Toxic Friends or Creative Partners?

Maryna Riepnova
Nov 27, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

How Do You Stay Grounded When the Art World Gets Messy?

Let’s be honest: the art world can feel like magic sometimes. But other times? It’s like being stuck in an awkward group project where someone’s hogging all the credit while you do the real work.

You’ve probably met them—the artists who act like they’re rooting for you but always manage to make you feel… less. They might compliment your work but then throw in a sly, Wouldn’t it look better if you did it this way? Or they’ll remind you—loudly—about their big wins while barely acknowledging yours.

It’s exhausting, right?

The Sneaky Side of Creative Circles

Not everyone in the art world wants you to succeed. Some do, the ones who get excited about your new pieces, or who message you about a gallery they think would love your work. But there are others, and they’re harder to spot at first.

They’re the ones who see your progress as competition. And the worst part? They can be really talented. But instead of just focusing on their own growth, they’ll quietly chip away at your confidence. It’s the casual "I love your style" or that awkward silence when you gush about a project you’re thrilled about. You know, the kind that leaves you thinking, Wait… was that a compliment or an insult?

It’s easy to think it’s something you did, but nope! It’s not you. Their words are like mirrors, reflecting all the stuff they’re battling with inside. Your art just happened to cross their line of fire. Once I realized that, it felt like a weight was lifted.

How I Learned to Block Out the Noise

There’s no magic fix to dealing with toxic people, but here’s what helped me stop stressing about their opinions and just focus on my art:

Don’t Let Them Live in Your Head Rent-Free.
I used to hit the replay button on this conversations in my head over and over again, thinking it was me. But honestly? It’s their issue, not yours. The best thing I did was stop letting their words linger.
Stop Playing the “Prove It” Game.
At one point, I caught myself trying to get their validation. Like, If I make something amazing, they’ll respect me. Spoiler: that never works. Now, I just work for the people who love what I do, not the ones who can’t see it.
Small Wins Are Still Wins.
You don’t have to land a gallery show to celebrate. Finished a sketch you’re proud of? Celebrate. Tried a new glaze for your ceramics? That counts. Look for the ones you love, tell them, for them these little victories will be important and that is what builds your confidence, your flow.
Find People Who Feel Like Sunshine.
I’ve been lucky to meet artists here in Málaga who are generous and kind. There’s this one group of Ukrainian creatives who are the absolute best. They share advice, cheer for your wins, and remind me what the art world can be like.
Make a Joke of It.
When someone says something ridiculous or tries to cut me down, I’ve learned to laugh about it later. Honestly, imagining them accidentally sitting on their own palette of wet paint has gotten me through a lot of frustrating moments.

The Truth About the Art World

There’s so much room for creativity—it’s endless. The idea that someone else’s success takes away from yours? That whole “there’s only room for one star” thing? Total nonsense. I’ve seen the magic that happens when artists show up for each other sharing tips, hyping each other online, or just saying, “Hey, your work is awesome.” Those moments stick.

Those moments of support? They’re everything. They’ve kept me going through doubts, bad days, and feeling like my art wasn’t enough. And you know what? We can be that for each other.

A Little Artistic Reminder

Toxic people can make you feel small, but they don’t get to define your story. Keep making art that feels like you. Push boundaries, mess up, start over—it’s all part of the process.

Okay, now go paint something wild and send me a picture. Or don’t. Just promise me you won’t let anyone dim your light, okay?

Your favorite artist Maryna, Ciao.