Episode 2 : Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap with Lauren Faye Peachey
In a world where social media is both a source of inspiration and a potential creativity killer, many artists and designers find themselves caught in the comparison trap. The constant exposure to highlight reels of other creatives can make us question our own progress, talent, and unique artistic voice. In a recent episode of Creative Diaries, I sat down with surface pattern designer and watercolor artist Lauren Faye Peachey to unpack this issue. Together, we explored why comparison can be so paralyzing and how to navigate it in a way that fuels creativity rather than hinders it.
One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the realization that comparison is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be toxic. Lauren shared that in the early stages of her artistic journey, she felt a sense of confidence simply because she wasn’t aware of how much there was to learn. But as she grew and discovered more artists, she started to feel overwhelmed and unsure of her work. The more time she spent scrolling on Instagram or Pinterest, the more she doubted her abilities. This shift in mindset is something many creatives can relate to—the feeling that our work isn’t measuring up to the polished perfection we see online.
So, how do we shift our mindset and break free from this cycle? Lauren emphasized the importance of comparing ourselves only to our past selves. Instead of looking at someone else’s success as a measure of our own worth, we should track our personal growth over time. She also highlighted the power of intentional social media use—limiting mindless scrolling, curating our feeds to be sources of inspiration rather than discouragement, and recognizing when to take a break. These small shifts in behavior can drastically impact the way we perceive our own progress and achievements.
An interesting metaphor we discussed came from stoic philosophy, comparing life to a marathon with no finish line. If we spend all our time watching the person next to us—focusing on their pace, their shoes, their form—we inevitably lose sight of our own race. The energy spent comparing and competing can lead to burnout and frustration. Instead, the key is to focus on our own path, setting personal goals and acknowledging progress, no matter how small. This mindset shift helps creatives move from a space of self-doubt to one of self-appreciation.
Ultimately, breaking free from the comparison trap is about redefining success on our own terms. Whether that means celebrating small wins, reminding ourselves that growth is a journey, or taking intentional steps to protect our mental space, every creative has the power to reclaim joy in their work. If you’ve ever struggled with comparison, take a moment today to reflect—what is one small shift you can make to step out of comparison mode? Maybe it’s turning off notifications, creating before consuming, or simply reminding yourself that your work is valuable as it is. The more we nurture this mindset, the freer we become to create without pressure and embrace our own creative path.
🎧 Want to dive deeper into this conversation? Listen to the full episode of Creative Diaries here and get inspired to reclaim your creative confidence!
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Comparison is Inevitable but Can Be Managed – It’s natural to compare ourselves to others, but allowing it to become toxic can hinder creative growth.
Track Personal Growth Instead of External Success – Focus on how far you’ve come rather than measuring your progress against someone else’s achievements.
Curate Social Media Intentionally – Limit mindless scrolling, follow accounts that inspire rather than discourage, and take breaks when needed.
Life and Creativity Are Like a Marathon – Instead of constantly watching others, focus on your own journey and celebrate small wins along the way.
Redefine Success on Your Own Terms – Creativity should be joyful, not pressured. Taking control of your mindset helps in embracing your unique creative path.
About Lauren Faye Peachey
Lauren Faye Peachey is a talented surface pattern designer and watercolor artist whose work beautifully blends traditional artistry with modern design. Based in the UK, Lauren’s creative journey began during a transformative backpacking trip in Southeast Asia, where she rekindled her passion for art after years in the corporate world. Her experiences abroad, paired with her natural eye for detail, inspired her to pursue a full-time career in the creative industry.
Lauren’s work reflects her love of nature, with intricate designs and delicate watercolor pieces that capture a sense of calm and wonder. While her artistic style is widely admired, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many creatives, Lauren has faced the weight of the comparison trap, especially in the age of social media. However, she’s learned to navigate these hurdles by embracing her unique perspective and focusing on her personal growth.
Today, Lauren uses her platform not only to showcase her stunning creations but also to inspire others to overcome self-doubt and embrace their creativity. Through her candid storytelling and beautiful designs, she has become a voice of encouragement for aspiring creatives who are seeking to find their own artistic paths.
📌 Explore Lauren’s portfolio of work here and follow her journey on Instagram.
📖 Interested in learning more about her creative journey? Click here to read more!