Empowering your Imperfections
It took me years—absolutely years—to realise that perfection doesn’t exist.
I spent hours frustrated, resenting myself and my art. I was ashamed of who I was, and I was ashamed of my art. For years, I thought that was just the way it had to be. But it's not! Perfection is shoved down our throats from every direction—TV, radio, advertisements. We've been conditioned to strive for it. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t exist. My idea of perfect is someone else's idea of hell. Your idea of the perfect body is completely different from the random person on the street. So what exactly are we striving for? 🤔
This also applies to art. How? Well, just like everything else, your idea of a masterpiece is different from someone else’s. Art is EXPRESSION. How can we scrutinize someone's personal expression? Each of us is imperfect. We're built up of flaws—whether it’s the scar on your left knee or the time you made that stupid decision when you were 21, thinking 6 tequila shots and texting your ex would be a good idea. 🍹💥 We are imperfect, and we should NOT be ashamed. Our whole lives are made up of mistakes and imperfect paths. Yet, we’re made to feel ashamed of them. And it’s not okay. ❌
If we are all made up of imperfections, we need to flip the script and start empowering them. That imperfect path has brought you to where you are today! It’s opened up opportunities, and without those mistakes, you wouldn't be who you are now. 🔥
The Problem with Striving for Perfection
The problem with chasing perfection is that it stops us from doing anything at all. We hide our work, rip it up, or never share it. Why? Because we’re too afraid it’s not perfect enough. But here’s the thing—behind perfectionism is a fear of failure. And failure? That’s how we learn! 📚 It’s a fear of judgement, but realistically, if those people talking behind your back don’t have your best interests at heart, do you really want them around anyway? No! So why care about their judgement?
I did an art launch last week, and guess what? I made one sale. Does that look like failure? Maybe. But is it going to stop me? Absolutely not! 💪 I learned a lot from that launch—more than I would have if I’d sold 150 prints. If I’d sold all 150, it would have been a fluke. Instead, I’ve learned new marketing strategies and gained valuable advice from my friends. I’m better for it, and that’s what matters. 💡
Imperfection Drives Growth
When I talk about empowering imperfections, I’m not saying “settle” for them. If you don’t like the way your piece turned out because the dog’s eyes are too close together, I’m not telling you to just accept it. I’m saying those imperfections are where growth happens. Now you’ve learned a valuable lesson about proportions. 🎨
Watercolour is where I let go, but I still sit down with my graphite pencils to practise realism. When I do, yes, I'm aiming for accuracy — but not perfection. Because it's not just about the art itself; it's about the subject. The story behind the eyes, the wrinkle by the cheek that should be deeper — but maybe they didn’t get the chance to smile as much as they wanted. Empowering imperfection isn’t about settling; it’s about striving for improvement — growth through action.
And if you keep striving for perfection, you’ll never be happy with your work. Why? Because your idea of perfection will just keep changing. Your idea of perfection will still be as far away from you, as it was as beginner. You will improve and your perfection goal post will move as well.
Your imperfections in art will drive you to learn, improve your craft, and hone your skills. You're not striving for perfection; you’re striving for growth. I can almost guarantee that even if you're the best at what you do, you won't sit at 90 years old and say, 'I've mastered it. I'm the epitome of perfection.' No — you'll still want to improve, still want to grow. 🌱
When you realise that perfection is just an illusion, it’s freeing. Because now, you’re focused on improvement—not being perfect. Think back to a mistake you’ve made. What did you learn from it? I know I’ve made plenty—especially in my 20s. But without those mistakes, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Imperfection isn’t a flaw; it’s a driver for growth. 🚀
How to Empower Your Imperfections Instead of Hiding Them
Shift your perspective. Instead of seeing flaws as things to hide, view them as tools for growth. This applies to both your personal life and your art.
Take this example: You’re working on a self-portrait, and oops—you accidentally dropped water on the smooth skin area, creating a massive bloom. What can you do with that? You can either see it as a mistake, or you can think, “Wow, that looks beautiful! I’m going to use that technique in my landscape next!” 🌈
I love watercolour because it is freeing and unpredictable and guess what, life is unpredictable, but it’s beautiful just the same. 🌿 Stop seeking society’s approval. We don’t share our work because we think it’s not good enough for others. But the truth is, when you stop creating for approval, you’re setting yourself free.
You’re beautiful, imperfections and all. When you start accepting that your imperfections are part of who you are, you stop embracing them—you start EMPOWERING them. You deserve to be seen, heard, and respected.
Perfection isn’t required to start anything. Success comes from accepting that you’re imperfect and being true to who you are—not caring about what people think of you. 🔥
Endlessly Empowering Imperfection: A Movement, Not Just a Mindset
As I said, perfection is a lie. We all know it. Why, then, do we let fear of it hold us back? Our paths are all different, but the one thing they share is that they’re messy. Our stories are unique, filled with mistakes, setbacks, and scars. These imperfections have brought us to where we are today—stronger, wiser, and better equipped for whatever comes next. 💫
Perfection doesn’t exist, but empowering imperfection does. I want you to challenge yourself this week: After reading this post, I hope you feel less scared to share who you truly are. Challenge yourself to do something that pushes you—creatively, personally, or in life. Break free from the societal expectation of perfection. 🔥