One fact every artist knows is this: art is deeply personal. Especially the art YOU create. It comes from deep within. Not everybody will get it. Not everybody will like it. Artists understand that. But, how do you deal with haters when they express their hate for your art?
And, most importantly, how do you keep their words from making you doubt yourself?
Art is expressed in many forms. Your art might be paint on paper, graphic design, photography, music, singing, dancing, acting, writing, drawing, pottery, movie making, letterpress…the list goes on. Your art of choice is part of who you are.
[Tweet “It hurts deeply when someone says your art of choice sucks.”]
I am not talking about people who criticize your art in hopes that it will make it better. That’s constructive criticism, and it is necessary, to make you a better artist.
Haters are a whole other breed. Dictionary definition of a hater is this: a person who thrives on showing hate toward, criticizing, or belittling other people or things, usually unfairly.
They are the ones who says your art is no good for the sake of saying it. They belittle your art. They say you will never make a living with your art. They say you better not quite your day job for your art. They say a 6-year-old could paint better, sing better, dance better than you.
I just hate haters. Don’t you?
“Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse
I keep coming back to this quote. I quoted it a few posts back, too. Because it’s so true.
To express your art we must have courage. Courage to express it in the first place, and courage to block out the haters and naysayers of the world. Having courage isn’t always the easiest thing in the world to have. There is no Wizard of Oz handing out courage. What can we do to guard our heart when a hater open their mouth?
5 Tips for Dealing with Haters of Your Art:
- Remember what Taylor Swift sings: “Haters are gonna hate, hate, hate.” Haters will hate like it’s their day job. They hate for the sake of hating. It doesn’t matter if your art is unique, they will hate on it anyway.
- Consider this: are their comments relevant to your art, or is it personal? Are they saying something that would make your art better, or are they attacking you personally, without merit. Take the constructive criticism and leave the rest.
- Do more of what they hate. Nothing ticks haters off more than doing what you love.
- Don’t be a hater yourself. Don’t ever tear down another creative. Their art may not be ‘your cup of tea’, but remember being creative takes courage. Support those who are courageous.
- Remember it’s not your job to make everyone love your art. Your job is to create art you love. That’s all you can do.
Now, go create something awesome that you love.
Have Faith Everyday 