Perfection is the Enemy too Creativity

I used to obsess over every little detail in my paintings—thinking it would make me a better artist. But in reality, it did the opposite.

It stifled my creativity and left me feeling stuck.

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Here’s how I’m learning to let go of perfection and embrace the process:

1. Stay Curious

Ask questions. Instead of focusing on outcomes, get curious about your materials, techniques, and process. Make a list: What happens if I try this brush? What if I layer this color? Curiosity leads to growth.

2. Experiment Without Attachment

Take emotion out of the results and treat each painting like an experiment. Ask yourself, What happens when I try this? Let go of “good” or “bad” and focus on discovering what works.

3. Reflect with Purpose

After you create, take a moment to pause and ask: Do I like this? What would I change next time? Self-reflection helps you grow without judgment.

Why this works:

Because the more you create, the more progress you make. Perfection becomes less important when you’re focused on learning and evolving. Keeping a creative journal or log is a powerful tool—it helps you track your growth and see how far you’ve come.

Remember:

“Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity—and progress.”

Perfectionism might feel productive, but it often blocks your best work. True creativity thrives in experimentation, not in flawless execution.