The Importance of Imperfection in Creating
Written by Olivia Longoria. Illustrations by Olivia Longoria.
I recently deleted Instagram from my phone. I still have an account and will occasionally check it from my laptop, but I was tired of how much time scrolling was taking away from me. Something I worried about was keeping up with friends and family, who I don’t necessarily text frequently. I was talking about this in class when one of my classmates suggested I start writing letters instead!
After writing my first letter, I looked over at my sketchbook that was filled with assigned drawings, and ripped out a page. I scribbled with my markers a little scene of cheese, pasta and tomatoes. Sitting at the table with music playing and the porch door open, scribbling, was my favorite part of that week.
After this, I started to include little drawings in all of my letters. The act of sitting down to make a silly drawing became such a peaceful part of my routine. I don’t think I’ll ever stop. Working on my MFA in writing often keeps me from creating for fun. I’m drained of inventive ideas by the end of the school day and typically turn the TV on to zone out. But what the scribbles of tomatoes on the vine and a crooked little plate helped me remember was that I don’t need a groundbreaking idea or the perfect technique to enjoy being creative. What a gift that is.
Now, coloring little scenes is how I rest my brain. It’s so fun! It’s a space just for me: no grade, no critique. I drew things I ate that week, song lyrics and anything really. This little ritual has not only refreshed my joy but has also reinstated my love for watching other people create for fun too. Being in art school, there’s sometimes a certain “be the best or nothing at all” kind of pressure that’s reinforced by an ever-present email notification reminding you to apply for internships and update your LinkedIn or network. Landing an awesome summer opportunity or having one of my Substack posts go viral would be great, but recognition can be fleeting. Fulfillment, though, can be long-lasting if it’s properly nurtured. If I’m telling the truth, I feel the most fulfilled when I’m surrounded by people who share their art just because it makes them happy. I read my classmate Scarlett’s substack, my good friend Eily makes me flower arrangements and I wear a beaded bracelet made by my college roommate, Victoria. To carry with me and in me little tokens of my friend’s artistry feeds me much more than an A+ could.
Olivia is Writing MFA candidate who loves dogs, the perfect cup of coffee, and her curated collection of fun socks. Journalism was her first love and she hopes to pursue a career in it after graduation. Outside of writing for District, she can be found buying pasta at the farmer’s market, reading, or taking her dog, Joey Pepperoni, to the park.
