Embracing the Unexpected
For years, I hesitated to call myself an artist. Coming from a background in graphic design and marketing, where precision and perfection were the norm, I struggled to embrace art as something fluid and imperfect. I was used to planning, refining, and making sure everything was “just right.” But art—true, intuitive art—doesn’t always work that way. And it wasn’t until I discovered gel plate printing that I truly understood the power of letting go.
The Limitations of Perfectionism
Perfectionism can feel like a safety net, but in reality, it’s a creative cage. It keeps us second-guessing, overanalyzing, and afraid to take risks. Instead of exploring new ideas, we stay in our comfort zones, afraid of making mistakes. But mistakes are often where the magic happens.
In my early days of gel printing, I wanted control—I tried to predict exactly how a print would turn out, carefully layering my paints and stencils, expecting a polished result. But gel printing doesn’t work that way. The paint interacts in unexpected ways. The layers reveal surprises. Sometimes the best results come from what I initially saw as a mistake—a color blending differently than I imagined, a ghost print pulling up unexpected textures, or a composition that only made sense after stepping back.
The Beauty of Happy Accidents
Some of my favorite prints—the ones that truly take my breath away—were the result of complete spontaneity. Maybe I brayered on too much paint, but then pulled a second ghost print that had the perfect amount of texture. Maybe I layered colors without overthinking and discovered a depth I never could have planned. Each “happy accident” became a lesson:
- Trust the process.
- Embrace uncertainty.
- Let go of rigid expectations.
These moments have not only shaped my art but also my mindset. I’ve learned to enjoy the journey rather than fixating on the destination. Progress, experimentation, and play have become more important than achieving some unattainable idea of perfection.
Awe in the Unpredictable
There’s a certain awe that comes from witnessing what paint, paper, and pressure can create. The way colors merge, the unexpected patterns that emerge, the layers that build depth—it’s like the art has a voice of its own. And when I step back and realize that something truly special has come from a process I didn’t fully control, I feel deeply connected to the act of creating.
If perfectionism has ever held you back, I encourage you to let go—even just a little. Try a medium that doesn’t allow for complete control, whether it’s gel printing, watercolor, or collage. Allow yourself to experiment without judgment. The more you embrace the unknown, the more you’ll discover about yourself as an artist.
Progress over perfection—that’s where the real creativity lives.
