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i don't really see why we're not supposed to be critical of our own creative works or say we dislike them or whatever. i'm from a pessimist culture & i actually like that more than imported I'm The Best Ever self-talk.obligatory positivity feels like i'm treating myself as a brand it's disrespectful

I think it's less about being self-critical (being realistic and identifying your shortcomings in order to evolve) and more about avoiding self-deprecation (defeatist attitude that leads to a lack of growth and a fear of trying). younger artists often conflate the two but they're polar opposites

but i don't see why they are discouraged from expressing this completely normal emotion. this isn't about growth or experience level or beginners, i'm asking why it's a big no-no for an artist to be publicly honest about how they feel about their work

oh ok I understand what you're saying now its because self deprecation kind of goes beyond expressing an emotion ("I feel like I'll never improve"), it's expressing an outlook ("I'll never improve"). being honest to yourself that these are feelings is part of breaking out of a fixed mindset.

more selfishly, it can be draining to hang around people who are more intensely negative. a lack of hope is contagious, and people should be mindful of the impact their attitude has on the people around them. if ppl want to quit art, accept it. but if they can't accept it, find out what must be done