March 12, 2019

Everything is a draft

I’ve come to the realisation that everything is a draft. Every drawing I do, everything I write, and yes, even every printed book. I’ve published nine books now, and yes, they’ve all been drafts… for my next book, and the one after that, and the one after that.

Once you realise that everything isn’t final, that everything you do is a learning experience and, in most cases (unless you’re a surgeon), not fatal, the pressure’s off. Nothing will ever be perfect, even though, at the time, you truly believe you’re doing your best work. And you are, with the knowledge you’ve got so far.

Now, I look back at my body of work and I can clearly see how much I’ve evolved. How much I didn’t know back then is obvious. In order to do your best work, you’ve just got to do the work. Over and over again. Draft, after draft, after draft.

Other observations
November 5, 2024

Consistent or resistant

Is my aversion to change about my wanting to be consistent? Or, am I actually being resistant and am I losing something because of that?

October 22, 2024

Critically unacclaimed

What do reviews really tell us about the work? Does it matter who’s reviewing?

October 15, 2024

Proper technique

If I’m learning a new art form, do I focus on technical correctness first or building an emotional connection with the medium?

October 8, 2024

The importance of mess

Physical art materials are messy and inconvenient. But isn’t that the point?

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