Why Perfection Kills Creativity (and What to Do Instead)
Why Perfection Kills Creativity (and What to Do Instead)
Let’s get this out of the way first: perfection is a lie.
A sneaky one. A loud one. And if you’re anything like me, a constant one whispering in your head:
“This isn’t good enough.”
“You should redo that.”
“Don’t share it—it’s not perfect.”
Hi, I’m Izzy—a mom, artist, and recovering perfectionist. I create kawaii art to make people smile, and trust me when I say I’ve had to learn how to let go of perfection just to keep creating. If you’ve ever felt frozen by your own expectations, this blog is for you.
The Problem with Perfection
Perfection tells us:
Wait until you’re “ready.”
Don’t share until it’s “right.”
If it’s not flawless, it’s not worth doing.
But here’s the truth: perfection kills momentum.
It traps you in a loop of overthinking and self-doubt until your ideas fade, your sketchbook stays empty, or your art never leaves the drafts folder.
Perfection doesn’t protect you—it silences you.
What Creativity Actually Needs
Creativity needs:
• Playfulness
• Permission to mess up
• Room to grow
It’s in the crooked lines, silly doodles, and “not quite right” projects that magic starts to happen. Those are the moments when you find your voice, your style, and your joy again.
⸻
Here’s What I Do Instead of Chasing Perfection
1. Create First, Judge Later
When I sketch, I remind myself that I don’t have to love it right away. Not everything needs to be a masterpiece. Sometimes you just need to get it out of your head and onto the page.
2. Set a Time Limit
Giving myself 10 or 15 minutes to create helps stop the spiral. I focus more on flow and less on fuss.
3. Embrace the Ugly Stage
Yes, your art will look weird halfway through—and that’s okay! That awkward middle part is normal for everyone, even pros.
4. Share Imperfectly
One of the scariest and best things I did was start sharing my art before I felt “ready.” Guess what? People loved it. Not because it was perfect—but because it was honest.
⸻
The Truth Is… Progress > Perfection
Every time you choose progress over perfection, you’re building confidence.
You’re telling that voice in your head:
“You don’t control me. I’m creating anyway.”
And that? That’s powerful.
⸻
So If You’re Stuck…
Start small.
Draw something silly.
Write something weird.
Make something just for you.
Then smile, because you created something today—and that’s more than perfect. That’s real.
Bring the chaos to your coloring routine!
Download Kawaii Chaos & Cute Cravings — a 30-page printable coloring book filled with silly snacks, funny moods, and stress-relieving cuteness.
Perfect for all ages and guaranteed to make you smile.
→ Click here to get your copy now!
Just $7 for 30 pages of pure kawaii chaos!
This is a digital download, not a physical product — no snail mail, just instant cuteness delivered straight to your device. Print it, color it, laugh at it, repeat!