I don't like posting with anything new to show, but I want to say something (may or may not be the best idea in fact....)
Let me start with this. -. And I seriously doubt that anyone ever gets to the level they wish to be at. You'll always want to be better.
I haven't improved in a month. I haven't improved in probably half a year. I can go further than that, too. I've probably even lost skill. I have improved since stick figures though *shivers* don't want to remember that time. But, enough of that, you say you're 'just a bad artist now', because you haven't improved in a few years.
NONSENSE!, I say! It doesn't matter how much you improve! Artistic level doesn't matter! You have the courage to create SOMETHING and that's the big deal! I don't care how 'good' or 'bad' it is, you put effort in to it and got it done! Heck of a lot more some people could say... And really, you might not like it, but I'm sure others would be positively awed by its very existence! I hate a lot of my art, but then my friends see it and praise me so much. All the while, I sit there in utter confusion as they point out things they like about it. Other times, there might be something you're so proud of, it took you so long but you, at long last, perfected it! And all you get is a 'meh' or 'good job'. Now I would probably chase them down and shove it in their face but that's me. But, I believe those jerks are just jealous and/or brats and want to put you down, so obviously trip them the first chance you get so ignore them and their feeble attempts to shatter your cofindence.
And also, if someone tries to judge your art (whether they're 'better' or not) without you asking them to... Well, I guess ignoring them, too, is the peaceful method. And if you ask them to, you can try to follow the tips, if you really wanted to. Or you could continue on your way and develop on your own. You could also stay where you are, no need for improvement, who needs it anyway.
Welp, that was probably repetitive. And my friends don't usually sit there and praise me on some random doodle unless it's sarcasm. But they do point out things they think are good while my mind screams 'This is awful, what the heck are you talking about?! What did you eat lately that made you hallucinate?!'