WHy Done is better than perfect.

There’s a tendency within the creative industries to strive to be a perfectionist. That a true craftsperson is someone who is so focused on detail. That the value of a creation is the artist’s pain and effort that makes something good.

I believe this misses the point of creativity.

Of course when a creative is paid to deliver a creative solution they should do so with a meticulous eye for detail. But sometimes you miss the bigger picture when you look at individual brush strokes.

The point of any art is to make a connection with the observer. To evoke an emotional reaction, whether that’s a smile, a tear or an abstract feeling of awe. When we focus solely on craft we miss this human element.

An artist should spend as much time as the observer of a piece of art, as she does as the creator.

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The creative industries often glorify the pursuit of perfectionism, portraying the ideal craftsperson as one who meticulously tends to every detail, equating the value of a creation with the artist's pain and effort invested in its making. However, I contend that this notion fundamentally misconstrues the essence of creativity.

While it is undeniable that meticulous attention to detail is essential when delivering creative solutions, fixating solely on perfectionism risks overlooking the broader purpose of art. In our zeal for flawless execution, we can lose sight of the overarching narrative or emotional impact intended to resonate with the observer.

At its core, art is a medium for forging connections between creator and audience, eliciting a range of emotional responses from joy to sorrow to wonder. Yet, when we become preoccupied with perfecting individual brush strokes or technical intricacies, we run the risk of neglecting this fundamental human element.

The true measure of artistic success lies not merely in the precision of execution but in the resonance it evokes within the viewer. A piece of art should transcend its physical manifestation to stir something profound within those who experience it—a smile, a tear, or a sense of awe that transcends the bounds of the tangible.

In this light, the role of the artist extends beyond that of a mere creator to that of a facilitator of emotional connection. Just as much care and consideration should be given to the perspective of the observer as to the craftsmanship of the work itself. For it is through this symbiotic exchange between creator and audience that art truly comes to life.

Therefore, rather than fixating solely on the pursuit of perfectionism, creatives should strive to imbue their work with authenticity, vulnerability, and a genuine desire to connect with others on a deeper level. By embracing imperfection as an integral part of the creative process, we open ourselves up to a richer, more meaningful dialogue with our audience—one that transcends the constraints of technical proficiency to touch the very essence of what it means to be human.