Overcoming Perfectionism As An Artist: Embrace Good Enough

Hello and welcome to my article: Overcoming Perfectionism as an Artist. I’m so glad you’re here.

Perfectionism. It’s the silent dream-killer hiding behind the guise of “high standards.”

If you’ve ever spent hours obsessing over a single brushstroke, rewritten the same paragraph fifteen times, or scrapped an entire project because it didn’t match the vision in your head—you know perfectionism intimately.

As a recovering perfectionist myself, I’ve learned that perfectionism isn’t about creating better art.

It’s about fear dressed up as dedication. Fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of not being “enough.”

But here’s what I’ve discovered: some of my most meaningful work happened when I let go of perfect and embraced “good enough.”

And in this post, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about beating perfectionism so you can create more freely, share more boldly, and find joy in the messy, beautiful process of making art.

Ready to break free? Let’s dive in.

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What is Perfectionism (And Why It’s Killing Your Creativity)

Perfectionism isn’t the same as having high standards or wanting to do good work.

It’s the relentless pursuit of flawlessness, coupled with harsh self-criticism when that impossible standard isn’t met.

For artists, perfectionism shows up as:

• Endlessly tweaking details instead of finishing pieces
• Comparing your rough drafts to others’ finished masterpieces
• Procrastinating on projects because you’re afraid they won’t be “good enough”
• Feeling paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes
• All-or-nothing thinking: if it’s not perfect, it’s worthless

The cruel irony? Perfectionism actually makes our work worse, not better.

When we’re terrified of making mistakes, we play it safe. We stick to what we know.

We stop experimenting, stop growing, stop taking the creative risks that lead to breakthrough moments.

The Hidden Cost of Perfectionism in Art

Perfectionism doesn’t just slow down your creative process—it fundamentally changes the work itself.

Here’s what I’ve learned perfectionism costs us:

Perfectionism Steals Your Authentic Voice

When you’re focused on making everything “perfect,” you start creating what you think others want to see instead of what wants to come through you.

Your authentic voice gets buried under layers of should-be’s and supposed-to’s.

It Kills Experimentation

Art is about exploration, but perfectionism demands certainty. You can’t discover new techniques, styles, or ideas when you’re afraid to make “mistakes.”

It Creates Chronic Dissatisfaction

No piece will ever meet perfectionist standards because those standards are impossible. Perfection does not exist.

You end up feeling disappointed with work that others find beautiful and meaningful.

The Need to be “Perfect” Feeds Creative Blocks

Perfectionism and creative blocks are best friends. When the bar is set impossibly high, it’s easier to not start at all than to risk falling short.

It Robs You of Joy

Being a perfectionist sucks the job right out of the creative process. I know this firsthand.

Creating becomes a source of anxiety instead of play. The process that once brought you alive now feels like a test you’re constantly failing.

Where Perfectionism Comes From (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)

Understanding the roots of perfectionism can help you approach it with compassion instead of more self-criticism.

Perfectionism often develops as a protective mechanism; recognizing this can be the first step toward healing.

Childhood Messages

Many perfectionists received messages early on that their worth was tied to their performance.

Maybe praise only came with achievements, or mistakes were met with disappointment instead of learning opportunities.

Source: The Root of Perfectionism

Fear-Based Thinking

Perfectionism is often rooted in deeper fears: fear of rejection, fear of not being lovable, fear of not mattering.

Creating “perfect” work feels like it might protect us from these painful experiences.

Comparison Culture (Tip: Get off Instagram!)

Social media has amplified our tendency to compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.

We see polished final pieces and assume they came together effortlessly.

Impostor Syndrome

Many artists struggle with feeling like frauds (impostor syndrome), like they don’t deserve to call themselves “real” artists.

Perfectionism becomes a means to prove worthiness through flawless execution.

Signs You’re Stuck in Perfectionist Patterns

Sometimes perfectionism in art is obvious, like when you’ve been working on the same piece for months, unable to call it finished. But often it’s more subtle.

Here are some signs to look for if you think you’re stuck in Perfectionism:

In Your Creative Process

• You spend more time planning than creating
• You restart projects frequently instead of working through challenges
• You have many unfinished pieces because they didn’t meet your standards
• You avoid trying new techniques because you might not be immediately good at them
• You only share work when you think it’s “perfect”

In Your Mindset

• You focus more on what’s wrong with your work than what’s working
• You dismiss compliments with “but if you could see all the mistakes…”
• You feel anxious or stressed while creating instead of energized
• You compare your skill level to artists who’ve been practicing much longer
• You tell yourself you’re “not good enough” to share your work or call yourself an artist

In Your Habits

• You procrastinate starting new projects
• You research techniques endlessly instead of practicing them
• You buy new supplies hoping they’ll make your work better
• You wait for the “perfect” time, space, or mood to create
• You seek constant validation from others about your work

The Mindset Shifts That Changed Everything

Breaking free from perfectionism isn’t about lowering your standards—it’s about changing what you value.

Here are the mindset shifts that have helped my relationship with my creative work:

From “Perfect” to “Present”

Instead of asking “Is this perfect?” I started asking “Am I present with this process?” When I’m fully engaged with what I’m creating in the moment, the outcome takes care of itself.

From “Mistake” to “Discovery”

Every “mistake” became a doorway to something unexpected. That accidental brush stroke or color choice often led to the most interesting parts of a piece.

From “Finished” to “Complete”

A piece doesn’t have to be perfect to be complete.

It just needs to feel whole, like it’s said what it came to say. Sometimes that happens in twenty minutes, sometimes in twenty hours.

From “Good Enough” to “Good Enough is Perfect”

This was the biggest shift: recognizing that when we embrace good enough, we are not settling—it’s a matter of wisdom.

Embracing good enough. It’s knowing when to stop polishing and start sharing.

From “Worthy When Perfect” to “Worthy Because Human”

Your worth as an artist (and as a person) isn’t determined by the quality of your output. You’re worthy of calling yourself an artist simply because you create.

From “Solo Perfectionist” to “Connected Creator”

Perfectionism thrives in isolation.

When I started sharing work-in-progress photos and connecting with other artists, I realized everyone struggles, experiments, and makes “imperfect” work.

Practical Strategies to Beating Perfectionism as an Artist

Changing deeply ingrained patterns takes practice. So don’t forget to give yourself grace. We are all works in progress.

Move from perfectionist paralysis to creative freedom:

Set Time Limits

Give yourself a specific amount of time to work on something, then stop.

This forces you to focus on progress instead of perfection. Start with short sessions—even 20 minutes can be transformative.

Embrace the “Good Enough” Finish

Practice finishing things at 80% instead of 100%. Share them anyway.

You’ll be amazed at how often others can’t see what you consider “unfinished.”

Create Volume, Not Perfection

Focus on quantity for a while.

Make one small thing every day for a month. When you’re creating regularly, the pressure on each piece decreases dramatically.

Try the “Ugly Art” Challenge

Deliberately make something “ugly” or “bad.”

Give yourself permission to create without trying to make it beautiful. This exercise is incredibly freeing and often produces surprisingly compelling work.

Use Imperfect Materials

Work with cheaper supplies, found objects, or materials that aren’t precious.

When the canvas costs $2 instead of $20, you’re more likely to experiment freely.

Share Before You’re Ready

Post work-in-progress photos. Share sketches and experiments.

Let people see your process, not just your polished outcomes. This normalizes imperfection and builds community.

Practice Self-Compassion

Talk to yourself like you would a dear friend. When you notice harsh self-criticism, pause and ask: “Would I say this to someone I love?”

Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge every step: starting, experimenting, problem-solving, finishing. The process deserves celebration, not just the final product.

Work in Series

Create multiple pieces around the same theme or subject. T

his takes pressure off any single piece to be “the one” and lets you explore variations and improvements naturally.

Set “Done” Rules

Decide in advance what “finished” looks like.

Maybe it’s when you’ve worked for two hours, or when you’ve addressed the main focal point, or when you’ve tried three different approaches.

Having clear completion criteria helps you stop tweaking endlessly.

The “Good Enough” Philosophy in Action

Learning to embrace “good enough” doesn’t mean becoming sloppy or careless.

It means understanding that completion is often more valuable than perfection. Here’s how to apply this philosophy:

Recognize Diminishing Returns

There’s a point in every creative project where additional tweaking doesn’t improve the work significantly.

Learning to recognize this point and stop there is a crucial skill.

Focus on the Essence

Ask yourself: “What is this piece trying to communicate?” If that essence is clear, the piece is likely ready, even if you can see areas that could be refined.

Consider Your Growth Journey

Sometimes a piece is “good enough” for where you are in your artistic development.

Instead of endlessly trying to make it match your aspirations, finish it and start something new. Your next piece will benefit from what you learned.

Think About Your Audience

Often what feels “unfinished” to you is completely satisfying to others.

Remember that viewers don’t have access to your original vision—they’re seeing your work with fresh eyes.

Value the Learning

Every finished piece teaches you something, even if it’s not perfect.

An imperfect completed work teaches you more than a perfect work that never gets finished.

Tools and Techniques for Recovering Perfectionists

Here are some practical tools I’ve found helpful in my perfectionism recovery:

The “Progress Over Perfection” Mantra

When I catch myself getting stuck in perfectionist mode, I repeat: “Progress over perfection.” It’s a gentle reminder to keep moving forward.

The Two-Minute Rule

If I can improve something in two minutes or less, I’ll do it.

If it would take longer, I accept it as is. This prevents endless tweaking sessions.

The “What Would I Tell a Friend?” Check

When I’m being overly critical of my work, I ask what I would say if a friend showed me the same piece. This helps me access more compassionate, realistic feedback.

Regular “Done” Declarations

I literally say out loud: “This piece is done.” It’s a ritual that helps me mentally release attachment to further changes.

Progress Documentation

I take photos throughout my creative process. Looking back at earlier stages often shows me how far the piece has come and helps me recognize when it’s complete.

The “Next Piece” Mindset

Instead of trying to put everything into one perfect piece, I remind myself that I’ll have many opportunities to explore ideas.

This piece doesn’t have to carry the weight of expressing everything I want to say.

Books That Helped Me Heal Perfectionism in My Art and in My Life

These books were game-changers in my journey away from perfectionism:

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown – Essential reading on letting go of perfectionism and embracing vulnerability.

Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland – Addresses the fears that stop artists from creating and sharing their work.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – Explores creative courage and working with fear instead of against it.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – Tackles resistance, which often manifests as perfectionism.

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown – About the courage to be vulnerable and imperfect.

Creating Your Own “Good Enough is Perfect” Practice

Breaking free from perfectionism is a practice, not a one-time decision. It’s something I have to work on every day.

Here’s how to build your own sustainable approach to Good Enough is Perfect:

Start Small

Choose low-stakes projects to practice with. Maybe it’s daily sketches or five-minute poems. Build your “good enough” muscle with work that feels less precious.

Create Completion Rituals

Develop a routine for finishing work. Maybe you sign it, photograph it, and put it away. Having a ritual helps you mentally release the piece.

Build a Support Network

Connect with other artists who understand the struggle. I just joined “the Studio” via Art2Life, and I’m loving it!

Practice Self-Forgiveness

You’ll slip back into perfectionist habits sometimes. Instead of judging yourself for it, notice it with compassion and gently redirect your energy toward progress.

Remember: Grace, grace, grace.

When Good Enough is Actually Perfect

Here’s the truth I wish someone had told me years ago: sometimes your “good enough” work is exactly what the world needs.

That piece you think is flawed might be the one that speaks directly to someone’s heart.

That poem you almost didn’t share might be exactly what someone needed to hear.

Your imperfect work carries something precious: your humanity. And in a world full of curated perfection, authenticity is revolutionary.

The goal isn’t to stop caring about quality—it’s to stop letting the pursuit of perfection prevent you from sharing your gifts with the world.

FAQ: Beating Perfectionism as an Artist

How do I know if my standards are too high?

If your standards prevent you from finishing or sharing work, they’re likely too high. Healthy standards motivate growth; perfectionist standards create paralysis.

What if people judge my “imperfect” work?

Some might, but many more will connect with your authenticity. The people whose opinions matter will appreciate your courage to share honest work.

Doesn’t “good enough” mean I’m settling?

Not at all. “Good enough” means recognizing when something has fulfilled its purpose. It’s wisdom, not laziness.

How do I stop comparing my work to others?

Firstly, comparison is the thief of joy! 100% truth!

And remember that you’re comparing your rough drafts to their finished pieces. Focus on your growth journey rather than external comparisons.

What if my perfectionism motivates me to do better work?

True motivation feels energizing and sustainable.

Perfectionism feels anxious and exhausting. There’s a difference between healthy striving and perfectionist driving.

Final Thoughts: Freedom From Perfectionism and in “Good Enough”

‘ll be honest with you—some days I still catch myself obsessing over a single brushstroke or second-guessing a color choice.

Recovery from perfectionism isn’t a straight line, and that’s okay too.

But here’s what I know now that I wish I’d known years ago: perfectionism promises control, but it delivers paralysis.

“Good enough” offers something infinitely better: freedom.

Freedom to experiment without fear. Freedom to fail forward. Freedom to grow at your own pace. Freedom to share your work before it feels “ready.”

Freedom to be beautifully, messily human in your art.

Your creativity was never meant to be perfect—it was meant to be yours. That unique way you see light, the particular emotions you pour into your work, even those little “imperfections” that make you want to start over—these aren’t flaws to be corrected.

They’re your creative fingerprint, and the world needs exactly that.

At 63 years old, I often think about all the pieces I never finished, all the ideas I never shared, all the joy I missed because I was chasing an impossible standard. Perfection.

Don’t let perfectionism steal another day of your creative life.

Your creativity is a gift. Don’t let perfectionism keep you from unwrapping it.

XO, Christine