Allowing Yourself to Make "Bad" Art

Every artist has dreams to be successful and articulate their ideas perfectly. However, the process of honing a craft can be tedious and humbling at times. We see the great artists of times passed and may compare our beginning works to artists who have spent years and years developing their skills. In order to be great artists, we need to allow ourselves to at least be “bad” artists.

No one is expecting anything of us except for ourselves. Nothing is “perfect” so there is no point in being protective of our work in hopes to avoid criticism and potential blows to our self-esteem. Often, it’s the beauty from the flaws and imperfections that give a sense of realness and appeal to the art.

There are generally two kinds of reactions that someone can make when embarrassing themselves. For example, say a man walks and trips on the sidewalk and so he falls on the ground, causing potential embarrassment. He has a choice in how to react. He could be completely embarrassed, run away, and hope that no one saw it or at least hope that no one will talk about it. Or, the better option - is to simply laugh about it, and even with others about it. To some people, the second option may seem impossible.

We all make mistakes in life – it’s inevitable. The greatest and most famous inventors, athletes, and artists have often openly talked about how they’ve failed as many times as they’ve succeeded. The lack of discouragement or embarrassment kept them from making failure the end of their stories.

Life is deeply complex, and we cannot be defined by a single moment. Our lives are made up of many instances that are all over the charts. Sometimes we’re brave, and other times we let our nerves get the best of us. Sometimes we say the right things, other times we say something we regret. We have moments we’re at peace and moments we feel upset and irritable. Where do you define yourself?

A single mistake can’t tarnish our inner character. We set ourselves up for failure if we ask perfection of ourselves at all times. The best artists, inventors, and athletes would have given up long ago if they had believed that perfection was a necessity for success. Trying again, and again, and again is what makes successful possible.

We may not become famous or rich but we will live with more self-respect and a deeper satisfaction from the efforts we put into this life. There are deeper, unseen rewards we are unaware of until we go in headfirst, be brave, and pursue our passion.

For further reading, please check out: Nerves When Starting Something New.