Perfection Is Overrated: Finding Freedom in 'Ugly' Art Journal Pages
Today, an interesting topic came up in my New Year, New Layers art journaling group. It was a question of knowing when to stop before the page becomes "ugly," which is a common concern and, upon further study, really becomes a deeper topic of self-criticism and where this comes from.
It is interesting that we should even care what our art journaling page looks like—it is private, after all, not intended for showing to anyone unless we decide to. But this is a common concern and happens to all of us, definitely including me. Many times, while working on a page, I've started to fall in love with what I was creating. And then, it might be a quick, unruly brush stroke or a slow progression of change, the page becomes much less beautiful, and I feel disappointment, frustration, or any number of feelings brewing.
Through experience over my time art journaling, I've learned to notice this self-judgement creeping into my consciousness. I don't always catch it quickly, but once I do, I am grateful. Grateful because this is a precious learning moment, and I am about to grow. Art journaling is about so much more than the art itself—it opens up a pinhole of light onto how we approach creativity, self-expression, and even how we treat ourselves. When that negativity comes up, it is not a bad thing. Instead, handled with care, it helps us by shining a light on a deeper fear of imperfection, a need for control, or the desire to meet an invisible standard that we (and society) have set for ourselves. Art journaling isn’t about the look of your page; it’s about exploration, growth, and allowing ourselves to notice what comes, no matter how “messy” or “ugly” it might seem.
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I now understand that the moments when I feel frustrated about what's on my page, or a general sense of self-judgment creeping in, are actually the perfect time to pause and reflect. Why do I feel the need for this page to be "pretty"? What am I afraid of? And what would it feel like to let go of that need?
Perfection is boring! In my moments of inner critique, I remind myself of the beautiful uniqueness of imperfection and the value that lives in the process of creating something from nothing.
After I've paused to reflect, I have several options: I might start again and layer over the page with new materials, embrace the imperfections and continue with this page, or simply let it be, knowing that the act of creation itself is meaningful, regardless of the outcome. These moments teach us patience, self-compassion, and the courage to keep going—qualities that influence our lives far beyond our art journals and into the rest of our lives.
What does this bring up for you? Have you noticed similar patterns in your own creative practice or in other parts of your life?
Art Journaling is even better with a group!
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