Being Good Was Never the Point

By: Loyal Pham

When you picked up a crayon as a child and scribbled a drawing of your pet or family, it probably looked terrible. However, that didn’t take away from the drawing’s value in the slightest. In fact, there was a charm to the mismatched colors, disproportionate body parts, the wrinkles from ungentle hands gripping the paper. It got hung on the fridge, and it was displayed like a portrait born from the Renaissance.

People are often so self-conscious of what they make and compare it to other pieces of art or writing, fearing judgement from others or themselves. That fear is paralyzing and prevents them from simply creating, but people didn’t start out making their pieces because they wanted it to sell or get praise. It started because the desire to create comes from a fundamental part of the human soul. Whatever medium someone uses to make any piece of art, it becomes a catalyst for a vulnerable part of themselves they have no other way to express. Or maybe it’s as simple as trying to replicate a cool character from a show they like. Who cares! It doesn’t need to be any more or less for anyone. What someone makes can be anything they want, with the exception of being perfect.

Perfection is an overrated and over-explored idea anyway. It’s also impossible to achieve without screwing up. It’s an absolute truth that you will fail in life, and it’s a blessing you have the privilege to do so. Relish in your flaws and fully realize yourself. Let this translate to your work, and don’t suffocate on your own expectations that you set for yourself. Relax. Allow you and your art to breathe and simply be bad. If you embrace your imperfections, you can push the boundaries of your comfort zone and let your skills grow.

So, sit down to draw, write, or do whatever the hell you want. Making it good isn’t the point; just make it your own.