From Comparison to Celebration
Creative Block → 006
Creative Block is a weekly newsletter that gives you a glimpse into my life, creativity, design, and music. It's like a little pick-me-up that you get delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity of being showcased on Substack's homepage, and the response has been overwhelming! I want to take a moment to extend a warm welcome to all my new subscribers. It's an absolute pleasure to meet each and every one of you, and I'm thrilled to have you join me on CREATIVE BLOCK*. This is a space where I openly express my unfiltered thoughts about my personal experiences, creative journey, and everything in between. My goal is to create an inclusive environment where we can be honest with ourselves and each other, offering support and encouragement along this creative path we're on.
While I'm currently taking a well-deserved vacation, I wanted to take a moment to share something honest and vulnerable with all of you. It's a sentiment I hope resonates with you as well.
There are times when I catch myself comparing my work to that of other artists. It's a peculiar habit, but sometimes I end up undervaluing my own creations in comparison to theirs. I think the root of this issue lies in the fact that I'll look at my work and think, "Wow, that only took me several hours," and then compare it to other artists who spend two weeks on a single piece, as if the quantity of time spent equates to the quality of work produced.
To be frank, I've had moments where I've grappled with feelings of inadequacy regarding my work. I often find myself thinking that my peers are progressing at a faster rate than I am. I became so preoccupied with the achievements of others that I lost sight of my own path and personal growth. However, I've come to recognize that what makes me special is my individuality as Temiloluwa (GOD is Mine) Coker. I possess a unique perspective and the ability to translate my thoughts, experiences, and emotions into art.
During a therapy session, my counselor posed a thought-provoking question: "Temi, what would 21-year-old Temi say to you right now?" Without hesitation, I responded, "I'm incredibly proud of your growth. Your work is absolutely amazing!" It's truly remarkable to look back at my initial posters and realize how far I've come.
As artists, it can be challenging for us to fully appreciate the value in our own creations. There have been instances where brands have hired me because they saw something in my work that I couldn't see myself. It often takes completing a project for me to fully grasp what they recognized all along. Last year, I had the privilege of speaking at a design conference in Barcelona, and afterward, people approached me to express that I was their favorite speaker. Internally, I thought, "Oh, they're just being kind," unable to accept the positive feedback. But I've come to realize that this issue stems from within me, not from them. I need to acknowledge the value of my work. I must remind myself why I embarked on this creative journey and recognize the immense growth I've achieved. It's crucial for me to understand that I'm on my own unique path, and it's perfectly okay to progress at my own pace. As long as I'm improving, even if it's just 1% each day, that's what truly matters. My style will naturally evolve as I continue to learn and discover new ways to express myself through art. I keep a folder of my posters and photography from when I first started, and it's been amazing to witness my growth over the years. I may not be the best artist in the world, but I am the best at what I do because it comes from within me, and no one else in the world can be me. I'm one of a kind, just like you.
Speaking of growth, here’s my first poster October 2016(left) compared to what I just made May 13th, 2023(right).
And here’s something I made last night as part of a boxing series I’m working on. It’s a passion project :) I’ll share everything once I’m done. I’m REALLY proud of this one.
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is:
Be inspired, but as my friend Ray says, "Don't over-inspo yourself."
In other words, refrain from spending excessive time scrolling through and saving works that you admire but never actually create. This tendency can easily lead to feelings of inadequacy and hinder your personal development.
If you frequently find yourself comparing your work to someone else's, it's okay to mute or unfollow them on Instagram or online.
Keep in mind that your journey is one-of-a-kind, and your progress should be measured against your own standards. Embrace your individuality, celebrate your growth, and focus on creating art that truly reflects who you are.
Additional advice:
Be kind to yourself.
Comparisons steal away your joy.
Take your time and savor the journey. It's your own pace and path. Be true to yourself.
Acknowledge and rejoice in your victories, no matter how big or small. A win is a win.
Learn to accept compliments from those who genuinely appreciate your work, and trust that they mean it.
How can I celebrate you this week? It doesn't matter if it's something significant or small!
Weekly Column of Inspiration 🧶
📔 Read:
👁 See:
WePresent - Amazing interviews of Artists in different disciplines and their process
🎧 Hear:
My summer vacation Anthem:
Lots of solid advice here. My favorite one is: be kind to yourself. Too often we put ourselves under unnecessary pressure when we're actually doing great. Thanks for this and please enjoy your vacation.
Celebrate us by enjoying your vacation! Be kind to yourself and Thank You for keepin it all in perspective.