It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that your work must be flawless and that every piece you create has to live up to some impossible standard of perfection. Especially earlier on in her career, I watched Magdalena go through this countless times; self imposed expectations based on her interpretation of what she believed people “expected” from her. The harsh truth of the matter though is that on the whole, unless you're actively working on a commission, the overwhelming majority of people out there couldn't care less what you create! Obviously, if you've agreed to create something for someone with certain a certain style, palette, etc. then you have to accept that your artistic freedom is going to be somewhat constrained. Most of the time though, people are too busy with their own lives to care whether you got that line in exactly the right place, or if the colour was slightly off when it dried.
When things don’t go as planned, you may feel frustrated or even like you’re failing. But what if the goal wasn’t perfection at all? What if the real success was in learning, growing, and allowing yourself the freedom to experiment?
In this post, we’re going to shift the focus. Rather than striving for an unattainable ideal, let's look at embracing the process itself; messy, unpredictable, and perfectly imperfect. By letting go of the need for perfection, seeing mistakes as opportunities and as a natural part of your growth, and moving away from comparing yourself to others, you can reclaim the joy of creating and rediscover the freedom that comes with it.
This part is all about giving yourself permission to grow, experiment, and evolve in your own way, on your own timeline. The creative process is about progress, not perfection, and through these shifts in mindset, you’ll find that the path forward becomes not only lighter but also far more rewarding. Let’s dive in.
Progress Over Perfection
The idea of perfection is often an artist’s biggest obstacle. It’s tempting to believe that if your work doesn’t turn out exactly as you envisioned, you’ve somehow fallen short. But art isn’t about creating something flawless, it’s about exploring, growing, and pushing your boundaries. Perfection is an illusion, and chasing it can rob you of the joy in the creative journey.
Shift Your Focus to Growth
Instead of asking yourself, Is this perfect?, try asking, What did I learn from this? Every piece of art, whether it turns out the way you hoped or not, contributes to your growth as an artist. By focusing on progress, you allow yourself the space to experiment, take risks, and make discoveries. Over time, these small steps forward add up to something far more valuable than any single "perfect" artwork.
Celebrate Small Wins
It’s important to recognise that every small improvement is a victory. Maybe you’ve tried a new technique, used a colour palette outside your comfort zone, or simply managed to show up in the studio on a tough day. These are all examples of progress, and they deserve to be acknowledged. By celebrating small wins, you’ll start to build a positive, growth-oriented mindset that supports your long-term creative journey.
Seeing 'Mistakes' as Opportunities
Mistakes are often viewed as failures, something to be avoided at all costs. But what if mistakes were actually valuable? What if they were stepping stones on the path to better art and deeper understanding? When you reframe mistakes as opportunities, you open the door to growth and unexpected discoveries.
Mistakes Are Part of the Learning Process
Every artist makes mistakes, it’s how we learn. When something doesn’t turn out as expected, ask yourself, What can I learn from this? Maybe the proportions are off, or the colours didn’t blend the way you wanted. Instead of scrapping the piece, reflect on what went wrong and how you can approach it differently next time. This mindset not only makes mistakes less intimidating but also turns them into valuable teaching moments.
Embrace Experimentation
Art is about exploration. When you give yourself permission to experiment, mistakes are no longer something to fear, they become part of the adventure. Try new techniques, materials, or styles without worrying about the outcome. Some of your greatest artistic breakthroughs might come from moments when things didn’t go as planned.
Find the Value in "Imperfection"
Often, what we perceive as a mistake is actually where the magic happens. The unexpected brushstroke or the accidental smudge can lead to something beautiful and unique. Instead of striving for perfection, start looking for the beauty in imperfection. It’s these quirks and personal touches that make your work stand out and reflect your individuality as an artist.
Letting Go of Comparison
In the age of social media, it’s easier than ever to fall into the comparison trap. You scroll through images of other artists’ work, and suddenly, your own creations feel inadequate. This constant comparison can sap your confidence, making you feel like you’ll never measure up. But the truth is, every artist’s journey is different, and comparing yourself to others only distracts you from your own growth.
Focus on Your Personal Growth
Your creative path is yours alone. Instead of comparing your work to others, focus on where you are in your journey. What progress have you made? What new skills have you developed? Remember that the artists you admire are on their own unique paths, with their own struggles and triumphs. By staying focused on your growth, you’ll be able to appreciate your own progress without being discouraged by others.
Practice Gratitude for Your Journey
It’s easy to overlook your own accomplishments when you’re busy looking at others. Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come as an artist. What were you creating a year ago? What have you learned since then? By practicing gratitude for your own journey, you can shift your focus from comparison to appreciation. Every artist starts somewhere, and each step forward is something to be proud of.
Limit Exposure to Comparison Triggers
If you find that social media or other external influences make you feel inadequate, it’s okay to step back. Limit your exposure to comparison triggers, whether that means spending less time online or being more selective about the content you engage with. Surround yourself with positive influences that inspire you rather than make you doubt your worth.
Exercises and practical tips
Progress Over Perfection: Embracing Growth
Exercise 1:
The "Work in Progress" Journal
Get a journal dedicated solely to your creative process.
Each time you work on a project, write down what you learned that day, whether it’s a new technique, a fresh perspective, or even something that didn’t go as expected.
Focus on progress rather than results. Reflect on how far you’ve come, not how far you still want to go.
Goal: To celebrate small wins. Did you experiment with a new brushstroke technique? Sketch an idea you’ve been holding onto? Give yourself credit for every step forward, no matter how small.
Exercise 2:
Create Without a Final Goal
Set a timer for 30 minutes.
Create something without any intention of finishing it or making it perfect. This could be a rough sketch, a quick painting, or anything else you feel inspired to do.
The point is to explore and enjoy the act of creating, without the pressure of a polished result.
Goal: To remind yourself that art, like life, is a continuous journey. Instead of aiming for a perfect final piece, appreciate the discoveries and growth along the way.
Seeing 'Mistakes' as Opportunities: Embracing the Learning Process
Exercise 3:
The "Mistake Makeover"
Take a piece of your work that you feel didn’t turn out the way you wanted.
Instead of starting over, challenge yourself to see it differently. What can you learn from this piece? Is there an unexpected colour combination or texture that’s interesting?
Try transforming the "mistake" into something intentional - add layers, draw over it, or even turn it upside down to see it from a new angle.
Mistakes are an artist’s best teacher. Every time something goes “wrong,” it’s an invitation to try something new. Reframing mistakes as part of your growth allows you to take creative risks without fear.
Exercise 4:
Create a "Mistake Collection"
Dedicate a folder or a sketchbook to your "mistakes". Every time you make a mistake, instead of discarding it, add it to your collection.
Revisit this collection every few weeks to see how these moments have pushed your creativity in new directions. You might be surprised to find beauty or potential in what you once saw as failures.
Tip: When you feel frustrated by a mistake, take a deep breath and remind yourself, "This is part of my process". Sometimes what feels like a setback is just a detour toward a more interesting destination.
Letting Go of Comparison: Focusing on Your Own Growth
Exercise 5:
Social Media Detox
For one week, limit your time on social media, especially platforms where you might compare yourself to other artists.
Use the time you’d normally spend scrolling to create something for yourself, without worrying about likes, followers, or external validation.
After the week is over, reflect on how it felt to focus only on your own work. Did it allow you to reconnect with your personal vision?
Goal: To remember that social media often only shows the highlights of someone’s artistic journey. Behind every "perfect" post is a story of trial and error. Your path is your own, and it’s just as valuable.
Exercise 6:
Track Your Personal Milestones
Instead of comparing your art to others, track your own progress. Choose one skill or aspect of your work that you want to improve (e.g., colour use, composition, or shading).
At the end of each week, take a moment to compare your recent work with something you did six months or a year ago.
Notice the areas where you’ve improved, and write down your reflections on how your skills have evolved.
Tip: Comparison is often a thief of joy. Rather than looking sideways at others, look backward at your own growth. You are your best point of reference. Focus on how far you've come rather than where others are.
In the next part of this series, we'll take a look at building confidence through compassion and being kind to yourself
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