Social media has become an integral part of a young creator's life. It’s a space where we share, discover, and sometimes, get lost. For many, Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok are endless sources of inspiration, where other people's work scrolls past our eyes in just a few seconds. But as we scroll and expose ourselves to the creations of others, an inevitable question arises: how can we avoid comparing ourselves and maintain confidence in a sea of visual content?
As a creator, I face this tension daily. Social media is both an extraordinary tool to showcase my work and, at the same time, a constant source of doubt. How can I not feel overwhelmed when I see artists or artisans who seem to be more inspired, more prolific, or gather more likes and comments in a few hours than I do in a week?
This weight of comparison often creeps in gradually. It doesn’t hit in the first few minutes, but after days or weeks, the pressure builds. You start to wonder if what you’re doing is really up to par, if your creations are unique enough, beautiful enough, "worthy" enough to be shared.
On social media, everything always looks perfect: immaculate studios, pieces that come out of the kiln flawless, artists who are constantly productive and fulfilled. But the reality, as I know well, is far from that. Creation is a chaotic process, sometimes slow, often uncertain. Yet, algorithms push us to show perfection, to post regularly to stay visible, to create “engaging” content.
So, how can we remain true to ourselves in this context? Personally, I try to remind myself every day that perfection is not the goal. My creations are a reflection of my journey, my trials, my errors, and my progress. And it’s in this imperfection that their beauty lies. Comparing ourselves to others often makes us forget that everyone progresses at their own pace, with their own constraints and path.
When I feel that the pressure is too much, that comparison makes me doubt my work, I take a step back. I turn off my phone, leave social media behind, and return to the essentials: the material, the clay, the creative process. Because ultimately, it’s not the number of likes or views that matters, but the sense of satisfaction you feel when looking at a finished piece, at a work that has meaning for you.
Social media, though it can fuel our creativity, should not become our compass. I make a conscious effort to come back to what excites me, what pushed me into this journey in the first place: creating unique objects, telling stories through my pieces, and sharing authentic moments with those who love my work.
Learning to Share, Not to Perform
Another way to manage this pressure is to rethink our relationship with social media. Instead of posting to “perform,” I try to post to share. Share my process, my reflections, my moments of doubt, but also my moments of joy. I remind myself that my followers don’t just come to see perfectly finished works; they want to know what happens behind the scenes, to understand the journey and feel the emotions that accompany each creation.
In the end, it’s this vulnerability and authenticity that create a strong bond with my audience. It’s easy to get lost in the quest for visual perfection, but true connection is made through sincerity, through sharing both the highs and the lows.
Being a young creator in a world dominated by social media isn’t easy. Every day, we juggle the desire to share our work, the inspiration we draw from others, and the doubts that arise when we compare ourselves. But by taking a step back, staying true to what deeply drives us, and learning to share with sincerity, it’s possible to find balance.
What I learn day by day is that the most important thing is not to be the best, the most seen, or the most liked. The essence is to stay connected to my creative process, to what I truly want to express through my work, and to keep moving forward, one step at a time, without conforming to external expectations. After all, art, like life, is a unique journey, and there is nothing more precious than being yourself along the way.
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Want to dive deeper into my reflections and follow my creative journey? Join me on Instagram or explore my latest creations in my online shop. Let’s continue sharing these moments together.
Creating in a World of Social Media
Lucie Eleme, october 2024
Photos : Arnaud Jolly
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