Would you believe me if I told you that comparison kills your own creativity? Just think about that sentence for a moment… how do you feel or what do you think when I say that?

I have been practising fluid art for over six years now – and I still love it as much as I did the first day that I discovered it after watch Molly’s Artistry create a wave with fluid paint and a hairdryer. I learned so much by watching my favorite artists online, and I now have the privilege of having my own channel on YouTube where I create and share art tutorials so others can learn what I learn. It’s part of my mantra of giving back and adding positivity and value to the Universe. 

But one thing that I have also learnt along the way is comparison kills my own creativity and acts as a blocker. I have felt that my own work doesn’t feel relevant or good enough when I am comparing it to others. But why is that? Let me tell you… 

If you’re like me; I watch videos online, scroll feeds on social media, look at exhibitions, window displays, magazine articles – and sometimes it feels like I am falling behind. I’m competing with thousands of views, sales, lots of likes and comments… perfect cells, flawless color palettes. But why am I comparing? Do I want the same? Am I failing? Am I good enough? STOP right there. STOP comparing you to others. Some comparison can be good – helps with ideas, inspiration and creativity flow, but other times it just kills creativity. Let’s face it; most posts online are polished results, flawless editing, beautiful artworks. But how did that person achieve that? Do we see their failed pours, the muddy colors that didn’t quite turn out, experiments that didn’t teach anything. No. We only ever really get to see the one that turned out great, and not the lessons learned along the way. Fluid Art has hundreds of styles and concepts and a lot of it involves trial and error. When you compare your work to someone else’s, you’re usually comparing your unfinished art journey to someone else highlighted reel.  Fluid art has an unpredictable nature and even when you follow instructions the outcome can be different to what you expected. Acceptance is part of your resilience; you will have different results and you can’t control every detail. 

Here are some tips to reflect upon when comparison becomes unhealthy and blocks your own creativity. 

• Turn your comparison into curiosity – shift your mindset from judgement to learning.

• Track your own progress; take a look back at your first creation to the pieces that you create now – I bet they are so different and they illustrate how much you’ve developed and learned.

• Don’t spend too much time on social media scrolling posts and thinking you’re not good enough; use that time to follow artists who teach, encourage and give back.

• Embrace YOU. You are good enough, you are an artist and you do create some beautiful work. Embrace your own style and be individual and authentic in your approach. 

So the next time you compare yourself, ask yourself – does this help me or does this hinder me. How do I feel and what is my mood and mindset. The more you embrace “you” and the journey you are on, the more focus you will have for your own creativity to grow and evolve.  

Check out Mark’s course on Smart Art Courses: Mindfully Creative: Art Techniques for the Mind, Body and Soul www.smartartcourses.com/art-for-mindfulness 

Mark J Ratcliffe Art: Artist & Creator; Certified Meditation Coach and Wellbeing Practitioner.  You can also find Mark on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/markjratcliffeart