Myths & More

"Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson When writing comments or critiques, I try to think of making progress towards the future. I never really had a word for it until reading “feedforward instead of feedback.” Giving someone suggestions for the future, usually a minimum of two for the benefit of the other person's growth. This is somewhat similar to the idea of having a growth mindset, except it requires more external support. I find that the more people I share my ideas with, the more I can improve. Additionally, positivity can be a good thing, but forced positivity can come across as passive-aggressive or condescending. That’s also why it’s important to note the difference between praise and feedback. Process praise, based on good efforts and hard work, can be beneficial, whereas parental praise is often intrusive and undermining to individual growth. Overall, it might be best to avoid using unnecessary praise in feedback in the long run.

Success looks different for everyone. Neil Gaiman’s advice on the creative life I read Gaiman’s book Art Matters a few weeks ago, just after finishing his book Good Omens (I’m excited to watch the Amazon adaptation soon). There are a few novels on creativity that inspire me: one of them is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. The other one is Art Matters. Gaiman’s book was a reaffirmation to chase my dreams, continue writing the things that I liked, and above all, make good art. Seven ways to crush self doubt in creative work These seven rules, as listed by John Spencer, are similar to the creative tools that I use in my day-to-day life. Still, it’s easy to get distracted by everything going on in life, or the lack there-of. That’s why it’s important to set goals and stick to them. On top of that, it’s important to promote self-care and treat yourself to the finer things in life every once in a while. To reiterate Spencers seven ways of crushing self-doubt:  Don’t c...