The Art of Letting Go: Why Making Ugly Stuff is Good for the Soul

Let’s be honest: most of us were taught to fear making “bad” art.

We erase too much. We judge ourselves before the paint even dries. We abandon projects the second they look different from what we imagined. And somewhere along the line, art — something that should feel joyful and freeing — starts to feel… kind of intimidating.

But here’s the truth no one tells you enough:
Making ugly art is one of the healthiest, happiest things you can do.

✂️ First of All, What Even Is Ugly?

Ugly is subjective. What feels like a disaster to you might make someone else smile. But when we say “ugly” here, we mean:

• Messy

• Awkward

• Crooked

• Off-center

• Unfinished

• Wild

• Silly

• Not what you planned

In other words — real, raw, and honest.

🌱 1. It Helps You Practice Without Pressure

When you let go of the idea that every page or painting has to be good, you give yourself permission to try things. Weird things. New things. Things that might not work — but might surprise you.

This is how you learn. Not by getting it right the first time, but by showing up and messing around without fear.

🧠 2. It Quietly Rewires Your Brain

We live in a world that rewards perfection and polish. But real creativity? It’s born in the mess.

Making “bad” art teaches you to:

• Sit with imperfection

• Play without needing an outcome

• Trust your instincts

• Enjoy the process instead of obsessing over the result

That’s not just good for your sketchbook — that’s good for your mental health.

🎈 3. It Feels Like Recess for Grown-Ups

There’s something almost rebellious about picking up crayons and drawing a tree that looks like a blob on stilts — and liking it anyway.

Ugly art is pure fun. It’s low-stakes. It’s paint-splattered freedom. And the best part? You don’t have to show anyone. You can make a whole sketchbook full of chaos and keep it just for you.

💌 4. You Might Accidentally Fall in Love With It

Sometimes, in the middle of a page you thought you hated, you’ll find something beautiful:

• A line that flows just right

• A color that makes your heart lift

• A little scribble that feels so you

Ugly art teaches you to see beauty in unexpected places — including in yourself.

🌈 How to Start Letting Go

Here are a few ways to invite “ugly” into your creative life:

• Set a timer for 10 minutes and draw with your non-dominant hand

• Use up your “bad” supplies — old markers, leftover paint, scrap paper

• Challenge yourself to fill an entire page with something you’re not “good” at

• Make something with your eyes closed

• Give yourself permission to not finish a piece — just enjoy part of it

✨ Final Thought

If you’re waiting until you’re “better at art” to enjoy making it… you’re missing the best part.

Let go of the need for it to be perfect. Let it be lopsided. Let it be loud. Let it be weird and bold and ugly — because in that freedom, you’ll find your real voice.

And that? That’s absolutely beautiful.