Ask yourself, when has a project ever turned out perfect? Think about it. Perfect?
So often, creatives are on a quest for perfection. Ultimately, this only serves as a roadblock to launching something great. You see, there is always more than one great, creative solution. Brainstorm a few ideas, pick a palette, pick a layout, choose a tagline, adjust the shadows and gradients, and send it out. Solve the problem. The trouble is that we end up in a never ending circle of tweaking, re-doing, reviewing, discussing, pretending that we can achieve a “perfect” solution. There is no perfect solution for any project, but there are many “right” ways, and “great” ways to finish the project and get it out the door.
I believe that great ideas turn to great products/solutions when one works hard on a few possible solutions, lays them out, picks one, and sends it out. Not when those solutions are laid out, rearranged, thrown out, and the process begins all over again. Having something out there is almost always better than having nothing out there.
Don’t let the frustrating quest for perfection stop you from doing something really great.
Food for thought.
I’m always reminding myself of this!
You’re exactly right Jordan. Great observation and advice. Sometimes I will fuss and fuss over something for so long that I delay finishing it or never finish it at all. I like how Seth Godin recommends that you should give it your best effort, then “ship it”. You can be much more productive if you apply this advice. If you notice in the office we will often say “Let’s just ship it!”
Thanks for the note Blake. I have noticed you guys saying that. I think it’s great that we always keep it in mind no matter what the project is.