"That terrible mood of depression of whether it's any good or not is what is known as The Artist's Reward"

Ernest Hemingway's quote speaks with the psychological rollercoaster that artists frequently experience when creating their work. The "dreadful state of mind of anxiety" is the feeling of doubt and insecurity that comes with developing something brand-new. It is the fear of not understanding if the work is good enough or if it will be accepted by others. This sensation of uncertainty is what Hemingway calls "The Artist's Reward". It is a reminder that the creative process is typically filled with low and high, and that the artist needs to want to take threats and accept the uncertainty that features it. The benefit for the artist is the fulfillment of having created something special and significant, regardless of the result.