What do you do when you can't stand looking at your art?

[mappypaint]

This doesn't happen to me in making comics because it really doesn't matter since I do it for myself. But it does matter to the stuff I paint for clients. I always have that "This isn't good enough!" attitude and always think that what if the client doesn't like it. My whole painting reputation is at stake! D: I always prepare the "I will redo the paintjob free of charge" in my mind if ever the client tells me the art is awful. The only thing that will make me breathe easily is when a client is blown away. The reaction on their faces and the smiles is the cure for me...

But then comes the next project and it happens all over again. D:

[joannekwan]

Yeah, take a break and regroup. Try and analyze what parts you don't like. If it's a really long list, perhaps it's time for a style change. You're welcome to experiment and try something totally different. What matters is if you love it or not.

[edwarddippolito]

Oh I hear that. My usual method is...

I create my page, I like my page, I go to sleep for the night.

I wake up and look at the page I claimed I liked.

I now hate my page and all art I've ever created.

A vicious cycle.

[Yonetee]

I know that feeling. I think a lot of artist does. :"D
Few weeks ago I wanted do cry when I looked at my stuff.
Take a break might help. Watch movie, write, read books...
Than maybe doing studies. I think If You are able to take a break from drawing Your original stuff and do some studies, that may help You improve. I'm trying to do that. :")

But.... well, hating own stuff is phase of progress. This phase can help You evolve.

[Marshminator]

Keep drawing, but don't take any of it seriously. Draw ugly stuff, draw silly stuff. Draw a chicken with a big butt.

shrug

Just find something that's fun for you to draw (or make in general) that you won't take seriously, and experiment. Play around. I know when I get in slumps I'll start fiddling around with other things like sculpting, sewing, anything that's more hands-on and crafty. Granted, my creations never see the light of day, but they're fun keepsakes and usually I end up learning something cool along the way.

[jordanthelass]

To me, it's more or less trying to find ways to improve my previous art style. I never redraw old portraits or comics because they're a part of the "evolution" process.

Powering through is an option, yes, but I don't think it necessarily improves anything. When I feel like I'm in a slump or my art is lacking, I find different ways to adjust my drawing style to add a bit more flair/more detail.

I think this video by "Draw with Jazza" sort of touches upon that (though, not in the same context.). Try to break out of your normal boundaries and take inspiration from everything around you. More than likely, you'll see your art improve over time.

^_^ It's always fun to compare your new stuff to the old every now and then just to give yourself a confidence boost, too!