Having just popped onto Instagram for a quick check-in, I was greeted by the all-too-familiar sting of negativity—sometimes called "hate mail."
This time, it came in the form of:
"Did your dog create this painting? I don’t understand."
I’ve heard variations before:
"A four-year-old could have painted this."
"I don’t get why people pay for this. Must be nice to make money off this stuff."
You get the gist.
Does it sting? Sure. But it also sparks something deeper.
As Theodore Roosevelt famously said:
"It is not the critic who counts... The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena."
The people I respect—fellow artists, those who create, those who dare—would never send a message like this. Because they understand what it means to be in the arena.
And the other thing this brings up for me? This is actually encouragement.
It’s proof that I’m putting myself out there. Proof that my work is being seen. Proof that I’m doing something bold enough to evoke a reaction.
If anything, it’s a message to KEEP GOING.
How to Handle It
So what do you do with negativity when it lands in your inbox or comment section? A couple of ways to rise above it:
- Delete it. Luckily, most platforms make it easy to remove negativity from your space. No need to engage.
- Respond lightly. A simple “Wishing you a great day!” or “Art isn’t for everyone!” can disarm the moment.
- Know when to disengage. The reality is, people who throw negativity on the internet are often looking for a reaction. A response might invite more. Sometimes, the best answer is silence.
At the end of the day, I’d rather be creating than arguing with a stranger online.
So I’ll do exactly that.
And keep going.