Embracing the Mess: Why "Bad" Art is Good for You

Creating art is a wild ride—full of highs, lows, and unexpected detours. We pour our hearts into our work, only to sometimes step back and think, "Well, that’s a disaster." Recently, I had one of those moments. After spending hours on a piece, my textures weren’t working, my paint was cracking, and nothing was going to plan. For a second, my inner critic kicked in, telling me I wasn’t good enough. But then, something shifted—I realised this so-called failure was actually part of the process.

Let’s talk about why making "bad" art is not just inevitable but essential for growth.

Shifting the Perspective on Failure

Art is all about self-expression, but let’s be real—fear of failure can be a huge creativity killer. Studies show that nearly 60% of artists struggle with fear of failure, often leading to creative blocks and self-doubt. So many artists (myself included) feel pressure to make every piece perfect, and social media doesn’t help. Seeing polished, flawless work everywhere can make us feel like we’re the only ones struggling. But here’s the truth: every artist makes mistakes. Every masterpiece has a messy, chaotic backstory. What if, instead of fearing those moments, we saw them as stepping stones? A misplaced brushstroke or a weird colour combo might feel like a disaster at first, but it could also lead to something amazing.

Failure isn’t the enemy—it’s a teacher. Every “ruined” piece is packed with lessons. Maybe that unplanned texture leads to a new technique. Maybe that colour mix-up sparks an idea you wouldn’t have considered otherwise. Even legends like Van Gogh had pieces that were dismissed before they became iconic. Instead of seeing a “bad” painting as a waste, try asking: What can I learn from this? How can I use this mistake to grow? That’s where the magic happens.

Experimentation Leads to Growth

Some of the best art happens when you let go of perfection and just play. When you give yourself permission to experiment, you open the door to unexpected discoveries. Try a new medium, play with bold colours, mix techniques—just for fun.

For example, I recently got into acrylic paint pouring. At first, I thought, “Oh, this’ll be easy.” Spoiler: It wasn’t. Getting the paint consistency right was a whole challenge. One time, I ran out of pouring medium and used water instead. At first, it looked great, but as it dried, deep cracks appeared where the paint was too thick. Turns out, too much water messes with the adhesion qualities within the acrylic paint, causing cracks that can’t be painted over. Frustrating? Absolutely. But now I know better—and I’ll never make that mistake again!

Looks great from a distance, up close however, its a different story

Yikes, cracks appear all over this one. I've definately learned my lesson!

The Reality Behind Social Media

Social media can make it seem like every artist out there is creating perfect work 24/7. But behind those stunning posts are plenty of abandoned projects and “oops” moments. The more we talk about our artistic struggles, the more we break down the illusion of perfection. Sharing the messy, unfiltered side of art helps build a creative space where learning and growth matter more than flawless results.

I always make time for “bad” art—random sketches, abstract colour play, or just filling a page with textures. No pressure, no judgment. Just fun. These moments are where true artistic joy lives, and often, they lead to my best ideas. And honestly? The art world needs more of this. More raw, experimental, imperfect work that celebrates the process rather than just the final product.

Here all I'm doing is drawing lines but I'm playing around with line thickness and orientation, how I'm holding the pencil, and just generally having a bit of fun.

Embracing the Journey

At the end of the day, art is about the journey, not just the end result. Every mistake, every “failed” piece, and every moment of doubt is shaping you into the artist you’re meant to be. The best way to improve is to keep going—keep creating, keep making mistakes, and keep learning.

So grab your brushes, embrace the mess, and remember—every great artist was once a beginner who wasn’t afraid to make “bad” art.

Now, go make something, and don’t worry if it’s a disaster. That’s the fun part!