Chapter 4 discusses the insecurities and concerns artists face when referring to judgment and living up to expectations. The main idea talks about how fear of judgment from others can hinder the creative process, growth, and expression.
One of the most relatable aspects discussed is the fear of being misunderstood or misinterpreted. When you create something, we hope that others can connect with it, whether they find it interesting, funny, or relatable. But as we create, we fear others’ judgment of it and it prevents us from releasing our full potential. Personally, when I make something new, I always think of what other people are going to think of it. This is a bad habit that people and artists tend to have, as it can work against them.
Additionally, the authors encourage artists to detach their self-worth from external judgments and focus instead on their personal growth and development.
Artists also find themselves comparing their work and competing with others, this can stifle originality. It adds the question of, can I be better? Why does my work look like this? And again, what will others think of mine in comparison to that? The authors, David and Orland, remind us that there will always be someone more talented or successful, but that our own artistic voice is valuable and deserving of exploration.