What is holding you back from creating art your own way?
Let’s be real — a lot of us hold back from making art because we think we’re “not good at it.” Somewhere along the way, we started believing that creativity only counts if it looks impressive. But that’s just not true. Art doesn’t have to be polished or perfect to matter. It’s not about being good — it’s about feeling good. Why do we get upset when our art doesn’t look “good” or “perfect”?
Leave the self doubt, self criticism and self judgement FAR behind! Because ultimately – that mess, those awkward proportions, and your colour choices (that don’t quite work) — that’s not failure. That’s freedom.
Creating something just for the joy of it, without pressure or rules, is where the real magic happens!
Perfection is Overrated – Ugly Art is Fundamental
In a world that constantly measures success by skill, productivity, and polish (I’m talking to you, Instagram!) it’s easy to forget that art is not for anyone else but you – for you and about you, it is your story and it is a deeply personal experience.
I actually did a YouTube video the other day on Ugly Art and why it’s important — because this message really matters to me. We forget real art is allowed to be messy, awkward, and imperfect. In fact, that’s often where the fun of it is.
Creating for the sake of creating is a joyful and meditative experience for me. Making art just because it feels good — not because it looks good — is powerful. It’s freeing. And it’s something we all deserve to experience.
Give Yourself Permission
When we focus only on the outcome — whether it looks “right,” whether others will approve — we miss out on the best part of art: the process. Art gives us space to explore, to feel, to express emotions that sometimes don’t have words. Even something as simple as doodling while on the phone can tap into that feeling. You don’t have to be “good” to make something meaningful. You just have to start.
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I’m not an artist,” I want you to pause and challenge that … REALLY? You are not an artist? Who told you that and why do you believe it? Give yourself permission to play, to make something just for you, with no rules. You don’t need to earn the right to be creative. It’s already inside you.
Here’s why art is worth doing — no matter your skill level:
- It reduces stress and helps you process emotions
- It’s a form of self-care and reflection
- It brings you into the present moment — like meditation
- It reconnects you with your inner child and imagination
- It doesn’t need to be “good” to be meaningful
- It’s fun — and fun is important
So make the “ugly” thing. Use the neon green. Try the idea you’re not sure will work. Let go of being “good,” and focus on how good it feels to create. Your art doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to be yours.
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