The Creative Shift : Why Lazy Criticism Isn’t a Measure of Your Worth as a Creative
The internet has made it easier than ever to share creative work—but it’s also made it easier for people to tear that work down with little thought. And if you’ve ever put yourself out there only to be met with vague negativity or outright dismissal, you know how quickly that can mess with your confidence.
I recently experienced this firsthand when I shared a blog post in a graphic design forum. Instead of engagement or constructive feedback, the only responses I received were:
“Not taking advice from someone with ugly font choices.”
“That website is terrible.”
That was it. No critique, no discussion—just a blunt dismissal of my work. And while I know that this kind of response isn’t worth dwelling on, it still left me questioning myself: Am I actually good enough? Am I just fooling myself?
If you’ve ever been in the same boat, here’s what I’ve learned about dealing with unhelpful criticism and why it shouldn’t define your growth as a creative.
1. Lazy Negativity Is Not a Critique
A real critique offers insight. It tells you what works, what doesn’t, and how you might improve. Even if it’s harsh, it provides something useful. But comments like “this sucks” or “your design is bad”? That’s not critique—that’s just someone talking for the sake of talking.
Critique challenges you to think, refine, and grow. Lazy negativity does none of that. The only thing it accomplishes is making you doubt yourself. And that’s exactly why it’s important to recognize the difference and not give weight to feedback that offers nothing in return.
If someone can’t be bothered to explain why they don’t like something, their opinion is just noise.
2. Your Value Isn’t Defined by Random Internet Strangers
It’s natural to seek validation, especially when you’re trying to establish yourself. But the people who truly matter—the ones who will support your work, hire you, or collaborate with you—are not the ones leaving throwaway comments online.
Your worth as a creative isn’t determined by the most dismissive person in the room. It’s determined by your commitment to improving, creating, and putting yourself out there despite the noise.
3. Every Artist Faces Rejection—The Ones Who Succeed Keep Going
Rejection and criticism are part of the process. Every artist, designer, and creative professional—no matter how skilled—has faced some version of "this is bad.” The difference between those who grow and those who give up is how they respond to it.
You have two choices when you receive unhelpful criticism:
Let it undermine your confidence and hold you back.
Use it as a reminder that you’re trying, you’re growing, and you’re actively creating—while others are just critiquing from the sidelines.
Every time you put your work into the world, you’re building resilience. And every time you choose to keep going, you’re proving that negativity doesn’t get the final say in your creative journey.
4. The Right Audience Will Find You—But You Have to Keep Showing Up
Not every space will be the right space for your work. Some communities thrive on discussion and constructive feedback, while others lean more toward snark and quick judgments. If you’re met with negativity, that doesn’t necessarily mean your work isn’t good—it may just mean you haven’t found the right audience yet.
Instead of focusing on the wrong audience, focus on the people who appreciate, engage with, and benefit from what you create. They exist, and they’re the ones who matter.
5. Keep Creating, Keep Learning, Keep Going
At the end of the day, the only way to truly “fail” as a creative is to stop creating. Your work will evolve. Your skills will improve. Your audience will grow. But none of that happens if you let someone else’s dismissiveness define your path.
So, if you’re struggling with negative feedback or rejection, remember this:
Lazy criticism is not feedback—it’s noise.
Your value is not determined by the most dismissive person in the room.
Rejection is part of the process; persistence is what matters.
The right people will connect with your work—keep showing up.
You’re already doing more than the people who never put themselves out there at all.
The best response to unhelpful negativity and internet trolls? Keep making cool shit anyway.