Perfectionism Is Killing Your Art: Here’s How to Create Freely

Listen to Perfectionism Is Killing Your Art: Here’s How to Let Go and Create Freely:

Let me guess.

You’ve got folders full of unfinished drafts.
Voice notes you haven’t listened back to.
An idea that’s been brewing for months… but still hasn’t seen the light of day.

You tell yourself you’re waiting for the right moment.

But let’s be honest—you’re waiting for it to be perfect.

Here’s the truth:

Perfectionism is not driving your creativity forward. It’s keeping it locked in a holding pattern.

In this post, I’m sharing the real reason perfectionism is sabotaging your art—and the mindset shift that will help you start creating (and sharing) again… freely, and without fear.

🧠 What Perfectionism in Art Really Is

Perfectionism Is Killing Your Art: Here’s How to Let Go and Create Freely

Perfectionism gets praised as discipline or excellence.

But for artists, it often masks something deeper: fear.
Fear of not being good enough. Fear of being judged. Fear of finally being seen.

And it shows up like this:

“I’ll post that once it’s better.”
“This idea isn’t ready yet.”
“What if this sucks?”

Sound familiar?

Perfectionism isn’t helping you improve.
It’s keeping you from even starting.

🎭 How Perfectionism is Blocking Your Creative Growth

Let’s get real about the damage perfectionism is doing:

1. It delays your growth.

You can’t grow from work that stays in your head.

2. It steals your joy.

Art becomes pressure, not play.

3. It hides your voice.

Your people can’t connect with what you don’t share.

4. It fuels comparison.

You’re constantly measuring yourself against others—usually people with totally different paths, timelines, or resources.

🧩 A Story You Might Relate To

Let me tell you about Rosa (name changed), a talented singer and mother of two.

She loved singing. Trained for years. But after a long break, she didn’t feel like she could post anything online unless it was perfect.
She told me, “I just don’t sound like I used to before kids. I’m not sure I deserve to share this anymore.”

That’s the lie perfectionism tells us:

That if we’re not our best-ever selves, we have no business showing up at all.

The moment Rosa posted a raw, honest performance—even with imperfections—she got flooded with messages. People felt it. Because it was real.

✨ What If You Let “Messy” Be the Goal?

Want to know one of the most freeing mindset shifts I give my coaching clients?

Make bad art—on purpose.

Seriously.

Instead of trying to make one perfect thing, commit to making 10 imperfect pieces.

This is how you:

Break through creative blocks
Reignite momentum
And rediscover the fun of the process

You can’t improve a project that doesn’t exist.
You can’t evolve a dance you never rehearse.
You can’t grow from a blank page.

Let your art live. Even if it’s messy.

💡 Try This: A Creative Spark Challenge

Want to move through perfectionism this week?

Here’s your Creative Spark:

Pick one project you’ve been sitting on.
Set a timer for 30 minutes.
Make progress—messy, unfiltered progress.
Share a version before it’s “ready.”

It doesn’t have to be flawless to be felt.

🚀 Ready to Get Unstuck? Here’s Your Next Step.

If you’re struggling to gain momentum in your creative work, I’ve got something for you— a simple, effective way to reconnect with your creativity and start making progress again.

💡 Grab my FREE guide: Stuck in a Creative RUT?
It’s based on life coaching principles and my own journey as an artist—giving you three simple steps to reignite your passion and make real progress.

📩 Get it now at larabiancapilcher.com.