Insecure about keeping my character’s appearance

One of the main characters of the graphic novel series I’m writing was originally made to look like me as advice from my therapist to like my appearance more.

Not only because of that, but also because it was just easier for me to learn to draw human faces (was originally an animal artist) by having my own face as a reference.

And while I and the character act different, there are a lot of similarities because I write a lot of my real world issues into my characters.

I feel dumb. People online frequently clown on self inserts and since the character has the same job as I do I’d hate to just. Have this character be my self insert. Even though again, they act quite differently to me.

I don’t know. People say write/draw what you know but AGAIN I feel stupid. Should I just completely redesign their face? I have more skill now. I’m just attached to the design I guess. Maybe. I’m not sure. Maybe I’m overthinking this whole thing.

I just don’t see other visual artists or authors making characters that look just like them. Plus, internet bullying is brutal and if I want to get the kickstarter funded I don’t need extra fuel for bullies. Womp.

ARE SELF INSERTS IN WRITING BAD???? Goodness gracious.