We were lucky to catch up with Samuel Perry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Samuel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?
The most important lesson I learned from a job was that “perfection” is, at its core, an illusion. In many roles, I was required to give presentations regularly, and this part of my job began to trigger panic attacks. I found myself trapped in a destructive perfectionist spiral, consumed by fears of being judged for misspeaking or not being eloquent enough. The fear of imperfection left me paralyzed and prevented me from growing. Perfectionism convinced me that if something couldn’t be perfect, there was no point in trying.
Through therapy, I was able to recognize the flaws in this perfectionist mindset and understand that “perfection” is unattainable. This realization set me free from the fear of needing to attain the impossible. Once I let go of this fear, I allowed myself—and my artwork—to be seen. It also freed my personal creative process and influenced my style. I no longer feared imperfection but began to embrace it. Each piece I create is an act of defiance against the illusion of perfection, a celebration of the beauty found in flaw
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Samuel Perry, and I’m based in San Diego, CA. I’ve always been passionate about art, starting with sketching and exploring realism in my youth. After attending college and graduate school, I transitioned into a stable nine-to-five career. This professional stability allowed me to reconnect with my art, and over time, my focus shifted toward creating large abstract paintings inspired by interior design. My goal has been to craft pieces that complement a variety of design styles.
I’m most proud of creating unique, one-of-a-kind works that balance the tension between order and chaos. Through contrast, color, and style, I tell stories of fear and courage, inviting viewers to experience these emotions in a visual form
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is my own approval of my work. I used to be so concerned about what others would think that it often stopped me from creating at all. This ties back to the illusion of perfection. I’m frequently asked how I know when a piece is finished. My answer is that no piece is ever truly “done,” but I know it’s ready to be displayed when I look at it and feel that I’d hang it on my own wall. If it passes the mental test of being worthy to grace my walls—and those of my friends and family—then it’s good to go. At that point, I experience a sense of pride, knowing that I’ve overcome the perfectionist mindset that once held me back and the obstacles I created in my own life.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think non-creatives may struggle to understand that the journey of a creative person is not mysterious, but rather a choice. It’s a choice to decide to create, and you have to start somewhere. No one picks up a paintbrush and creates a masterpiece on day one. You choose to devote yourself to the process, to learn and unlearn. Don’t expect every brushstroke to produce greatness. This is also where perfectionism must be rejected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samuelperryart.com
- Instagram: @samuelperryart
- Facebook: @samuelperryart
Image Credits
Just Aiken