Why Process Matters More Than Perfection

I have always been drawn to the process of making. Whether it’s hand-stitching a lampshade or carving a linocut, there is a calm satisfaction in being fully present with the work. When I first started teaching, I noticed some students worried too much about the final outcome. I often remind them, and myself, that perfection is not the goal.

Over the years, I’ve learned that mistakes and unexpected results are part of the journey. A stitch that wobbles, a print that smudges, or a carving that doesn’t come out perfectly is not failure. These moments are lessons — opportunities to adjust, to experiment, and sometimes to discover something new that I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

Focusing on the process allows us to immerse ourselves in creativity fully. It’s where our ideas evolve, where our hands learn, and where the satisfaction of making comes alive. Enjoying the process doesn’t just improve the work, it enriches the experience of creating. It teaches patience, observation, and how to find joy in the act of making itself.

Until next time,

Moji x