I am a photographer. I am a writer. I am an artist. But I don’t always like my work. In fact, sometimes I hate it. If you’re an artist, I’m sure you know the same feeling. Maybe you hate everything you draw. Maybe your poetry isn’t what you think it should be. Or maybe you just can’t write music the same way you once could.

No matter what kind of artist you are, I know you. I know how you feel when you think everything you create is subpar. I know how you feel when you look back on what you originally thought was a masterpiece, but it turns out to be a pile of garbage (though I can guarantee it’s probably not as bad as you think it is). I know you. And I’m here to tell you that it’s okay.

It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to dislike your work. It’s okay to see what other people are doing and get discouraged. We’ve all been there. What’s not okay is giving up. It’s not okay to give up your passion just because you think other people are better. The world needs artists, and that includes you. Without art, we wouldn’t have books, movies, museums, or photos to keep forever. We wouldn’t have music to lift our moods, posters to decorate our walls, or clothes to wear. This is why we need you.

The world needs art. Like the expression goes, “The Earth without ‘art’ is just ‘eh.’” If you are an artist, don’t give up. Keep drawing, even if you think it’s awful. Take photos, even if you hate everything in the viewfinder. Write poetry, even if you can’t get it to rhyme. Dance, even if your rhythm is off. Keep creating. You won’t hate everything you do, and even if you do, always remember that you are your biggest critic and your art is original, important, and beautiful.