Summary

The article encourages embracing the creation of low-quality work as a means to overcome creative blocks and the pressure of high expectations.

Abstract

The author of the article discusses the common struggle of wanting to create but feeling unmotivated, often leading to procrastination and self-criticism. The article suggests that this creative paralysis stems from the gap between our aspirations and our current output, exacerbated by the high standards we set for ourselves. To combat this, the author proposes an unconventional solution: deliberately producing a large volume of subpar work in a short period. This exercise in creating "shitty work" is intended to break the cycle of inaction by lowering the barrier to entry, thus reigniting one's creative spark and productivity.

Opinions

The author believes that the pressure to produce high-quality work can be debilitating and counterproductive.
High expectations are seen as a significant source of stress and creative inhibition.
The act of producing poor-quality work quickly and in volume is presented as a liberating and effective strategy to overcome creative blocks.
The author suggests that this method can lead to unexpected inspiration and a return to more serious creative endeavors.
There is an underlying assumption that the reader is talented and passionate about their creative work but is currently struggling with productivity.
The article implies that societal pressures, such as the perception of others' productivity on social media, contribute to feelings of inadequacy and creative stagnation.
The author promotes the idea that giving oneself permission to create without judgment can be a transformative experience for one's creative process.

The above artwork is the author’s. He’s very proud of this particular piece and hopes that you don’t steal it before it appears in the MOMA within 2 years. Guaranteed.

The life-changing magic of producing shitty work

It’s annoying when we want to create, but we just can’t be bothered.

It makes us feel bad.

We replace what’s good for us in the long run, with what makes us feel amazing in five minutes. Then we’re back where we started, feeling empty and rather annoyed with ourselves.

We know we need to be productive. Everyone else is pumping stuff out on Instagram, and our damn fingers won’t move.

It feels like we’re slipping backwards with every passing minute.

I don’t know about you, but I’m going to head out for another walk, and maybe grab an ice-cream. I’m just not in the mood to make things, even though I love it when I do, and I’m talented and I shouldn’t be such a brat if I’m doing what I love while people I know work in an office all day.

Hold up, put your coat back on the hook. Don’t leave just yet. Teacher has an assignment for you.

Today I want you to give yourself a small gift.

Permission to do something terribly.

Most stress bubbles up from the uncomfortable awareness of the space between our expectations and where we are right now (yucky, I know).

We don’t act. Not because we’re stupid and lazy, but because we have such high standards.

Take a deep breath.

I want you to very rudely ignore everyone for at least ten minutes today to…

…produce utterly crap work.

As much of it as you can, quickly. Speed is of the essence here, but so is volume.

If you write, write absolute tripe for a good ten minutes, on purpose, and do it quickly.

If you design logos, make really bad sketches, but make a lot of them. Fill three pages of your sketchbook with awful, embarrassing scrawlings and go fast.

If you paint, throw on some music, take out a brush and your favourite colour, and very conscientiously, lose your mind.

If you take pictures, get your camera, take your marks, get set, and run around your block taking the worst pictures you can muster the courage to bring into existence.

You did it.

But wait, you don’t feel like stopping? The process has given you an idea for something. You continue sketching. Your fingers and your hands are moving now.

And you’re back in the game.

🔆

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