Have you ever looked at someone else’s work and thought, “Wow, I’ll never be that good”? Or maybe you’ve scrolled through social media and felt that sinking feeling like everyone else is ahead of you. Trust me, I’ve been there too.
It’s so easy to forget that most people are showing their highlight reel, not the long hours of practice, the mistakes, or the messy drafts. We end up comparing our beginning to someone else’s middle and that can mess with your head. But here's what I've learned: creativity doesn't have an endpoint. And comparing yourself to others is a trap that’ll only hold you back.
Today, we’re going to talk about how to break out of that mindset, find joy in your own creative journey, and use social media as inspiration not a measuring stick.
Welcome to the Howling Podcast
Social media makes it so easy to get inspired by the incredible work of artists, photographers, and creators. But let’s be honest, it’s a double-edged sword. While it sparks creativity, it can also lead to negative self-comparisons. One minute you're feeling motivated, and the next, you're asking yourself: “Why am I not that good yet?”
Here's the thing: most of the people we admire have been honing their skills for years, sometimes decades. But social media only shows the highlight reel, not the long hours, failures, and messy sketchbooks that got them there. It's easy to forget that when you’re scrolling through flawless posts.
Think of it this way: would you expect to run as fast as Usain Bolt without years of training? Of course not. The same applies to art, music, photography, or any creative field. The difference is that while sports have limits, eventually your body can only go so far, creativity doesn’t have an endpoint. There’s always more to learn and discover.
But we still compare ourselves to others. I get it because I’ve done it too. I’ll see someone with a beautiful piece of art and wonder, “What do they have that I don’t?” It’s tough to break that cycle. And if constant comparisons are eating away at your confidence, it might be time to step back. Take a break from looking at other people's work. Focus on creating for yourself, without the pressure to share every piece.
I actually love seeing sketches and the messy parts behind a drawing, the raw creativity that shows the struggle. Sometimes those rough sketches tell a better story than the final polished piece. But social media doesn’t reward that. Most artists only share their best work because that’s what gets engagement. It's a bit of a vicious cycle.
There’s one platform where you can still find that behind-the-scenes magic: YouTube. So many artists share their sketching process, their mistakes, and how they work through challenges. Watching those videos reminds me that no one gets it right the first time, and that’s okay.
Still, comparison can sneak back in when you see someone who has been drawing for less time than you achieving incredible results. When PewDiePie shared his one-year drawing journey, people actually gave him a hard time because he made so much progress in such a short period. Some even gave up on their own journey after seeing his results. But the truth is, we all learn at different paces.
I’ve been drawing for nearly nine years, and it’s only in the past year that I’ve seen a real shift in my art. Progress doesn’t happen overnight. The only person you should ever compare yourself to is you. One way I do this is by redrawing old pieces to see if I've improved. And you know what? Sometimes I don’t see much change, and that’s okay too. Maybe I was just in a rut at that moment.
Social media should be your inspiration book, not a comparison trap. I’ve even stepped away from it at times because seeing all the beautiful art out there can mess with my head. I start wanting to try everything at once, and it becomes overwhelming.
Here’s what I’ve learned: it’s a bad mindset to chase a level of art that you’re not at yet. I’ve fallen into that trap myself. Recently, I took Aaron Blaise’s course on drawing wolves. When my wolves didn’t look as good as his, I was crushed. But then I reminded myself, he’s been drawing wolves for years. I can get there too if I just keep going.
And that’s the key: keep going, stay focused on your own growth, and remember that your journey is unique. Embrace it.
Thanks for listening and have a wonderful rest of your day!
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