Perfectionism kills your art. Let yourself feel.
Perfectionism
It is considered a relatively desirable trait in the working world. Especially in the case of graphic designers or illustrators. Nevertheless, we all need a moment's respite to avoid falling into the trap of the perfectionist bubble. However, this is such an easy boundary to cross that before we know it, our inner critic is attacking our creativity, locking us into a perfectionist outlook on everything we do. This distorts our perception of our own works, of our artworks, but most importantly, of ourselves. The art or design that we engage in should contain elements of the creator's expression. Our creativity usually arises from expression - deeply rooted feelings, emotions or memories. Sometimes this happens unconsciously. For example, we design a sign that, in our subconscious, a theme, has fitted into some of our memories. The same can be true of a more conscious projection, when we create a commission that we like. After all, for some reason the brief or the assignment itself has interested us enough that we undertake it with enthusiasm. The thing with perfectionism, unfortunately, is that it often attacks precisely these “our” inner elements. Because we, as artists, are not perfect, and adding a piece of ourselves, can create the mistaken illusion of “missing” something, or “imperfect”. Have you ever wondered why projects that you create in harmony with yourself and your authenticity are able to get a better reception? Because I think I have the answer for you.
Human not machine
As much as with work for a client, we want it to look as good as possible, let's not forget to give our piece of creative soul. That way, the project we release into the hands of a potential client is still partly ours - and we know it. No one else has to. In this way, we don't feel like “robots” doing assignments for punishment, but artists who are helping to realise a vision. Because, after all, that's what we create for, if it's to create for others. Whether I'm an artist, a writer, a designer or something else in the artistic fields - I create because I feel. I create to visualise something, materialise it and leave a mark. And we forget this - often through pressure and stress not only from outside, but also from within, where our perfectionist, imposes a huge emphasis on technique, not allowing a clear vision to come to fruition. I don't want to put the claim that technique is not important, but it seems to me that in art, not every emotion will be embraced with good technique. That's why sometimes it's worth letting go of the 'brakes' - in personal works as much as possible. In this age of technology, many of us, may even fear artificial intelligence replacing our creativity. These are times when AI generates images, writes texts, creates simple songs or generates a voice. However, let's remember that AI has no feelings, and even if AI creations are programmed by a human - these works are still characterised only by technological perfectionism - not authentic beauty or message. The problem with perfectionism is that AI strives for a perfection that we as humans cannot achieve - but ask yourself - why do we need perfection in art? Well, that's exactly it - for nothing.
The most beautiful paintings or the best written poems, the moment they don't have human feelings - are a poor representation of how humans are slowly becoming closer to artificiality than nature - especially their own. Even if we are creating a project for a client and want it to be technically and aesthetically correct - please remember our humanity in the profession. Because it is our expression and creativity combined together that sets us apart from machines.
Fighting the inner critic
In adulthood, we struggle to find time for ourselves. Creating even quick sketches can allow you to stretch your creativity. If you have time, spend it on something creative, for yourself! Allow yourself to express yourself, to feel your new creation. That way you won't forget that art is more than a product or a commission. It is something that is within you and is communicated in your work. I could write for hours about how even the smallest of our creations has pieces of ourselves. Nevertheless, it should be clear to you - as artists we give pieces of ourselves away regardless of the work we make - whether it's for us or for someone else. A good springboard for creative souls who work in the artistic profession is to create for ourselves. In the age of adulthood, we struggle to find time for ourselves. Creating even quick sketches, can allow you to relax into your creativity. On a self-reflective note, I can say that a nice break for me was creating distinctive cartoon characters with curly hair. I disliked this style a lot at first, and it turned out to be my “sign”. I still create more-or-less realistic work, but personally, I love to create whatever I feel in the moment - and often these are simple scribbles of characters. I have found a kind of self-expression in the characters, although in the poems, for example, I have found that metaphors, quite specific, have become my ritual.
Although I have never closed myself off to creativity and have given myself ample room for expression as well as learning - I have noticed certain cycles in the creative era. And that's not a bad thing. The fact that we explore is not a bad thing, the fact that we try different styles - is not a bad thing. Sometimes that inner, critical voice wants to label and limit us too much. That's why I encourage you, no matter what you create artistically - allow yourself to doodle, rhyme or other notes honestly just to see how you create in the “moment”. Without pressure or outside voices. This is a very cool way to calm the inner critic that can slowly lead to easy discouragement and, in the worst case scenario, burnout.
The power of creativity with expression
If you have the time set aside, devote it to something creative, for yourself! Allow yourself to express yourself to feel your new creation. That way you won't forget that art is more than a product or a commission. It is something that is within you and is communicated in your work. As we know, not every piece of artwork we make, has to have a huge meaning, or deal with unknown themes. Sometimes it is an image created by an inner child and doesn't make much sense. It just is. And that's ok too!
A cool way to stimulate creativity
Once, while attending one of the graphic design meetings, I came across a very cool exercise to stimulate creativity. I once talked about it on my Instagram profile, in Polish. Today, however, I would like to describe it here, for you.
Choose two keywords, they don't necessarily have to be related to each other. I often took the ones that first came to mind. For example:
Hope - World
Then, between these two words, I would add three more that I first associated with the previous word. I created, i.e. a chain of thought.
Hope - Light - Lamp - Darkness - World
And based on these keywords, I created either simple sketches, containing an illustration of these words, or poems, containing these words. It was such an enjoyable exercise for me that I practiced it every day with at least one chain each for drawing and poetry.
Maybe it would be a very cool way for you too to stretch your brain and think :) I highly encourage you to give it a try!
With this accent, I would just like to add that your work, no matter who or what it is for - should contain pieces of yourself. By being a craftsman, you continue to be a brave artist. Allow yourself to feel and create in a way that makes you happy and does not lead to burnout.
