Inspiration from Humans of New York — Be Your Own First Fan

“You have to be your own first fan … you have to trust what you like … you have to look at your work and say ‘how can I make myself like it more’ … that’s the only gauge you can use for the long dark ages before people start paying attention to you … and that’s going to be long … that’s why there are not many successful artists out there, as there is a lot of dark you have to go through, working your ass off without validation … and the only thing that can keep you going is what YOU like. Do I like my work? How can I make myself like it more? What do I like? What do I like?

And you’ve got to believe that there is somebody out there like you. If you really, really love something, there are probably millions of people out there just like YOU.”

— Brandon Stanton, Humans of New York

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This simple yet powerful line has always stayed with me. As photographers and creators, we often wait for validation from others. But true confidence begins when you believe in your own work, your own vision, and your own story.

Being your own first fan is not about arrogance — it is about having the courage to keep creating, even when no one else is watching.