Tip #2: Embrace the Mistakes

So, why do I like to sketch in pen? It’s not because I’m some flawless creator who never makes a mistake. On the contrary, I make lots of mistakes. I enjoy using pen because the inability to erase these mistakes keeps me moving forward instead of reworking the same area over and over again.

Over the last year or so, I have really adopted the attitude that done is better than perfect. I used to be crippled by a need for perfection, but nothing is perfect, so this outlook meant nothing was ever done. When something remains unfinished, it’s hard to move forward (and I am all about forward momentum).

In the book Art and Fear, the author references a study in which there were two groups learning to throw pottery on a pottery wheel. The first group’s assignment was to create the best mug possible and the second group was tasked with just creating as many mugs as possible. You may have already guessed, but by the end of the study the group focused on quantity were creating mugs on par (or even better) than the group focused on quality.

So today’s tip is to get outside your comfort zone and let go of the little mistakes in order to move forward. The only way any artist ever gets better is through practice, and you can’t keep practicing if you’re stuck trying to make an older piece perfect. Perfection is an unattainable goal, so don’t be afraid to mess up, you learn more that way.

Until next time!

I love feedback, so if you have any questions, ideas, or requests, make sure to leave a comment below. And, if you need more fun stuff to shove into your eyeballs, hop over and check out my YouTube channel, Chimp Skipper, or my online portfolio.

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