Embrace your flaws

On how flaws can help your art resonate

I was reviewing some of my highlights this morning when I came across this quote by Rick Rubin in The Creative Act:

Flaws are human, and the attraction of art is the humanity held in it. If we were machinelike, the art wouldn't resonate. It would be soulless. With life comes pain, insecurity, and fear. We're all different and we're all imperfect, and the imperfections are what makes each of us and our work interesting. We create pieces reflective of who we are, and if insecurity is part of who we are, then our work will have a greater degree of truth in it as a result. The making of art is not a competitive act. Our work is representative of the self.

It's a good reminder to myself: perfect isn't human.

If you want to produce work that resonates with someone, embrace your quirks and flaws. Lean into vulnerability. When your frequency is pure, you'll have a better chance of attracting the kind of people you want anyway.

Share what you have. Leave perfection to the machines.