When it comes to creating, I’ve worked both ways—sometimes carefully planning out a piece and other times letting it unfold in the moment. And honestly? Both have taught me different lessons about my creative process.

Planned Art: Structure with Intention

There’s something deeply satisfying about bringing a well-thought-out idea to life. A planned art piece often has layers of intention, meaning, and precision.

Take my sunflower painting, for example. I sketched it first, inked it carefully, and then added watercolor to bring it to life. Because I had a clear plan, I could focus on refining details and creating a polished result.

But planned art doesn’t always go smoothly. Once, I tried a gradient background with a floral mandala on top. I didn’t wait long enough for the paint to dry, so the ink blurred, the lines warped, and the whole piece looked far different than what I imagined. That frustration came directly from my expectations—it wasn’t “bad,” but it wasn’t the plan.

One thing I’ve found helpful when working on planned art is creating tiny thumbnails or sketches beforehand. They give me a sense of layout and composition before I commit to a larger surface. It’s a little preparation step that reduces disappointment and makes the process smoother.

Unplanned Art: Freedom in Play

On the flip side, unplanned art feels more like playtime. It’s about letting go of expectations and seeing what happens in the moment. Sometimes the results are messy, but they can also be surprising and full of character.

One time I started with a simple sun shape, using masking fluid to block off the rays. After painting the background, I didn’t like the stark white areas, so I filled them in with black marker and added little patterns. It wasn’t polished, but over time I’ve grown to appreciate the raw, experimental look.

Another favorite was when I taped off three sections of paper, splashed colors randomly, and then drew what I “saw” in the abstract strokes. It became a creative exercise more than a finished product, and honestly, it was fun to explore without pressure.

Even simple experiments, like painting a color wheel, can evolve. At first it felt bare, so I added white pen designs on alternating sections. Next time, I might try layering darker shades of the same color instead. Unplanned art pushes me to adapt, rethink, and play—and that flexibility is a skill in itself.

So… Which Is Better?

The truth is, neither is better—they simply serve different parts of the creative process.

• Planned art teaches patience, structure, and discipline. It’s a way to translate vision into reality.

• Unplanned art sparks spontaneity, playfulness, and discovery. It often leads to unexpected outcomes you’d never design intentionally.

I believe both belong in a creative routine. Planned projects can deepen your skills and refine your style, while unplanned sessions keep your creativity loose and flexible.

So I’ll ask you—what do you prefer? The focus and intention of a plan, or the free-flowing exploration of unplanned art? Maybe, like me, you’ll find that both have a place in your journey.