“Once you start making things, once you take that leap, you have the same status as any other artist,” Questlove writes in Creative Quest. “I’m not saying that you’re as good. I’m not saying that you’re as important. But all of a sudden it’s a difference of degree rather than a difference of kind.”

If you’ve ever wanted to be a creative person (or feel like you want more recognition as one), the best way to do that is to make something. Ideally, something you tried to give a part of yourself to. 

Anyone who has ever tried to make something knows that it is difficult enough to keep 99% of people from doing it.

The fact that you even completed an attempt makes it a success. It doesn’t matter if the end result disappoints you. In fact, doubt and disappointment is part of the universal experience. So is the process of getting through these difficult emotions.
When you feel far away from your idols, remember that you share a creative lineage with them. While other people may share their opinions, and your inner judge might offer their own critiques, you can remind yourself: it’s a difference of degree—not kind.