Learning to Love Your Imperfect Drawings.

My lines aren’t perfect. They’re pretty wonky.

I start every drawing similar to how I write. I usually write for thirty minutes without rereading anything. It helps me to stay focused and blocks out the doubt.

If I judge what I’ve written too early it stops a complete thought from forming.

I find the same with my drawings. If I draw for thirty minutes without picking the paper up and critiquing it too hard my chances of finishing that drawing are way higher.

My brain, in the past, has gotten in the way of completing work. I’ve told myself something looks or sounds silly when it was just at it’s beginning stages. 

If I’m harsh too prematurely into a project I can completely stunt the forward momentum. That leads to discouragement and fear and that is the root of procrastination.

If I can concentrate for thirty minutes without pause or judgement and allow myself to just make something I am usually kinder to myself in the end. The mistakes or wonky lines become charming little quirks and I keep going.

I tell my daughter when she is frustrated with her little masterpieces, that her mistakes are often my favorite parts. I’m not lying when I tell her that either. I like seeing how her brain rushes to solve a problem visually. I’ve learned to judge my own work using those same eyes.

Be kind to yourself. Keep making things.