Last week we did our very first YouTube live stream. We painted an Eastern Blue Bird together and talked about how to deal with perfectionism. As artists, if we're not careful perfectionism can be a major roadblock. It can keep us from finishing a piece or from getting started on a new one. So it's definitely something we need to be aware of and have some tools in our toolbox to help us deal with it when it arises.
If you want to check out the live stream replay, paint along and listen to the discussion you can do that here:
How to Deal with Perfectionism
1. Embrace Mistakes: This automatically reduces the pressure to be perfect. Allow mistakes to become part of the art. In fact, I recommend creating a bit chaos in your painting. Whether that be a loose underdrawing or some initial splatters or washes. Creating some initial "purposeful mistakes" can set you up for less stress throughout the rest of the painting.
2. Focus on Your Process: This can reduce anxiety around the final product, because you're more focused on where you are in the painting and trusting where you're going versus just worrying about the final outcome. Even if you don't have a defined process, you probably do have some initial steps that you take. Maybe a sketch, the flat colors, then rendering etc...
3. Create for Yourself: Focus on creating art for your own personal satisfaction rather than external validation. This is a big one! Creating a piece for no one but you really removes a lot of pressure. Taking the time to create something that's not for a client, a commission or with the intention of posting on social media can make all the difference. If it’s just for you it doesn’t have to be perfect!
