I Hate Every Photograph I Have Ever Taken
It is common for artists to dislike their work. I am no different. I see every flaw in my work and everything I could have done differently. I see others' work and think, "Why can't I do that?" "Why do my photos look so bad in comparison?" This line of thinking can cripple artists and lead them down a path of no return, where they give up their passion because they don't feel they belong or will ever compare.
Michelangelo, Pietà
The sad truth is that no artist is safe from this form of self-loathing and criticism. As one of an artist's most notorious examples of self-destruction, Michelangelo's 16th-century masterpiece Pietà stands out as a particularly dramatic example. By taking a hammer to Christ's left leg and arm, he severed them from the rest of the sculpture in one swift blow, leaving it tattered and broken into pieces.
Although the exact cause remains a mystery, historians have concocted numerous theories to explain why Michelangelo destroyed his work. It could've been that he lost control over the quality of the marble used, or he would have hated his artwork just like me. In any case, the Pietà is an enduring reminder of art pieces that were regrettably wiped out in their lifetime by their creators.
Even Leonardo da Vinci spent 14 years working on the Mona Lisa and never felt it was good enough, and he went to his grave thinking it was a failure and incomplete. One of the most famous and photographed paintings, perceived for its greatness for 500 years, has been hated by its creator.
Leonardo da Vinci, Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, Wife of Francesco del Giocondo, known as the Mona Lisa
Claude Monet
Claude Monet took a knife to at least fifteen water lily paintings he was composing for an upcoming exhibition. His friend and former French Prime Minister Georges Clémenceau explained in 1927:
“Monet would attack his canvases when he was angry. And his anger was born of a dissatisfaction with his work…"
So what chance do we have to get out of our heads, when such works of greatness can't even please their creators? Although I don't have a precise answer, here are a few ways to help combat distaste for your work:
Overcoming Obstacles
Crafting art can be an exasperating experience, leaving many of us sad about our work. This emotional struggle may arise for various reasons, such as creative impediments, laziness in completing tasks, and a lack of self-discipline. Dissatisfaction can often arise when we are working on a piece. Whether an unfinished painting or an unfulfilled creative concept, the development process may yield little progress and unbearable frustration. Frequently, this can breed pessimistic sentiments and emotions towards the artwork, killing the joy of creation. We need to be aware of these feelings and obstacles and make sure that we are self-aware enough to overcome them.
Little Mermaid - Azalandra
Stop Looking at Your Work Through Your Own Eyes.
Our eyes lie to us. Often, it comes from knowledge of subjects others don't have. Many people would never notice when we see small flaws in our work that completely ruin an image. Sometimes it is actually what they love most about images. I spent over five years working as a school and sports photographer, and one of the things we were made to look for was "picture-perfect hair." However, in the years to follow, I learned that a missed strand of hair or flyaways intrigued viewers; they added a sense of realism to fine art portraits. What I see as mistakes, others see as real. And it is true for a lot of things.
“The edge of Tomorrow” portrait by Bryan Wark
Measure Your Art by Different Standards
Have you ever turned on the radio and said, "I hate this song!" only to have your wife, kids, friends, etc., go, "Oh, I love it!" Picture your art the same way. Your dislike for something does not undermine its success. No, I am not talking about thousands of generic social media likes. But genuine people find appreciation in your work. If a piece of your work touches just one person in a positive light, then isn't that image a success?
Dreams of Tomorrow - Jordan Dunlap
There is Always Room to Improve
So you look at your images, and, well, they stink. You hate them. Good. Take that and use it to improve. There is some health in disliking your work. It means you want to and are willing to admit your shortcomings. That is a great quality if you don't let it hinder you from creating. No one has ever achieved greatness by declaring themselves God's gift to man with no evidence to support it. We should always be looking to improve.
Touch of Color - Bredevey
Your Work is Not Better or Worse. It's Different and Unique.
Learn to avoid comparing your work to that of your competitors. I not only see this all the time, but I constantly fall victim to it. But you shouldn't compare your work to others, for they are not you. You are not a printer or a photocopier, and you should not strive to be one. Be yourself. Let your work speak for itself. Even if a photoshoot inspires you, and in the end, you don't think your work compares to your vision board, accept and embrace it. Remember, it means you created something new and raw.
The Myth Of Perfection
As artists, we may always find distaste for what we create, but we owe it to future generations to keep striving for greatness and creating art for people to admire—photos to look at, movies to enjoy, and music to fall asleep to. Fighting past imposter syndrome is a necessity.
Even though we artists might not always be satisfied with our creations, we still have an immense passion for art. Artists should never give up on developing and honing their skills, regardless of how much criticism or rejection they face from others.
Overcoming any creative challenge is a matter of dedication and resilience. Keep going until you create something you are proud of. It can be difficult to accept constructive criticism, yet it is an essential part of the growth process for every artist.
