The idea of perfection in the hobby is often something that haunts a lot of builders, Warhammer painters, or scale modelers. What if I make a mistake? What if it isn’t popular enough? What if?

What if perfection is a lie?

Perfection isn’t a thing. It doesn’t truly exist, it’s a reaction to expect flawlessness out of ourselves and others. So when we don’t get that reaction we face issues such as anger, irritation, and other dissatisfactions. Often times the “perfectionist” personality falls on the maladaptive spectrum and leaves us bitter and self-critical.

I am one who has often struggled with the concept of “perfectionism”. Frustration when being faced with my so-called “mediocre” feelings. Anger towards myself for not being “the best”. It’s been a journey to overcome those feelings and just roll with the tides.

It creates more pain than it does happiness. When we constantly chase perfection we refuse to acknowledge the progress and growth we make when doing something. It could be painting or applying decals. We get so tied up in making it look “perfect” that we forget how we started and got there. It leaves outgrowth completely.

No one likes to discuss that they can’t do something well. No one was born being good at something besides pooping, and even then someone probably struggled at that. People aren’t born natural airbrushers or decal appliers. It takes time to develop those skills, and even then it’s probably not going to be okay. Ask any famous builder and they can probably point out several things they could do better on a project or skill.

It can often drain our creativity. Makes us a question and be hesitant to try something new because what if it’s not good? This can often lead to a stagnant negative pit in your brain that just drains all those creative juices because we’re often so afraid of judgment.

So you built something and it wasn’t okay. Okay? Mistakes are okay. They’re natural. Bound to happen one way or another. If you can’t fix it now, put it aside till you grow your skills enough to fix it, or don’t fix it at all.

Shorter answer: Just do it! Do the thing you’re worried about doing! 

Another thing that people struggle with, besides mistakes, is comparing themselves to others. So you look up to a builder who has been doing it for, let’s say, ten years. You want to be like them but get frustrated when you can’t yet. That’s okay. It’s not like the experienced builder suddenly woke up with the abilities they did. It took them time, mistakes, and practice to get there. If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out for advice. Most hobbyists will be glad to help or point to some resources available.

Don’t worry about what others might say negatively. Someone’s always bound to try and ruin the vibe. I have many negative comments in my life and they’re nasty. Unnecessary. It’s best to ignore those when you can. Block, report, or whatever helps.

(Now it’s one thing for a competition to try and be the best you can to win but still don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t happen.)

“It’s the imperfections that make something beautiful. That’s what makes it different and unique from everything else.”

Bob Ross

Drop a question or thought below!

Happy Thursday and happy regards!

-J