The Case for "Bad Art"

(and to stop being arrogant pricks)

I recently read a piece on Substack where the writer said something like, “Writing poetry on your Notes app does not make you a writer." They went on to spew some garble about how much mediocre art there is in the world. I didn’t anticipate how irate I would feel. It’s not the first time I’ve read or heard sentiments like this, and it will not be the last, but here’s 7 reasons why we should make “bad” art, why we should claim our artistry, and why being an arrogant prick about art is energy-wasting behavior.

1. We Are Creative Beings

And we are allowed to express ourselves. Every person on Earth has creative energy within them. It is not our job to police other people’s creativity, nor to decide whether a creation is “worthy” or not. We ourselves are creations; Tampering down our creative drive goes against our nature.

2. We All Have to Start Somewhere

Everybody has to start at the beginning. Our creations are usually very different when we first start out versus when we’ve been creating for years. It isn’t embarrassing or shameful to learn a new craft or to nurture one that already interests you. Anybody that makes you feel otherwise needs to unpack some things. Do not hold yourself back from learning or bringing new things into the world because you fear judgment. And remember: these judgements are not about you – they are about the judger. Therefore, their commentary is irrelevant to you.

3. Art Is Subjective

Not all art is to everyone's taste. What has value for one person will not have value for another. Some people love Taylor Swift. Other people can’t stand her. Regardless of the haters, she is still one of the best-selling artists of all time. Who’s right? The lovers, or the haters? The answer is: Neither! Art is about resonance; Not everyone will resonate with the same things at the same time or in the same way. Unless art is actively harming people, there is no issue.

4. Art Is for Everyone

Stop the gatekeeping! Art is not only reserved for a small group of “extra special” or privileged individuals. If you want to be a writer, be a writer. If you want to be an artist, be an artist. You are allowed to claim these identities.

I've been writing for easily over a decade, and yet it took me a lifetime to claim to be a writer. For years I refrained from sharing my work because I was terrified that I wasn’t talented or intelligent enough to own the title. Don’t waste time like I did. It doesn't matter what other people think. If they don’t like it, then it isn’t for them. Don't let the judgments of others take away your agency.

5. Creating Is FUN

Okay okay, it isn’t always fun — but it can be! And even when it isn’t, the act of making something always has valuable lessons to teach us. Creating has taught me so much about patience, love, discipline, and freedom. If you feel the call to produce, you owe it to yourself to try. We don’t know if we get more than this current life. Use it to the fullest and have fun making what you want to make.

6. Your Creation Is a Chain Reaction

When you give yourself the permission to create, you inspire those around you to do the same. You’ll also trigger some people – like the Notes app hater. Write that poem. Post that essay. Record that song. Knit that quilt. If your soul is calling you to do this, do yourself a favor and honor it. When I was a child I would sometimes observe my mother painting, or passively doodling on scraps of paper. A talented artist herself, watching her gave me the inspiration to explore art for myself. And now, I want to give that same inspiration to you.

7. You Gain Nothing From Being a Hater

In fact, you lose. I myself have been stuck inside the hater mental loop many times before, especially before I could “claim” to be an artist. I felt annoyed and threatened by those I felt were “less” talented than me claiming the title. What I didn’t know was that they weren’t the problem – I was. Instead of being upset at them for wearing a title I wanted, I could have taken it for myself all along! The reality is that I was envious of the confidence and audacity they had to freely create while I was holding myself back.

Look, your art isn’t inherently “better” because you’re bringing someone else's down. You do not gain anything valuable from this mentality. When you dim other people’s lights, you dim your own. Save yourself from this energy drain. Your energy is precious. And, as a creator, you need it in bucketfuls. Do not waste it on being hateful. Watch how your creative practice changes when it comes from a place of peace rather than judgment. And, if you don't like someone's art, don’t engage with it! They won't miss you. You’ll feel better for it too.

We are creations, and creation is our birthright. You do not have to be perfect or resonate with everyone, but the folks who do resonate will be so excited to see what you’re cooking up. And so, my angels — go forth and create!