EVERYONE Touches Up Their Lettering

For week eighteen in Scribbled Lives and we were asked to create a word chain with words related somehow to calligraphy. HHHMMM!?! I had to read the prompt three of four times, did a piece then deleted it, then ended up with this one. I utilized writing terminology to find one word for each letter of the alphabet, it wasn’t easy. I threw a couple Japanese words in to round out the list. It’s okay…and now it’s time to move on.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to even share this piece, it’s pretty rudimentary. I was once advised to only post my best work. Which means best according to what standard? Me? My husband, my family, my fans, my critics? I decided to post this and use the process as a way to talk about our struggle with perfectionism and failure. Let me share a story…

I was teaching a calligraphy workshop and doing a demonstration in front of the class. One of my letters was not quite right, so I touched it up. A woman in the audience shouted, “WHAT? You can touch up letters??? OH! Thank GOD!” The room burst into laughter and once I finished the demo I facilitated a conversation with the group about perfection. I reminded them that the work they see is the result of much effort and time, not always perfect the first time. I noted, “Just because you see the end result which looks perfect, does not mean it started out that way.” I had a wise teacher once tell me, “If someone tells you they never touch up their lettering, they are a liar. EVERYONE touches up their lettering.”

I share this experience as it reminded me that even the most perfect of perfectionists – a Calligrapher, someone who studies how to write the letter ‘A’ for decades – makes mistakes and has to correct, touch up, or even do a piece over. No one gets it perfect the first, or ever – yet they still create. They have learned how to balance perfection with creativity, allowing flaws, mishaps and disappointments to enhance their work and skills without leaving them huddled in a corner. Sharing this week’s prompt piece was my own struggle with perfection and failure.

I have since told that demonstration story in every class, and every time it gets a laugh. The perception of perfection can be daunting, even frightening. Thinking no one else EVER makes a mistake or smears ink sets a standard that no one can meet. It stunts growth, prevents experimentation, halts risk taking AND impedes us from learning through our mistakes. I never want people to think my work is perfect…so I will say it again…EVERYONE touches up their lettering.

Where are you struggling with perfection? When do you hide your failures and disappointments in order to appear perfect? Whew! That’s a tough act to maintain and forces us to keep that plate spinning eternally. It makes us unapproachable and set us up to lie in order to maintain the illusion. Let it go, no one is perfect. Share your flaws and foibles and be real. People will love you even more as it reminds them you too are a mere mortal. No matter what you may think…EVERYONE touches up their lettering!