I am 50 this year but went through that in school and in my job. I have been a fine artist, wildlife artist, and mural artist for over 30 years. I also teach. I go with the thought that there will always be someone better-and someone worse! than me.
I got jobs because I am clean, fast, efficient and polite. Because my biz sense was good and unlike other artists at my school-I didn't care if it was painting Teddy Bears in a model home (I traveled the USA for 25 years as a mural artist) or a sign-I was painting and paying my bills. They told me I was prostituting my work- all the while they were working at burger joints.There will always be those that you admire and are jealous of- always. Let them give you inspiration. Many of those same artists I love the work of-never did a darn thing with it. Never pushed and at the private art school I went to-always had Mom & Dad pay and never had to lift a finger. Look at others for ideas and such. Go on deviant art and Ebay and Etsy and Yessy and see whats selling etc. Just for inspiration. I realize you are still young but hey-its really just for you. if its not fun and not feeding your heart-then quit but it should be. Its your art and your creativity-don't let any insecurities keep you from having fun and enjoying yourself!
PS- check out my daughters work on my site-she is now doing the cheerleaders cheer boxes, soccer signs, and custom paintings as well as painting Converses for friends. I have been selling her work on Ebay since she was 11 years. Shes good, but there are kids that can draw better too at her school. Summer has drive and wants to express herself-she won't do it if shes not a friend or isn't inspired. Not to say shes uppity-she isn't-I wouldn't deal with that in my house! But-wants to HAVE FUN doing art or not at all-just as you should be. Don't be intimidated-just create!
I got jobs because I am clean, fast, efficient and polite. Because my biz sense was good and unlike other artists at my school-I didn't care if it was painting Teddy Bears in a model home (I traveled the USA for 25 years as a mural artist) or a sign-I was painting and paying my bills. They told me I was prostituting my work- all the while they were working at burger joints.There will always be those that you admire and are jealous of- always. Let them give you inspiration. Many of those same artists I love the work of-never did a darn thing with it. Never pushed and at the private art school I went to-always had Mom & Dad pay and never had to lift a finger. Look at others for ideas and such. Go on deviant art and Ebay and Etsy and Yessy and see whats selling etc. Just for inspiration. I realize you are still young but hey-its really just for you. if its not fun and not feeding your heart-then quit but it should be. Its your art and your creativity-don't let any insecurities keep you from having fun and enjoying yourself!
PS- check out my daughters work on my site-she is now doing the cheerleaders cheer boxes, soccer signs, and custom paintings as well as painting Converses for friends. I have been selling her work on Ebay since she was 11 years. Shes good, but there are kids that can draw better too at her school. Summer has drive and wants to express herself-she won't do it if shes not a friend or isn't inspired. Not to say shes uppity-she isn't-I wouldn't deal with that in my house! But-wants to HAVE FUN doing art or not at all-just as you should be. Don't be intimidated-just create!