You are an artist - your job is to create - not to be shoved

As an artist your job is to create ... Be it a painting, a poem, or a book which depicts the premise you, at a particular time, wish to embody in your work.

If like me in my present work, you want to create a story which enters a darker world then explore it.  That presents a challenge and just as important, it may give to others a completely wrong impression of who or what you experience in your own life.  Meanwhile you are actually stretching yourself and endeavoring to make your next experience more difficult than your last.

As an artist you choose - don't let anyone ever correct, demean or undermine your choice.  You are not a puppet, you do not need to follow trends.

www.123rf.com/ photo 24138391

Nor to be shoved in a particular direction.  

Be true to the story/picture or other artistic work in front of you, yet be open to suggestions on how to improve your talent.