Is it normal for an artist not to like his or her own work?

Question

I love writing novels, and I have actually been working on one for about seven months, and it was just yesterday that I began re-reading it again, and I didn't quite like it.... I don't know why, if I had always loved the plot of my book before, that yesterday, I just started thinking: "This is not very good..."

I had only read my book once before, after I finished the first draft. Then, I finished writing the second draft yesterday, and I didn't like it... Not only did I start questioning my writing, but the whole plot of my book. For one moment, I actually said: "This is garbage!".... Is it normal for an artist not to appreciate much their own work, not being convinced about what they've just done, or is it wrong for me to feel that way?

Answer 1

You just proved that you are your own worst critic. I have always been my own worst critic. I have always considered myself a sub-par artist. There have been some who think I am above that. I do not do art anymore. I consider myself too much of a historian and that is why I went back to school for to finish my degree. I still feel creative, but I now restrict my creativity to writing research papers.

Answer 2

Artists are always their own worst critics.
Always, and rightfully so imho, striving for perfection in their work.
With each new project artists learn new and exciting techniques to achieve a particular desired effect.
A different stratagey to make it to the same end goal with easier to negotiate obstacles in the way each time.There will always be problematic situations when creating art but each time we pick up a pen or a brush or whatever implement in which we create our particular art form we are either learning something new or putting what we've already learned to the test.

Answer 3

I am writing my second novel, and actually, I feel the same way. When I was writing, it might have been too late, and I was too tired, so I didn't realize how poorly I was doing.
The best way to combat this, is to write a chapter, then reread it; one at a time. Then, have someone else read it. Then, read it again.

Answer 4

Absolutely!

Answer 5

Wow! It is very normal! Artist, Paul Cezanne, who painted very slowly, thru away many paintings when he was working on the "Card Players" because he was unsatisfied with them.

Answer 6

I love to draw and create. When I do go back and look at my work. I pick it apart and I am my worst critic. You need to show it to someone else that you trust and let them give you their opinion. Many times you need that outside opinion.

Answer 7

its normal. i almost never like what i write, so i dont let people read it, but one day my friend who also writes found some of my stuff and loved it.

you might not like it because you have been working with it so much.

Answer 8

Te digo la verdad,...ando perdido en internet y no te entiendo una mi.erda jaaaaaaa pero todo bien y suerte con tu inquietud jaja ARGENTINA!!