In this post, we’re going to embark on a colorful expedition into the world of abstract poster wall art and explore playfully why embracing failures is as important as the bold (digital) brushstrokes on our (digital) canvas.
If there’s one thing the great Bauhaus movement and our Instagram feeds have taught us, it’s that art is an ever-evolving journey. Bauhaus even had a name for it: Probierplatz (A place to try). My personal passion lies in crafting minimal, abstract, and vibrant pieces that breathe life into any room. Inspired by the avant-garde spirit of Bauhaus and the vibrant online community of artists like on Instagram, I’ve come to realize that in the realm of creativity, growth and failure are like two sides of the same (digital) canvas.
Growing Means Failing
In the journey of creation, we’re often reminded of the age-old adage, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’ There’s a gem within this wisdom that doesn’t always get the spotlight: failures, those seemingly discouraging moments, are actually the sturdy stepping stones leading us toward our next masterpiece. Every time we stumble, every time a stroke doesn’t align as we envisioned, we’re taking a step closer to breakthroughs and brilliance. These ‘missteps’ are akin to mixing colors on a palette; sometimes resulting in an unexpected hue that captures the eye, while at other times, revealing an unexpected harmony in the seemingly chaotic blend. This process isn’t just okay – it’s vital, for within the realm of these trials lies the enchanting magic of growth.
Show Your Fails, Be Transparent
Imagine this: you’re working on a piece, and it just isn’t clicking for you. Your first instinct might be to hide it away, deep in the confines of your studio (or shredder). But wait – what if I told you that showing your “not-so-great” works is just as valuable as showcasing your masterpieces? When we open up about our struggles and share our less-than-perfect creations, we’re not just showing vulnerability; we’re inviting others into our creative journey. It takes courage to be transparent, but every artist faces setbacks. And in this vulnerability, you might find the support and insights you need to turn that “failure” into something magnificent. And thus grow.
This is what I often find myself doing. I create a piece that doesn’t entirely exude confidence (for various reasons), yet by putting it out there, I get feedback – or perhaps none at all – and gather insights. It’s a practice that not only shut up my inner critic but also drives me to adopt a process of creating and sharing. I’ve learned to silent the overthinking and hesitations. And yes, there are instances when in hindsight the piece I shared wasn’t truly up to par. But this too is part of the growth mindset and the journey of experience.
Experimentation: Where Learning Meets Unpredictability
Experimentation – the art of wandering into unknown territories armed with nothing but curiosity and a splash of inspiration. Sometimes, these daring endeavors result in true strokes of genius. Other times? Well, not so much. But here’s the secret: each experiment, successful or not, teaches us something new. It’s like trying a new art supply – you never really know how it’ll work until you get your hands dirty. Personally, I draw inspiration from various sources, sketching out the initial idea before letting it morph into something uniquely mine. And even if the end result isn’t a showstopper, the lessons learned along the way are worth their weight in gold.
Many of my final artworks look nothing like what I put on paper in my sketchbook. What happens then is that my first sketch (or sketches) serve as a starting point from which I play and experiment to create the final artwork.
Embracing the Magic: When Playful Accidents Shape Artistry
The whimsical realm of artistic creation, where even the most carefully laid plans can be swept away by the winds of chance. Welcome to the world of playful accidents, those serendipitous moments that dance between intention and unpredictability. As artists, we’ve all experienced those instances where a wayward brushstroke or an unexpected hue takes center stage, giving rise to what the great Bob Ross fondly called ‘happy little accidents.’ These moments of artistic alchemy are not just luck; they’re the universe’s way of weaving its fingers into our creative journey. In these wondrous instances, we don’t just stumble upon mere coincidences – we discover new dimensions of our artistry that we might never have ventured into otherwise. The canvas becomes a playground of discovery, where textures, colors, and compositions intertwine in ways that our planned strokes could never anticipate. So, let’s raise a (digital) paintbrush to these delightful surprises that shape our creative path.
For within these playful accidents lies a truth that every artist should cherish: art is as much about surrendering to the unexpected as it is about crafting the planned. It’s about embracing these whimsical detours as stepping stones, guiding us toward destinations of ingenuity that we might have never reached on our own.
Instagram: More Than Just Likes
In our age of instant feedback and heart-shaped likes, Instagram (or any other online platform) has become more than just a social platform – it’s a window into our creative souls. Whenever I’m at a crossroads with a piece, I often turn to Instagram. Browsing for inspiration, but als for sharing an unfinished piece allows me to tap into the collective creativity of the online community.
The obtained insights and reactions offer fresh perspectives that can guide my next steps. Moreover, Instagram reminds me that perfection is a myth. By sharing early and often, I’ve learned that the majority of the quality is already present in the piece; sometimes, it just needs that extra splash of color or remove something.
So, my fellow artists and color enthusiasts, remember this: every bold (digital) brushstroke, every daring experiment, and every so-called “failure” is a brushstroke on the canvas of your artistic growth. Embrace them, share them, and let them guide you toward the vibrant masterpiece you’re destined to create. After all, it’s not just about the final piece hanging on the wall – it’s about the journey that got you there.
Unveiling Your Creative Signature: Navigating the Quest for Style
As I sought to define my creative identity, I ventured beyond trends, favoring designs aligned with purpose. In my digital poster art journey, the question arose: to embrace exploration or fixate on a personal style? Amid discussions and advice, the prevailing wisdom advocated for exploration. Yet, exploration doesn’t negate individuality. It’s a dynamic process of introspection, experimentation, and growth.
Your style isn’t a destination; it’s a reflection of your creative evolution. Just as an artist hones their brushstroke, your style emerges as you delve into your artistic core. Whether crafting digital posters or venturing into new terrain, the journey of discovering your style weaves your experiences, inspirations, and instincts into a tapestry that’s unmistakably yours.
Summary
In this vivid exploration of (digital) art, the blog post delved into the creative world to illuminate the importance of embracing failures. It underscored the symbiotic relationship between growth and failure, each setback becoming a stepping stone towards future masterpieces. The narrative championed vulnerability, encouraging the transparent sharing of less-than-perfect works, inviting others into the creative journey. Experimentation was celebrated as a learning pathway, acknowledging that even unsuccessful endeavors contribute to an artist’s growth. Instagram’s role (and any other source of inspiration) as a window into creativity was also discussed, demonstrating how early sharing encourages development and challenges the idea of perfection. The article concluded by celebrating the exploration that defines individual style, capturing the enchanting magic of playful accidents that often lead to brilliance.
Until next time, keep failing, keep playing!


