Let’s be honest—comparing yourself to other artists is normal. We all do it.
I used to scroll through other people’s work and think: How is their composition so perfect? Their color palette is flawless...! They make it look so easy… what secret art magic is this?!
And the more I compared, the more I felt like my own work just wasn’t there yet. My details weren’t as clean, my colors weren’t as effortless, and no matter how much I improved, I could always find someone who seemed better.
But one day, I realized—comparing isn’t the real problem. It’s who I was comparing myself to.
Looking at the Right Artist—Past Me.
When I started looking at my own progress instead of someone else’s, everything changed.
Because when I compare my work to the artist I was a year ago…
✨ I see improvement.
✨ I see bolder choices.
✨ I see proof that every awkward, overworked, frustrating painting helped me get here.
And the best part? A year from now, I’ll look at today’s work and see even more growth.
Why We Compare (And Why It’s Not Always Bad)
I’m not saying we should pretend other artists don’t exist. Comparison isn’t always a bad thing. Seeing work that inspires you can push you to try new techniques, refine your skills, and grow.
But there’s a difference between being inspired by someone and feeling less than because of them.
Instead of letting comparison make me feel discouraged, I ask myself:
✔️ What do I admire about this piece?
✔️ Is there something I can learn from it?
✔️ How can I use that inspiration in my own way?
That shift—from self-doubt to curiosity—changed everything.
Your Progress Is Happening (Even If You Don’t See It Yet)
It’s easy to feel like we’re not improving when we’re creating day to day. But if you ever feel stuck, go back and look at your old work.
Find a painting from a year ago, five years ago, or when you first started. I guarantee you’ll notice things you do differently now—your technique, your color choices, your confidence.
And that’s proof. Proof that you’re learning, growing, and evolving as an artist.
So the next time you catch yourself thinking, “Ugh, their work is so much better than mine”—pause.
Compare yourself to the only artist that matters—past you.
And I promise, you’re doing better than you think.
Final Thoughts
We all compare—it’s natural. But if you focus on your own growth, you’ll start to see just how far you’ve come.
If you’re looking for more tips and inspiration, don’t forget to grab my free Composition Cheat Sheet below🎨
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Mastering composition takes practice, but these tips will help you create more balanced, impactful artwork. Ready to elevate your skills further? My free Composition Cheat Sheet offers a peek into my sketchbook with ready-to-use ideas and layouts.
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