PRODUCER ZEN: TRY TO TAKE CRITICISM AS A MOTIVATION

Hello fam,

I hope you have been enjoying my posts this month. Before March ends I felt like posting this new Producer Zen for you. I feel positive thoughts are great to finish a month or to move on into the next.

For the start of April I already managed to record a new cool "Inspiration Support" video for you, highlighting a multiple reverb trick I have been using a lot + a new "Sound Design with" video, which will be focusing on Granular Synthesis tricks how I use them.

But back on topic for now. I believe the following Producer Zen thoughts can be really helpful to remember. Situations as explained below will inevitably happen to you when moving on within the music industry.

If you want to progress in music, you’re most likely going to have to learn how to deal with critics. Getting feedback from others will not always feel good or be constructive but can also often be somewhat negative or criticizing what and how you do it.

Feedback in general can be the opposite of what you actually wanted, expected or wished to hear. Sure, criticism won’t feel good at the beginning. It usually never does. But always remember, when it occurs, it is an inevitable part of the music game. And try to remember to let that first emotion happen, take a break from it (maybe even a few days), and get back to the thoughts at some point you feel ready and you will most likely notice it not being so painful anymore. After a few days you probably managed to make up your own positive sense of it. Just try not to get lost in the negative thoughts about the feedback too long. It can be a vicious circle to stay in, as when doing so it might even lead towards doubting yourself too much, which usually isn't that helpful.

Looking at me personally, in fact, dealing with criticism often helped me to move on in my career. A very useful tip I received one day is; don’t get discouraged by criticism; be thankful for any feedback and get motivated instead. I felt the need to share this way of thinking with you on this topic, as it did help me.

Try to not let criticism turn you down too much or constantly, but simply try to see it as a normal part of what you do and most important, as a motor for your motivation. Try to channel it to help you improve.

Finding your true creative style or sound, and finding an audience to whom you appeal strongly, can require more time than you thought it would. So, patience, dedication, motivation, and effort should be kept up. It also requires that you do a great deal of experimenting, practicing, creative thinking and of course getting feedback about what you do from others. Bottom line, getting somewhere or moving on usually requires that you roll up your sleeves until you find your right path. Don't let criticism be a big hurdle to take on this way.

Nowadays I simply try to be thankful for any feedback I receive (as awkward this may sound, but it does actually make sense, any feedback has something positive to it if you step away from your ego) and try to make my own positive sense from it. It can be real nitro or fuel :D

Music is so subjective, it is important to believe in yourself and your own vision. Don’t let it be compromised by others too much… Simply put, don't let criticism bother you too much and especially not for too long. Try seeing it as a challenge and as part of a natural progression. Producing music should always be fun in the end.

I hope this does make sense to you too, have a great rest of the week and see and speak to you shortly at the start of next month <3

Flo