How to know when an artwork is finished

"Half of art is knowing when to stop." -Arthur William Radford

Starting a project can be very difficult, but reaching the end can also be a discerning struggle. All creativity is a process, but the stages of completion are not as neatly outlined compared to that of the scientific method. When a project is in a stage of potential final draft, or edit-- what makes it complete at this point? Certain facts are obvious: complete sentences, correct grammar, no gaps in editing timeline, a fully drawn out figure, etc. There’s something, however, beyond the physical completion alone. Many times things look “finished” and we know they are not. That line doesn’t flow. The figure looks off. This scene sticks out (not in a good way). There is something within us that ultimately makes these decisions to fix and keep going or to stop and move on to the next project whilst enjoying this piece’s end. What is this inner guidance? Is it style, intuition, or just the innate sense within your personality? Whatever the awareness is, it definitely exists. This awareness is important because it allows you to create a piece to your own standards, and to push past beyond mediocrity. You develop and grow your craft and provide yourself the sense of effort and accomplishment through these creative journeys.

I should warn, though, there is a pitfall in the path of “wanting this to be right”. The need to have “things right” or “something perfect”, can morph into a repeating cycle. This quest for excellence actually becomes counterproductive. I think it’s a naïve attitude in the ever learning creative process. The wiser creator knows when to step away, by logic or feeling, it doesn’t matter. The wise one accepts and moves on to other elements of the current work to fulfill its completion. In doing so, the apparent problem can resolve itself instead of being forced to a resolution. Or the flaw is analyzed in regards to the piece, is accepted, and the artist moves on. It’s a delicate balancing act of passion and perseverance verses frustration and despair. Furthermore, I think this quest of perfection is a mask for fear and doubt to wear inside your head. These thoughts and emotions form a guise under false claims. Such as, “this has to be perfect; people will see this and judge me”, “this isn’t good enough to show, because I’m not good enough”, “this isn’t working, I’ll never be able to finish this” among others. It’s good to step back and reflect on your art and yourself. Be aware of their fallacies. Sometimes, this is the opportunity to take a break. Then give it another go with fresh eyes a bit later. (This doesn’t mean avoid the piece altogether. How do you learn then?)

A complete work is not one that is perfect, in the sense that is free of flaws. I believe you can make a perfect work, but not by the definition of the word. Rather, the feeling you get from the work. Things can be perfect, by your own definition: perfect for you rather than the false unrequited standard of perfection. The feeling of knowing that you are happy with how everything is as a whole, and how nothing, external or internal, can change how your piece makes you feel: proud, accomplished, content. Criticism can provide new insight to a work, but it doesn’t void the value you put and feel within that work. A finished piece is a work in which the materials you have perform well enough to convey what you wanted to say. It satisfies your intent or purpose. Ups and downs are part of the creative process, and there is no set method to determine if the artwork is finished. Only you can make that decision. The only thing I can say with total conviction is: persevere and decide.

- Have you used the material to the best it can be?

- Have you met your required elements of form, from the textbook sense of completeness?

- Does the piece say what you want it to say?

- Are you happy with the work, as a collective whole (not knit-picking)?

Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Art is never finished, only abandoned”. Perhaps, this is true by the act of leaving the work alone and moving onto something else. Overall, I don’t really agree with this idea. I think you know when art has spoken its meaning, and has given back to you, what you have put forth into its creation. Be it a release of emotion, a mistake to learn from, a form of therapy, or a piece of new thoughtful beauty. Sometimes, you have to reason with yourself that this is the case. So, not get stuck in overworking the piece. The point is: you choose to finish a work, to let it be. Through this freedom, the art is allowed to exist independently, to potentially inspire, and to become a part of someone else’s story.

Keep creating.