2 min read

I Don't Like The Word "Good"

I Don't Like The Word "Good"
The words "I don't like the word good" with a rainbow swirly background.

I really love this audio by @kiloblimp on Instagram. This is put perfectly and describes exactly how I felt when I first started art many years ago.

"I don't like the word good. Good is what I wanted to be when I started painting. Good was the unrealistic expectation that I could never meet. Good was a pressure I put on myself constantly and when I didn't find it. Good was the reason I'd given up. Good was the reason that stopped me from failing over and over. Which means good was the reason why I never practiced. Good was the reason I started 100 projects. Good was the reason I never finished them. I chased good and mostly found frustration until I realized that if I stopped looking for good, bad goes away too. And all I have left is the feeling I get for painting without any expectation. And that feels like being free." - Kiloblimp

I don't worry about good anymore. Not worrying about how good my art is, helps me focus on the feeling. The feelings I get when I'm enjoying myself in a flow state. The the freeing feeling I get while I slowly mix colours and finding new techniques to try out. I'm still in the process of finding my "style" as an artist but I think putting the word good and bad aside can allow you to truly explore.

Some of the most beautiful art comes with wonky lines, visible brushstrokes and funky colours. I love this about my art practice now. My creativity is fully out there and I'm able to express myself. When I let go of "good" I was finally able to share my art with the world. It enabled me to do more art and discover things about myself that has shaped my art today.

ADHD Changed My Art Style
I found myself leaving a lot of projects unfinished which made me feel discouraged to create more art. This made me sad.

If you are struggling with not feeling good enough or wanting things to be perfect. This is a great reminder that art can be anything you want it to be. Focus on your process and feelings, leaving the judgement behind. I promise you'll enjoy art a lot more this way.