I spent a portion of my winter break sorting through boxes of belongings I packed up before heading off to college. As I sifted through old memories, I stumbled across paint canvases from my early years of high school. The half-finished works were caked with thick layers of acrylic. Muddied colors sat as reminders of my impatience; I knew what needed to be fixed and had to fix it immediately. I had no time to waste staring at imperfections. Although I always hoped the paint would dry quicker than expected, it never did. The more I painted, the worse my art seemed to get. Each piece I started eventually became too far gone for me to salvage. 

Comparing ourselves to others and striving for perfection come second nature to many of us. When done in a healthy way, the two can be sources of motivation to better oneself. Just as easily, however, the two can cause burn out and dissatisfaction for those indulging in the practices. 

I have experienced the latter for much of my life, especially when it comes to my art. It’s challenging to create anything you’re proud of when all you see in your work is mistake after mistake. “This line is too thick. This one is too thin. This shade of blue is too dull. My linework is sloppy here, here, and here.” My mind can’t help but point out every little flaw.  

When you analyze the work of others, you don’t see those imperfections. It’s almost as if there aren’t any. How can you be proud of something when another person can do the same thing so much better? 

When Common Grounds moved to its current location, the long dry erase board lining one of its walls quickly became my resource for breaking these unhealthy mindsets. 

I have spent hours doodling all over the space. In some creations, I strive to create something beautiful. In others, I create something nonsensical for the amusement of myself and others. Other times, I use the space to clear my head from the stress of college; my work is as messy as my mind. 

What I love most about this wall is that everything on it is temporary. The creations exist only until another person comes and clears the canvas. The anxiety of creating something perfect disappears when you know your work may only exist for a few minutes. There’s no point in comparing your art to others when all of it, regardless of the time spent making it, will eventually be erased. It feels good to let go of such heavy pressures and simply enjoy the process of creation. 

To those like me who strive for perfection and can’t help but compare yourself to others, take some time to draw on a dry erase board. Have fun and appreciate what you create. Recognize the messiness of the medium and embrace it. Don’t be critical of the end result, but be thankful for the time spent practicing your craft. The work is only temporary, appreciate it while you can.