Do any of you make art or have creative hobbies? People generally view me as a "creative" person, but because of my rigid and perfectionist tendencies, I don't actually engage in making things often. It's hard for me to start something if I don't have a project in mind, or if I can't see the point in doing it. I'm going to try to do some more free-form exercises, maybe a few times a week, to take the pressure off, and I was wondering if anyone here could relate or had any suggestions.

Thank you! I will try looking at some other artists with similar styles that I want to try out ❤️

Thanks for replying! Yes, that's how I am, too. I will often see things I like and will teach myself how to do them, but will often quit because I finish because it doesn't look as good as my inspiration or because I think it's pointless or I could be doing something else. It's gotten to the point where I won't even start things now because I've spent so much money on materials or classes for things that I just never finished. I appreciate your support because it really is frustrating when it's one of the things I consider myself to have somewhat of a knack for, but I just beat myself up to the point of it being unpleasant. I just watched some art therapy videos on YouTube by a channel called "Thirsty for Art," and this morning I did some coloring in a coloring book, so I'm hoping doing low-pressure activities consistently will help somehow. Crocheting is awesome, btw! I love fabric crafts and think they're so beautiful. Hang in there! ❤️✊

@butwhatif That's the way to do it I think. Start with low effort /low reward stuff and work from there. The thing I struggled with the most when I do finish things was not feeling like it was worth all the effort I put in when I was being pedantic about it so doing really short easy projects has been good for helping me accept finishing a project when it isn't "perfect". Fabric crafts are great aren't they? I made my wedding dress but of course OCD ruined that experience because a year on I still fixate about everything that was wrong with it even though none of the "problems" were visible when I was wearing it.

@jenagade Aw that's such an amazing and special thing to have made yourself! What an impressive skill! And I understand the struggle, but it seems like you have the right approach!