I was taught to appreciate the gifts, talents, and work of others. Doing so doesn’t minimize or detract from you or your efforts in any way. Frankly, the good that others produce is inspiring.
I’ve never been flattered by the criticism of someone else’s work in comparison to mine. What do you say? “Thank you for thinking my work is great, and theirs sucks”?
Of course not.
It doesn’t make me feel secure, superior, better, protected, joyful, or stroke my ego, to hear that someone’s work or effort was “mediocre”, “disappointing”, “lacking”, “horrible”, or “just okay”.
We all have preferences and favorites, and are entitled to our opinions. How we share them, however, can have complementary, encouraging, or supportive intentions, but come across as immature, messy, and juvenile.
Art is highly subjective.
Don’t instigate, or spawn competition where none exists. Find the good. Applaud freely. Chances are, your favorite is applauding, too.
Don’t hold back a deserving complement for fear of offending someone who’s arrogant or insecure. One artistic endeavor may not perfectly mirror another, but good is there, if you allow yourself to see or hear it.
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