Make Bad Art — It’s Good for You

Why making bad art is good for you and how to get started.

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I really hate the idea of calling anything you make “bad.” Things might not turn out the way you planned (so often) but that doesn’t mean it’s bad, just that it turned out differently.

But “bad art” is what a lot of people feel like they make, those people who say they aren’t creative and who don’t want to take the time to create because they make bad art.

Even “Bad” Art is Good for YouWhy making bad art is good for you and how to get started.

I’ve been saying for a long time that everyone should take time to create, even if they aren’t completely happy with the results. The act of creation is such an important part of expressing yourself and being human, and of course everything gets easier and “better” as you do it more.

But even if you feel like your art sucks, it is still worth doing, and it’s not just me saying so.

Girija Kaimal, assistant professor of creative arts therapies (how’s that for a job title?) at Drexel Univeristy found that 45 minutes of art making reduced the body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol, even among people who had little artistic experience.

Researchers invited 39 adults to create with various materials for 45 minutes, without further instruction. Their cortisol levels were tested before and after, and they were asked to rate their level of artistic experience before the study began. Just under half said their art experience was limited.

Seventy-five percent of those who participated had lower cortisol levels after making art, and it was particularly stress-relieving for the younger participants, Kaimal said. a spin on productibity

How to Make Bad Art

The good news is you don’t need any special supplies or training to start making art, whether you choose to label it as good or bad.

Have some friends over and throw a bad art party, or just doodle on your calendar at work (maybe not for 45 minutes, but you know what I mean).

Get in there with the kids if you have them, follow their lead or ask them what they think you should make.

Grab a copy of my ebook for newsletter subscribers if you haven’t already; in there you will find 10 quick ideas that require minimal supplies to help you get started making stuff.

How do you make art? Do you call it bad? Or do you just make? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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