I go through phases of struggling with comparing myself to others, so much so that I’ve termed those feelings “Comparisonitus” since it feels a little like an illness.
My response to Comparisonitus is usually shutting down, being hard on myself, or trying to avoid people who bring up those feelings in me. However, I’d really like to develop a more healthy relationship where I see them instead as inspiration.
I grew up in a very competitive environment, so comparing myself to others is very deep-seeded in my psyche and therefore really hard to fight against. Often I feel like I’m powerless to fight Comparisonitus, but I realized I do fight against it even if I still have a ways to go.
Sometimes it is healthiest to avoid the comparison game entirely. For example, when I was finishing up my recent graphic novel, I couldn’t read any other graphic novels that were at all similar to mine because my harsh self-criticism would kick in and I’d feel awful about my own work. I had to be self-protective then, but now that I’m done with the book, I want to be more expansive again and learn from other creators because there is still so much to learn.
What about you—how do you fight against Comparisonitus? This is so hard for me, so I’d love to hear suggestions!
Childhood dreams
When I was kid, I loved going to Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, MN. I would get to meet my favorite author-illustrators there like Tomie de Paula and Jan Brett who absolutely inspired me to do the work I do today.
My 8-year old self would never have thought I’d get to represent Red Balloon in a parade with other author-illustrators as I did this past weekend in St. Paul’s Grand Old Day. I often think about what my younger self would think of me now. And I know she’d have been thrilled that: 1) I am an artist/writer 2) I got to represent Red Balloon 3) I can drive.
🎈
What would your 8-year old self be excited to hear you’re doing now?
Leif love
Leif mimicking his dinosaur.
Take care and keep creating everyone!
– KWM
Your work is unique. Otherwise, what would be the point of making it? Therefore comparisons to what others make are invalid.
I often remind myself, “Compare and Despair” because bad feelings are all I get from comparing my work with work made by anyone else.
The only worthwhile comparison is to the work you made before. Ask yourself, “Have I done better than last time? Have I improved on that one thing I didn’t like?”
Another trick: Make your stuff so different that comparisons would strain credulity. Draw a unicorn battle mech. Only a fool would say it’s like a horse but not as pretty.
I love the comments between you and Kelcey. — I tend to take the final, head in sand, approach. I do think there’s a lot of logic in putting blinders on when you are working on a project. Knowing that you then open back up and broaden your view is wonderful.