ‘Stay in your own lane’ picture and it really helps ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing Ella, is it weird to say that hearing that a published illustrator still has self-doubt is kind of comforting. I think growing up through an ‘assessment’ focused education makes it hard to let go of the idea that someone is ‘marking’ your work. Also, I’m super happy you included a cross-section in your book, my favourite type of illustration as a kid and now still. Cat x
I think Byron Katie’s book Loving What Is is a must-read. Like, we should be given it when we turn 13! I am forever asking myself “is it true?”. 99% of the time it isn’t. It’s just a thought. Move along! Two other books that changed my way of thinking when things are hard are “Zen and the Art of Happiness” and the “Tao of Pooh”. Long stories short, everything that happens is for our complete benefit (whether we realize it at the time or not), and go with the flow (you drown fighting against the current; let the current guide you to shore). Anyway, thanks for being so open and sharing your story!
I really appreciated this article Ella, thank you!
Also, I worked with those Byron Katie questions during my CFS recovery and loved period power too, she is so insightful.
I relate to this so much Ella! To be honest I think most artists have a harsh inner critic and it’s so normal to compare you’re work to others, especially when you first start out! I do remember the transition for me too, when I let that go and actually accepted what my work ‘looks like’. The funny thing is that you can’t get away from it (your natural hand) and working through that acceptance is, like you say, where you find your ‘style’. That spread is GORGEOUS, you’re just going to have to start listening when people tell you. 🙂🧡
Thank you for sharing this, Ella. It's a beautiful exploration of what I think is quite a common affliction amongst artists (I can certainly relate!). I'll be looking into those resources you suggest too ❤️
Just what I needed, thank you for articulating these feelings so well Ella. I'm going to come back to this at lunch time to properly mull it over and take in the wisdom! x