Are You Growing as an Artist? Spoiler: It's Not Just About Likes!

How do you really know if you’re leveling up as an artist? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the number of likes on your latest post or how many pieces you’ve sold. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of measuring your creative growth in ways that matter, like boosting your confidence, honing your technique, and even how you bounce back from flops. It’s all about celebrating those sneaky little wins that often go unnoticed. So grab your favorite beverage and join me as we chat about tracking your skills, redefining what success looks like for you, and figuring out how to appreciate the journey of growth rather than just the destination. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!Why Measuring Growth Matters Growth can be invisible if you don’t pause to look for it. Without reflection, you risk feeling stuck even while you’re improving.Skill-Based Growth Compare old work with new work (use past sketches, recordings, drafts). Notice improvements in speed, technique, or problem-solving. Personal Growth as an Artist Confidence in sharing or finishing projects. Resilience when facing criticism or setbacks.External vs. Internal Metrics Likes, sales, and followers can be motivating—but they aren’t the whole story. Personal satisfaction, creative risks taken, and consistency often matter more.Practical Tools for Tracking Growth Keep a “progress portfolio” or sketchbook timeline. Journaling about creative sessions. Set small measurable goals (finishing one piece per week, learning a new technique)Takeaways: Growth as an artist isn't just about the spotlight; it's often the invisible gains that matter most. Measuring your creative growth helps you appreciate your progress and avoid feeling stuck in a rut. Instead of focusing on likes and followers, prioritize your personal satisfaction and enjoyment in creating art. Take a trip down memory lane and compare your old work to your latest creations for a solid confidence boost. Links referenced in this episode:createartpodcast.comfindapodcastaboutxyz.comtkbpodcaststudio.comTopics covered in this seriesSharing Your Work Online for the First Time Dealing With Criticism and Rejection Finding (or Building) an Artistic Community Collaboration as a Creative Catalyst Staying Motivated Long-Term Art Challenges & Social Media Trends Mental Health & Creativity Art Challenges & Social Media Trends Setting Up a Creative Workspace Creative Constraints & Prompts Measuring Growth as an Artist Why Do You Create? When to Call Yourself an Artist Lessons From a Year of Creating Setting Creative Goals Without Killing the Joy How do I get such great guests?PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from PodmatchMake Sharing your podcast easierUse Podcast Beacon for the best NFS products to share your podcast while out and about or at conferences. Reach Out To The PodcastTo reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT ChannelIG: @createartpodcastTwitter: @createartpodCreate Art Podcast Newslettertimothybrien.substack.comSpecial MessageIf you have found value in this podcast, please share it with a friend as that is the best way to discover new podcasts. I want this to be a 5-star podcast in your eyes so let me know what you would like to see. Speaking about sharing with a friend, check out my other podcast Find A Podcast About where I help you outsmart the algorithm and find your next binge-worthy podcast. You can find that podcast at findapodcastabout.xyz.For all of my projects check out my portfolio website TKBPodcaststudio.com where I help my clients through quiet professionalism lead through the noise. Special AskLet me know what you think about the podcast by taking a survey. 2024 Listener Survey yes it is 2025, but hey I am late to the game on this. Thank you ahead of time to help me make this more of what you are wanting to hear. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy