Progress is an Antidote to Perfectionism

Graphic designers are notorious for being perfectionists. When we’re inspired and really in the flow, we have a strong drive to create work that completely expresses our vision and our potential. It’s intoxicating when you create something that feels spot on. And because there are aspects of our work that are very technical and detailed, we can get bogged down striving to do everything just right.

The devil is in the details.

That quote has been attributed to Mies van der Rohe, and I probably first heard it in art school. It was meant to focus us on the importance of getting the details right, since visual design can be thrown off by very small mistakes. I have heard that Mies may not of said it, or that the real quote is God is in the details. Either way, this is a great foundation for training future perfectionists. Add in Instagram and glossy media images and down the yellow brick road we go.

Now I interpret that phrase to mean too much focus on the details can kill progress, slow things down, create paralysis and blow the budget.

I still find myself intent on creating excellent work, but I’m far more aware of the line where perfectionism becomes a hazard. I’m able to weigh the value of time spent in perfecting details and make a conscious choice.

An example is around creating Photoshop mockups vs. developing new pattern concepts. I get great satisfaction from seeing my work applied in a 3-D rendering, and I often use existing mock-ups as a starting point. But sometimes I need something that doesn’t exist yet, so I create my own. I always get a sense of accomplishment when I’m done, but talk about time consuming!

At the same time, I’m feeling inspired to start a new pattern collection and that requires a ton of focus and time — plus I love the process. I’m at the sketching point and have good ideas floating in my head that need to be manifested with pencil and paper.

The key for me is to determine what my main goal is: perfection or progress? If I choose perfection, I’d invest a few days to get the mock up perfect then move to the next project. Problem is, at the end of the week I may get one project done yet lose the flow of inspiration on the patterns. If I choose progress, I’d ask myself if the mock up, in its current state, achieves the goal of communicating the concept. How much more value is there in the technical detail - is it really about pride? insecurity? fear of judgement? And what is the value of exploring the pattern designs? Inspiration is a gift, and when I’m in the flow it feels very expansive and alive. Creative exploration leads to pride, security and courage for me.

I’m choosing progress.