Timing will never be perfect if you’re always waiting for it.
The right moment is now
~Vinh Van Lam
In the world of creativity, whether you are an artist, surface designer, or any other kind of creative professional, this quote strikes at the heart of a common struggle: the fear of starting because the timing doesn’t feel right. Many creatives wait for the perfect moment to launch a project, submit their work for licensing, or put their designs out into the world. But the truth is, if you’re always waiting for the perfect conditions, the perfect timing, or until you feel 100% ready, you may never take that crucial step forward.
As artists and designers, your journey to success is not just about talent and vision but also about taking action and seizing opportunities when they arise—even if they don’t seem perfect. The concept of waiting for the right moment can be paralyzing, holding you back from pursuing the projects that could truly define your career. Let’s explore how the mindset behind this quote applies to the creative process and how you can overcome the trap of waiting for “the right time” to act.
The Illusion of Perfect Timing
In the creative industry, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ll launch my portfolio once it’s just a bit more polished,” or “I’ll submit my designs to that licensing agency when I have more experience.” While preparing and improving your work is important, waiting too long for the “perfect” moment can mean missing out on valuable opportunities.
The reality is, there’s never a perfect time. Life is constantly moving, and conditions will never be flawless. If you’re waiting for everything to line up in perfect harmony, you might be waiting forever. The notion of perfect timing is an illusion, especially in the fast-paced world of art and design, where trends shift, tastes evolve, and opportunities may arise and pass quickly.
As a creative, you should adopt the mindset that the present moment is as good as any to take action. Yes, the circumstances may not be ideal. You might feel like your skills could be better, or your project could use a few more tweaks, but by always striving for perfection, you risk stalling your progress.
Overcoming the Fear of Imperfection
One of the biggest reasons creatives wait for the perfect time is the fear of imperfection. This fear is particularly prevalent in artists and designers, where every brushstroke or design detail carries personal significance. But if you wait until every aspect of your work is flawless, you may never share your creations with the world.
In the context of art licensing or surface design, this fear can manifest as hesitation to submit your portfolio to agents, manufacturers, or potential clients. But remember: no portfolio, artwork, or design will ever be truly perfect. The pursuit of perfection can actually stifle creativity, causing you to second-guess yourself and miss out on chances to grow. The key is to understand that progress, not perfection, should be your goal.
Every successful artist or designer started somewhere. They didn’t wait for the stars to align; they put themselves out there, learned from their mistakes, and grew through experience. If you’re always waiting for perfection, you might delay your growth as an artist or designer. Take that leap, submit your work, and know that every opportunity you seize, perfect or not, is a chance to improve and learn.
The Creative Process: It’s About Evolution, Not Perfection
Artists and surface designers are constantly evolving. Your work today may look completely different from what it will be in five years, and that’s okay. The creative process is about evolution—each project you complete adds to your skills, your vision, and your body of work. If you wait for perfection before making a move, you miss out on the process of evolution itself.
Some of the greatest artworks or design collections have emerged not from perfect conditions but from imperfections, trial, and error. The process of creating itself can lead to new discoveries, even from what you might consider a “flawed” starting point. By starting now, even when things don’t feel perfect, you allow yourself room to grow and learn. In contrast, waiting too long can result in stagnation, where the fear of imperfection prevents you from creating anything at all.
As a creative professional, it’s important to embrace the concept of progress over perfection. Every step you take in your creative career, whether it’s releasing a new collection or pitching your work to potential clients, moves you forward. Even if the timing seems off or the work isn’t perfect, the act of doing will teach you more than waiting ever could.
The Importance of Momentum in the Creative Industry
In the fast-changing world of art and design, momentum is critical. Trends, seasons, and consumer preferences shift rapidly, and waiting for the perfect moment can mean losing the momentum you’ve built. If you spend too much time perfecting every detail, the opportunity might pass by. In the competitive creative industry, staying visible and active is key to maintaining relevance.
Momentum breeds opportunities. The more you create and share, the more chances you have to connect with potential clients, collaborators, and audiences. By taking consistent action, even when the timing feels uncertain, you build a body of work and a professional reputation. The industry respects creatives who show up and consistently produce, regardless of whether conditions are ideal.
Taking Action: How to Start Now
So, how can you move past the fear of imperfect timing and start taking action today? Here are some tips for artists, surface designers, and creatives to embrace this mindset:
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Instead of waiting to release your entire portfolio, start with a few pieces. Take small steps toward sharing your work and building your brand, and grow from there.
- Embrace Imperfection: Accept that your work won’t always be perfect, and that’s okay. Mistakes and imperfections are part of the learning process.
- Create a Routine: Build consistency by setting aside regular time for your creative work. This will help you stay in the flow, even when inspiration doesn’t strike.
- Submit Your Work: Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready to pitch your work to clients, galleries, or licensing agents. Start now, and learn from the feedback you receive.
- Stay Open to Opportunities: Be open to seizing opportunities, even if they come at unexpected times. Flexibility and adaptability are essential in the creative industry.
Conclusion: The Right Moment is Now
For artists, surface designers, and all creatives, waiting for the perfect moment is a form of procrastination that holds you back from realizing your potential. The truth is, there is never a perfect time, but there is always the right time—and that time is now. By taking action, embracing imperfection, and pushing forward, you allow yourself to evolve and grow as a creative professional.
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To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders ArtSHINE.com
