🎧 Listen to this episode of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist Podcast:
“Why Bad Art Is Good for Your Creative Growth” on:
Messy work. Brave choices. Real momentum.
You want to grow creatively.
But you might be holding back because the early stages of making feel… well, a little ugly.
You’re not alone.
Dancers, writers, singers, actors, visual artists—we all face that inner voice:
“This isn’t good enough.”
“What if I embarrass myself?”
“What if this is… bad?”
But here’s the truth: bad art is not failure.
It’s feedback. It’s foundation. It’s a start.
Why We Fear Bad Art (And Why That’s a Problem)
Many artists are taught to perform, polish, and perfect.
But no one talks about the part before the magic—the messy, cringe-y, unclear first drafts.
When you avoid making anything “bad,” you also avoid making anything real.
Whether it’s:
- the first take of your monologue
- a lumpy clay pot
- an off-key melody
- a bloated book draft (yep, I’ll come back to this…)
The willingness to make “bad” art is what leads to growth.
My Story: The Book That Wasn’t Good (Yet)
When I wrote the first version of my book, it wasn’t great.
It was long. Unfocused. A little clunky.
But it was the first time I was writing at that level. And I showed up anyway.
Here’s what happened after:
- I rewrote it
- I got feedback
- I faced rejection
- I got coaching
- I rewrote again
And eventually… I signed a publishing deal.
If I had waited until it was “good enough,” none of that would’ve happened.
That “bad” first version?
It was the beginning of something better.
3 Reasons Bad Art Leads to Real Growth
1. Bad Art Creates Data
You learn what works—by trying things that don’t.
That awkward scene you cut? Taught you about rhythm.
That off painting? Helped you find your color voice.
That flop of a dance? Reconnected you with your body’s truth.
2. Bad Art Builds Bravery
Anyone can edit a perfect draft that doesn’t exist.
Real courage is making something raw—and letting it exist before it’s ready.
It’s not failure.
It’s creative leadership.
3. Bad Art Clears the Path
Stuck in perfectionism? Make something fast and intentionally flawed.
You’ll often find:
Momentum > Mastery.
Clarity comes from motion, not from obsessing over invisible lines.
💛 Need Help Getting Unstuck?
If everything you make feels “bad” lately… you’re not broken. You’re probably just in the part where growth is happening.
🎁 Grab my free guide:
Stuck in a Creative RUT?
Inside are 3 simple strategies to help you move forward—even if you’re not feeling it yet.
🎧 Ready to listen to the full episode?
🎧 Listen to this episode of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist Podcast:
“Why Bad Art Is Good for Your Creative Growth” on:
With you on the journey,
Lara, Life and Creativity Coach 💛
Build a life of love, purpose, adventure & boundless creativity!