Jens Heitland

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Embracing Imperfection: The Journey of Creation

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Embracing Imperfection: The Journey of Creation

In today's hyper-focused world, where the pursuit of perfection often overshadows the raw, unrefined process of creation, I'd like to share a profound insight: make garbage. Yes, you read that right. Embrace the imperfect, the unpolished, the "not-ready-for-the-world" creations. Dive deep into the chaotic process of trial and error, because this is where the magic truly unfolds.

1. Embrace the Rough Drafts

It might come as a surprise, but the grandest of projects often begin as scribbles, barely recognizable as the marvel they later become. For instance, even when I'm working on an elaborate, epic projection, I go through hundreds of sketches and ideas. Most of them? Well, they never see the light of day. And that's okay. It's in this frenzied act of creation that the essence of the idea emerges. As Natalia rightly pointed out, perfection is not the starting point.

2. The Power of Volume

The sheer act of producing a lot can help you refine your craft. Let's be honest; not everything we create will be a masterpiece. However, each piece, each draft, and each "bad" work plays a role in our journey towards that magnum opus. So, produce more, filter less in the initial stages. The diamonds will reveal themselves amidst the coal.

3. Seek Inspiration Everywhere

Our world is bursting at the seams with creativity. While it's essential to hone our craft and master our domain, it's equally vital to step out of our bubbles. I've often found myself captivated by art forms completely unrelated to my field. Be it a craftsman making art with colored nails and string or an avant-garde installation artist, there's inspiration to be found in the most unexpected places.

To wrap it up, if there's one thing I'd like you to take away, it's this: In the pursuit of perfection, do not lose the joy of creation. Dive into the messy process, explore uncharted territories, and remember that every masterpiece was once a simple idea, waiting to be brought to life.

Check out the full Episode here.