The Ugly Stage of Art

The ugly stage is that messy middle part of the artistic process where a piece doesn’t look finished, but it also doesn’t resemble the vision in your head. It’s the point where many artists—especially beginners—start to panic. You might feel like you’ve ruined it or that you don’t have the skills to pull it together.

The temptation to give up is strong. But if you push through, something magical happens.

Frankie in his ugly stage

Why You Should Work Through the Ugly Stage of Art

Art, much like life, isn’t about perfection. It’s about patience, persistence, and trusting your own ability. When we quit too soon, we never allow a piece to reach its full potential. Here’s why it’s worth working through the ugly stage:

1. It’s Part of the Process – Every great artwork started as a rough sketch, a mess of colors, or an unbalanced composition. Even the most skilled artists go through this stage; the difference is that they know it’s temporary.

2. It Teaches You Resilience – Learning to sit with discomfort and work through self-doubt is one of the most valuable lessons in creativity. When you finish a piece that once felt impossible, you build confidence in your skills.

3. It Allows for Experimentation – The ugly stage is a playground. You can make bold changes, try new techniques, and push boundaries. This is where the real growth happens.

4. The End Result Is Always Worth It – When you finally refine those details, balance the colors, and add those finishing touches, the transformation is incredible. The ugly stage is simply a bridge to something beautiful.

   
   

Embracing the Fun Side of Art

Since today is Friday Freeday—my self-declared day of art play and experimentation—I’m taking my own advice. This evening, I’m putting aside my detailed animal portraits and diving into something completely different: abstract painting with my son. There’s something so freeing about letting go of perfection and just enjoying the act of creating. No pressure, no expectations—just pure artistic play.

So if you’re in the ugly stage of your own project—whether it’s a painting, a piece of writing, or anything else creative—keep going. Believe in your ability to work through it. You might just surprise yourself.

Have you ever struggled with the ugly stage? How do you push through? Let’s chat in the comments!

#TrustTheProcess #TheUglyStage #KeepCreating #FridayFreeday #ArtJourney