Self-Criticism and Creativity | Finding Balance in the Studio
(Originally written in 2013, updated in 2026)
Every so often, I come back to the idea of self-criticism and how it shapes the work we make.
Years ago, I read a newsletter by painter Robert Genn that stayed with me. He wrote about the role of self-criticism in the creative process—not as something to eliminate, but something to understand.
That idea has followed me into the studio.
The Role of Self-Criticism in Creative Work
Self-criticism is part of being human. It’s how we evaluate what we’ve done and consider what could be better. In creative work, it can sharpen our eye and help us refine our decisions.
But it can also stop us.
There’s a point where self-criticism shifts—from useful to limiting. When that happens, it’s no longer helping the work move forward.
Finding a Balance in the Studio
Over time, I’ve started to think of creativity as something that requires movement.
You make something.
You step back.
You notice.
Then you move again.
If self-criticism comes too early, it interrupts that rhythm.
In my own clay work, I’ve learned that not every piece needs to succeed. Some are there to teach me something. Some are there to move me forward.
The work improves when I allow that process to happen.
What I Notice Along Lake Michigan
Much of my work begins along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
When I walk the beach, I’m not judging what I see. I’m noticing:
- patterns in the sand
- shifts in color
- the way water moves and leaves something behind
Those observations are quiet. They don’t come with criticism.
They come with attention.
That same approach carries into the studio.
Letting the Work Evolve
Creativity is not about getting it right the first time. It’s about staying open long enough for something to develop.
Research often describes creativity as the ability to generate new and useful ideas, but in practice, it feels much simpler—it’s a process of trying, adjusting, and continuing.
Self-criticism has a place, but it works best when it comes later—after the work has had time to form.
A Different Way to Think About It
I no longer try to eliminate self-criticism.
Instead, I try to:
- notice when it shows up
- understand what it’s telling me
- and decide whether it’s useful
Some days it is.
Some days it isn’t.
Closing Thought
The goal isn’t to be free of self-criticism.
The goal is to keep working.
Because over time, the work itself becomes the teacher.
And that’s where creativity begins to take shape.
You can see how the ideas show up in the work here.
👉 my mugs
Earlier Work:
Vase from 2004
Tea Bowl
Casserole 2006
Mug 2008
Vase 2013
From Robert Genn: “The art of self-criticism is key to professionalism. It’s really the fun part; it’s good for the mind at any age and heads off the natural rigidity that can set in during the golden years. Better than waiting for the Jello cart to come down the hall.”
Current Example of Work:
