Mixed feelings about this and other FP forums

[IamGinaW]

Ok, so I go to this rinky dink school carnival and I got so many compliments. It really makes a person feel good! "Yes, I AM the best face painter you've ever seen!" ...I think (but don't say out loud) ...considering I know the few others in this area.

But, then I go home and look at photos of really good work and get knocked off my pedestal. Ha!

No, I do love this forum and seeing other artist's inspiring work and it makes me better. Maybe I'll just make a mental note not to come on-line for a little while after I get on that high. LOL!

[Pilareta]

I know what you mean Face painting isn't very popular in Spain so when people see the result of using even a simple home-made cake or a really fast swirly fairy mask, I get tons of "oooooooh" and "aaaaaaaw" and yes, I feel like the face painting queen . But then I enter on the forum and I feel like the court jester
But it pushes me to improve and keep learning and I always find on this forum the best advices and people

[veelux]

You can feel good about your work if you are making people happy. everyone is on a different level, and even if your work isn't like others, its good enough for people to oohhh and awwww..so, feel good and just keep on expanding your horizons. Don't be too hard on yourself have fun and keep making them smile.

[Psalmbook]

Yes, You Are The Best face Painter Ever!!!! I know how you feel... LOL! Even on my worst days I get the best compliments (maybe that's the true secret to why I do this... I weekly ego boost). Then I look at something on here or FB & think... Uggg! It happens to all of us

[artyfacesbyluz]

I do too, specialy cause the German Face Painting is "Different", but I am not ashamed to show my work here I have learn a lot from you, and if I post something that can be useful is for inspiration only and I urdestand everybody has their own style and different skills.

[l!zzie]

Same over here!
You're all so good!

[Miss Ronnie]

You should revel in all the glory bestowed upon you by your adoring public! You ARE the best face painter they've ever seen and you will only get better!

I, too, am always humbled by the talent on this forum...

[Jody Rife]

You do a great job Gina. I'm sure every kid at that event thought you were the greatest! And your avatar pic is stunning by the way.

[MeeMee]

I feel the same also. People in my area think my painting is great but I know better. When someone asks for ideas, I'll see someone post a design. It may be cute but the lines are not straight and it doesn't have that "Wow" factor. Then this other person will post this totally awesome design, and everyone will follow that design with how great and wonderful it is but they won't post anything of their own. I'm thinking are they now thinking their's is not good enough to post. I know that's what I'm thinking. I want to contribute but at that point, I am embarrassed to post my sickly little designs.

[artyfacesbyluz]

I feel the same also. People in my area think my painting is great but I know better. When someone asks for ideas, I'll see someone post a design. It may be cute but the lines are not straight and it doesn't have that "Wow" factor. Then this other person will post this totally awesome design, and everyone will follow that design with how great and wonderful it is but they won't post anything of their own. I'm thinking are they now thinking their's is not good enough to post. I know that's what I'm thinking. I want to contribute but at that point, I am embarrassed to post my sickly little designs.

That is what I mean, but I still posting because I will love to see my design in a more experienced hands, they can make it better and stronger.

Gina I love your work, you have a green butterfly with flowers that my daughter likes, but every time I tried doesn't look as good as yours.

[Misha]

Alright, ENOUGH of this! We are artists and that in itself is wonderful. Yes there are MANY different levels of quality but I have yet to see anyone's work on here and thought they shouldn't have bothered! Do we look at Jackson Pollock's work and think, "That's nice, but he's no Claude Monet."? No, we don't, or shouldn't! I highly doubt Pollock could have reproduced Monets work and be satisfied. Why? Because he wasn't Monet! Do your best and continue to paint then you will change the artwork you produce. Be proud of yourselves for painting in a style that is meant to be viewed! Any artist can produce art and have it sit in an unused room so as not to be shared. I speak from experience on that. After years of having my family and friends tell me I should be using my art to make money I finally am and it makes me feel wonderful!

Be proud of your work and what you have accomplished. I know that I am proud to be a part of this profession!

Whew! Sorry for the rant ! Please know that I meant none of it as a negative response, just a heart felt plea to be proud of yourselves! XOXO

[leapinglizards]

Why compare YOUR art to anyone elses ART? If you see a skill you want to improve- do it... but don;t undermine your ability as only YOU can do the art that YOU do!

[Kris5115]

I totally understand this too! I was painting this weekend and had many people say that I made the event or it was the best ever or whatever. I even had one of the Wolfe brothers' books with me because I wanted to try some new things and all of the girls kept saying that they wanted my butterfly rather than anything more challenging. I guess there is nothing wrong with whipping off a bunch of easy and fast butterflies, especially when it pleases the client. Still, I like to come here and get more ideas and keep improving.

[HillbillyDiva1]

You can be humble and still give yourself permission to say your a artist. I learned something a few years ago as a magician that has helped me as an artist. When your up on stage performing and your trying your best and you mess up a trick the audience will still love you because your doing something they can't do. That made me realize yes I'm one of the best painters in my area and I can still be humble because in the larger picture I'm only a drop of water in a great big sea. That makes me want to keep learning and growing so I will stay a big fish in a little pond. It's not Germany but I painted with a Russian painter for a year and I understand how it's different. She came up with color combinations and designs that where very different but very beautiful.

[Bee Happy Design]

Yes. And also I constantly feel like I could have "done better" once the customer walks away. But they are happy and that's all that matters. You have to remember that not everyone can do what we do - you know like not everyone can be a brain surgeon and just because you may not be "the best" doesn't mean you should not do what you enjoy. Because if you at least do that you will be good!

[Kris5115]

Exactly!

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