An artist's career path often does not follow a direct route but progresses in small steps along the path. An online gallery is a good way for an artist to start. The key skill of learning to look at your own work critically and alongside the work of your peers can be a helpful part of learning to see your own work objectively. The selection process for competitive exhibitions is a useful tool for artists to think deeply about their work. Gallery Omata also encourages artists to write about their submissions. The act of thinking and writing about your artistic practice helps to clarify your own thinking and provides the opportunity to articulate your motivations and inspirations behind your creative work. Understanding why you are making the work is a vital step in improving and deepening your work.