The Excellence Habit

January 24, 2025


In the world of art, there’s a common belief that talent is the primary key to success. While innate skill certainly plays a role, the truth is far deeper. It’s not just about what you can do; it’s about how you do it. In fact, the way you approach even the smallest tasks can determine the quality of your larger works. This is where the principle of “how you do one thing is how you do everything” comes into play. Excellence is not a random occurrence, but rather a habit—an intentional, continuous pursuit that permeates all aspects of your artistic practice.

Excellence Doesn’t Happen by Chance

Excellence is often seen as something that happens when the stars align—when inspiration strikes, when conditions are perfect, or when all your skills fall into place. But true excellence doesn’t wait for ideal circumstances; it is the result of consistent, deliberate effort.

This idea is at the core of how you approach your craft, whether it’s painting, drawing, or sculpting. Each brushstroke, line, and chisel mark should be an expression of your commitment to high standards, not just for the final piece, but for every stage of the process.

Importance of Attention to Detail

When an artist is truly dedicated to their craft, every detail matters. The smoothness of the paint on the canvas, the precision of the pencil strokes, the careful blending of materials in a sculpture—each action is a reflection of the artist's values. It’s easy to think that only the large, visible elements matter, but true excellence exists in the quiet moments, the tiny, unseen decisions that define the quality of the whole piece.

For instance, a painter might spend hours mixing the perfect shade of blue, even though it’s just a small corner of the painting. It may seem unnecessary, but that attention to detail ultimately contributes to the cohesion and depth of the artwork. The same principle applies to any other medium. It’s not just about finishing the piece—it’s about honoring the process every step of the way.

Building a Habit of Excellence

How does this translate to the artist’s daily life? The truth is, excellence is a habit. It’s a choice to engage in your work thoughtfully, with purpose, at every stage. Every time you pick up your brush, your pencil, or your sculpting tool, you’re not just creating art—you’re also reinforcing your standard of quality.

Over time, these choices become second nature. If you routinely prioritize quality, even in the smallest tasks, your work will naturally reflect that commitment. If you rush through the minor details, or skip over certain parts of the process, you’re training yourself to settle for less than your best. In essence, you’re not just practicing art; you’re practicing a mindset of mediocrity.

An artist who pursues excellence, however, doesn’t settle. They challenge themselves to improve in every way possible. Even in times of frustration or creative block, they will still commit to high standards because they understand that excellence is built on persistence, not perfection.

Continuity of Quality in Every Piece

What does it mean to maintain continuity of quality? It means that every piece you create—whether it’s a small sketch or a large canvas—should reflect the same standard of craftsmanship. The same care you put into a major work should be applied to smaller projects or studies. This continuity doesn’t mean every piece will look identical, but it does ensure that each piece feels like it belongs to the same artist—someone who consistently seeks to elevate their craft.

It’s tempting, especially in the early stages of an artist’s journey, to put less effort into “less important” pieces. However, the habit of pursuing excellence must extend to everything you do. A quick sketch done in five minutes should have the same dedication as a major portrait that takes weeks to finish. This doesn’t mean overthinking every little detail; it means making intentional, thoughtful decisions in every moment. You cannot separate the small from the large because your artistic voice lives in both.

Excellence as an Ongoing Journey

The pursuit of excellence is not an end goal but an ongoing journey. You never “arrive” at excellence, because there is always room for growth. It’s not about achieving a perfect result—it’s about the relentless pursuit of your highest potential.

The artist who strives for excellence isn’t satisfied with one masterpiece. They continue to push themselves, to learn, to refine their technique, and to deepen their understanding of their medium. They’re constantly evolving, and in doing so, they elevate not only their work but their very self as an artist.

Excellence is a Matter of Habit

The phrase "how you do one thing is how you do everything" encapsulates a philosophy that transcends art. It’s a way of living, of being intentional in every action. In art, it’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about becoming the type of artist who produces beauty at every step. Excellence isn’t an accident—it’s a matter of habit. It’s the choice to always strive for quality, to pay attention to the details, and to continuously improve.

As an artist, every moment you spend creating is an opportunity to solidify your commitment to excellence. Whether you're painting, drawing, or sculpting, remember: the habits you cultivate in the small, everyday acts will shape the quality of your art and the legacy you leave behind. So make those habits count, and your work will be the testament to your unyielding pursuit of greatness.