I've been thinking that this whole blogosphere concept has good and bad sides. The good side means it's much easier than before to connect with like-minded people in far-away places. You can share ideas, accomplishments, and thoughts about the world. You no longer have to feel alone in what you're doing, and there are always plenty of people to offer support and constructive comments.
The bad side is a little harder to define, or, what is bad for me about being connected to so many others doing what I do. I've always been a very independent person, wanting to fully be myself, and not follow in any one else's path. But it's sometimes difficult to be totally happy with myself, when I feel like I've been passed over for not being as creative, innovative, stylish, or just plain not as cool as other people out there designing toys.
In many ways, my toys are a reflection of myself: small, soft, sweet, cute, simple on the outside but stuffed full of good things (or so I'd like to believe). I don't think I could ever claim to be be beautiful, stylish, trendy, or cool, and I've learned to not really care. I like who I am, and there's some really awesome people who love me just the way I am.
I put so much of myself out there, when I decided to give this business everything I could. I guess I made myself vulnerable, because any critique on my designs feels like a critique of who I am. Perhaps with time I will learn to be tougher, and not care if people don't like what I do. I hope I will learn to take a bit of inspiration from those who are more successful and popular than me, rather than feel like I'm not good enough.
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4 comments:
Well, if it helps. I love your stuff. If I had the extra money I would buy all of your patterns. I am working on big bear right now for my daughter and couldn't be happier.
*hug!*
Everyone I know who sees the creatures made from your patterns goes into fits of oohs and aahs. And I *know* they're universally adored among the knitting community.
They're heartbreakingly cute and most certainly good enough and don't let anyone(or yourself for that matter) tell you otherwise.
:)
J
I think that you shouldn't worry. Looking at other people's work could widen your creativity, giving you ideas about what could be done. But certainly not doing the same thing they do and even less should you feel bad about your work.
Do I make sense?
i totally know what you mean. i think we're always our own worst critic. i keep on thinking, my stuff isn't as nice as this persons or that persons... but i think looking at is more as growth is a good thing instead. getting inspired, learning techniques by just studying what others have done... btw, I think your stuff is adorable and super cute.
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