Art isn’t a competition” is a phrase artists love to repeat, but rarely question. This essay examines why that belief feels good, where it breaks down, and how competition and collaboration actually function together in the professional art world.

As I head into 2026, I’ve been thinking about artistic goals and the idea of having a “word of the year.” The more I think about it, the more I realize I can’t seem to define a word or a clear set of goals, and I’m not convinced I want to.

Does your art matter? Explore why creativity is worth it despite monetization, validation, and rejection. Find the truth behind your passion