The Art of Accepting Imperfection
Perfection isn’t the goal; authenticity is.
Embracing the Beautifully Imperfect
Let me ask you something: When was the last time you gave yourself permission to create something imperfect? Think about it. We live in a world that worships polished Instagram feeds and flawless final products, but what if I told you that imperfection is where the magic happens?
Take Vincent van Gogh. Did you know he created The Starry Night from a mental asylum, working with what he had, in a state far from perfection? He didn’t wait for the “perfect moment” or the “perfect tools”—he just created. And today, we celebrate his imperfections as brilliance.
So, here’s the twist: What if your imperfections—the cracks in your process, the wobbly lines, the messy drafts—are the most authentic parts of your art? The pivotal part that is making your art YOURS?
The Beauty of Imperfection
Let me introduce you to the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi: the art of finding beauty in imperfection. This Buddhist philosophy comes from the approach that there's not such a thing as symmetrical or perfect. It embodies the beauty of things that are flawed, asymmetrical and transient. It teaches us that cracks, flaws, and unfinished edges tell stories—they add depth, character, and humanity.
Think of a bowl
mended with gold in the kintsugi tradition. Its cracks aren’t hidden; they’re celebrated, becoming the most valuable part of the piece.
Wabi-sabi principles were later on embraced in Japanese tea ceremonies, particulary in 15th century by tea master Sen no Rikyū, who is often credited with embedding wabi-sabi into the Japanese culture...mostly how we know it nowadays. If this way of life excites you, you can read more in the book of the same name from Beth Kempton.
However... why do we so often demand perfection from ourselves? The truth is, striving for perfection often stifles creativity. As Elizabeth Gilbert explains in Big Magic, “Perfectionism is just fear in fancy shoes.” When we insist on getting it “right,” we lose the freedom to explore, to fail, and to learn. And here’s the kicker: art doesn’t want perfect. Art wants real.
Even Leonard Cohen, in his song “Anthem,” reminds us: “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
Flaws Make Art Human
Imperfection isn’t just acceptable—it’s necessary. Think about the artists, writers, and creators you admire. Is it their perfect execution that moves you, or is it the raw emotion in their work, the sense that they’ve poured their flawed, beautiful humanity into it?
When you embrace your flaws, you stop creating for approval and start creating for connection. Your art becomes more than a product—it becomes a reflection of you. And that’s what makes it powerful.
Exercises to Embrace Imperfection
Let’s break free from perfectionism, one step at a time.
Journaling Prompt: Ask yourself:
What imperfections do I see in my art or process?
How can I view these as unique or meaningful?
Write down three “flaws” in your creative work and reframe them as strengths. For example: “My sketches are too rough” becomes “My sketches capture raw energy.”
Intentional Imperfection Exercise: Create something with the goal of making it imperfect. A messy painting, a clunky draft, an unpolished piece. Focus on the process, not the result. Reflect on how it feels to create without the pressure of perfection. I tried this excercise many times and you feel a different kind of freedom. It's really a gem in excercises.
Celebrate the Cracks
Here’s the truth: your imperfections are what make your art yours. They’re what make it human, relatable, and unforgettable.
So the next time you find yourself erasing a line, redoing a stroke, or hesitating to share your work, remember: There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.
Perfection isn’t the goal; authenticity is.
For You and the Community
Today, I want you to try something bold: create something imperfect. Then, if you’re feeling brave, share it with us. Use #ArtCheckout so we can celebrate your unique, authentic work together.
And if you’re ready to embrace the beauty of imperfection every day, follow us on Instagram @ArtCheckout. Let’s remind each other that flaws aren’t failures—they’re gifts.
