Recognise Which Criticism is Important (+An Instagram Incidence About Ignorance)

If you're a creator of any kind—be it a writer, artist, designer, filmmaker, you name it—I'm sure you too weren't able to escape the scary phases of criticism. Yes, criticism is scary, but constructive criticism is just as important. If we give in to criticism, we give up on creating and that's the scary part.

Now, the important part is that if we are never criticised, we would never know how to make our art even better and which areas we need to improve in. There's no one who has not been criticised even once, maybe except the ones who keep their art to themselves.

Once your art is in front of the public, expect praises and appreciation but do not forget to expect criticism too. Even the people who do not share their art are a victim of criticism and that's what we call self-criticism, the most dangerous kind because it just doesn't let you take the next step, it traps your shoe in its clutches and you can't make a move forward to make people see your art.

Coming back to criticism from other people. Every Instagram artist I know faces criticism almost every day, and at times, it's too harsh... but they never stop creating because they've got a hundred admirers over each hater. They create anyway because there are people who love their work beyond words. You can't let your loyal readers/fans/followers down for the fear of a bunch of people who want to see you drowning in their opinions.

However, constructive criticism is very important, especially from the people who are well-versed in your field and can tell you where you're wrong and where you can improve. Listen to them. Polite and constructive criticism is the most important factor for your growth in your art. But when people are just random bullies, block them off your page, your mind, your life... just ignore them.

Learn to know the difference between feedback, constructive criticism, and some random depressing comments. Respect the critics who provide valuable insights about where you may be lacking so that you can do even better the next time. And regarding people who simply wish to pull you down—well, at least you're far above them. As it's said, "nobody pelts stones on a fruitless tree." You've got something that they don't.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Let's now talk about people who do not love your work. It's easy. Everyone has a different taste, different perspective towards life. Your perception differs from theirs and that doesn't make your art any less. Focus on those who share your perspective. Create art to soothe your soul before anyone else's.

Here's The Key To Writing What Other's Would Love to Read

Photo by 🇨🇭 Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash

Let me tell you an incident that happened last year. If ignorance had a face, it would be theirs. I was once added to a 'support' group on Instagram whose motto was to like and comment on each other's posts to beat Instagram's algorithm and improve the reach of the posts. Please note the word 'support'.

A few hours after joining the group, I scrolled up to read hundreds of new messages and most of the members were busy bitching about one of the famous Instapoets. Since Instapoetry is about saying more in fewer words, it was a post that stated something in two lines. And people in the group had the following remarks about it: 

"This is not a poem, this is a statement." Okay. 

"These people buy followers." Like really? Buying followers sabotages your account instead of growing it.
"They don't know what poetry is." Sure enough.

These were all Instapoets with their followers ranging between 1000-5000. I don't judge people based on the number of followers but their messages forced me to. Envy was clearly reflecting in the 'support' group.

Then, I opened the post that they were talking about... only to find a whole damn long-form poem in the caption. The joke's on you support group.

I left the group instead of starting an argument with them because they were all unknown to me, except my friend who had added me and wasn't a part of the conversation. Their conversation had already ended way before I checked messages anyway.

My point is, how could they call it a support group when it was filled with so much ignorance, envy, and hatred towards people who made their name on Instagram with their art? If you cannot respect other people's art and success, how do you expect to rise as an artist yourself? I am only against plagiarism, rest all art is beautiful.

Take criticism lightly and never stop creating art just because someone criticised your work... the chances are, the critic you're taking so seriously is nothing but an ignorant person full of hatred against how amazingly you create.

Lastly, get your facts checked before you criticise others.

Keep creating, keep loving. When you admire other people's success, you move a step forward on your own journey of success.

You may get in touch with me on Instagram at @meetlife240