“I don’t think you’re good enough.”

 Those were the exact words my creative junior photographer heard after presenting his very first photography project to a client.

He had just wrapped up a long week—shooting from sunrise to sunset, editing tirelessly at night, skipping meals, pushing through exhaustion. He was excited. Nervous, but proud of what he had created. It was his first big gig.

The client opened the folder, flipped through a few pictures, looked him dead in the eyes and said, “I don’t think you’re good enough. This isn’t what I expected.”, “This is very bad, total fail. You are a failure”, “I don’t think you have a future in this field”

No suggestions. No detailed feedback. No “Can we fix this or try that?”
 Just a cold dismissal.,
 He called me last night .Silent for the first few seconds, then I heard him sniffle.
 “Maybe I’m not cut out for this or maybe I am not good enough,” he said.
 My heart broke.

He’s talented. Passionate. Teachable. And above all—he tries. And that should count for something. Shouldn’t it?

Dear clients, collaborators, managers, and leaders—please remember: we are human first.
Behind every service, every creative piece, every proposal—is someone who gave their best, even if it missed the mark.

If something isn’t right, say so—with grace. With clarity and empathy. With compassion.
We grow when we receive constructive feedback. But we shrink under cold criticism.

It costs absolutely nothing to be kind even in reviews and feedbacks.
To all creatives, freelancers, and service providers reading this—you are enough. Keep learning. Keep pushing. Don’t let one harsh voice drown out your passion.

 Have you ever had a moment where a careless word almost made you quit? Let’s share. Let’s talk. I see you.