In today’s highly creative market, it is easy to feel that your animation needs more polish or is never quite good enough. In fact, feeling this way shows that you value your time and work — as you should. However, it is important to remember that across games, features, and other media, you will encounter people with various skill sets and experience levels. Constant comparison can be frustrating, especially in such a competitive industry.

Looking to others for inspiration and understanding their process can be incredibly helpful. You should use this as fuel to achieve your goals, but remember that growth requires self-discipline. Using an artist’s style as a reference is a great way to learn, but it should never be a simple “copy and paste” of someone else’s work.

Finally, remember that “comparison is the thief of joy.” If you find yourself comparing your work in a way that feels discouraging or hopeless, know that it is normal for artists to feel this way. I recommend overcoming this feeling by sharing your animation with people you trust. This helps you determine if your message is coming across clearly. Even if the person you share it with lacks industry experience, they can often sense if something is “off,” even if they can’t technically explain why.

If you have access to someone with more experience, such as a friend, teacher, or co-worker, I strongly encourage you to ask them for feedback. Their insights will undoubtedly push the quality of your animation to the next level.